I am looking at a medal that has an image of a mythological figure on it with the words Pennsylvania Horticultural Society around the edge of the medal.
. Can you tell me more about this medal?
Answer
You are looking at an image of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fertility and fruit growing. According to a description in an issue of PHS News, "the printing plate for Pomona was secured in Europe in 1836 by Horace Binney, President of the Society, as artwork for the certificate of PHS membership. Mr. Binney paid $300 for the copper plate depicting Pomona, the old Italian goddess of the fruit of the trees, sitting under a grape arbor with her right hand resting on the shield of the arms of Pennsylvania. For many years the picture of Pomona was used on membership cards and certificates." The Pomona image was also used for the library bookplate and for PHS awards medals.
See image of PHS 19th Century Certificate here
While the copper plate no longer exists, we are able to preserve a part of PHS history by digitizing this certificate issued to a member elected in 1894.
--- answered by Janet Evans, PHS McLean Library Associate Director