Sweet Auburn: The Magazine of the Friends of Mount Auburn Environmental Leader and Innovator | Page 23

The 1831 Society By Jenny Gilbert, Senior Gifts Officer Whe n a g roup of leading Bostonians from the newly organized Massachusetts Horticultural Society founded Mount Auburn in 1831, their bold vision led to the creation of the first large-scale designed landscape open to the public in North America and inspired the public parks movement. With the help of today’s leadership donors, we are continuing that legacy of innovation as a National Historic Landmark, an accredited arboretum, a Massachusetts Important Bird Area, a community resource for walking and reflection, an outdoor classroom, and a sacred site. Since 2011, donors who make a leadership gift of $1,000 or more to Mount Auburn are invited to be members of the 1831 Society, our most generous donor giving group. The 1831 Society now has over 85 members, who, in recognition of their significant impact, enjoy special programs, ac- cess to Mount Auburn’s expert staff, and project updates. In fall 2012, 1831 Society members celebrated the restoration of the Shaw Family Monument— featuring a plaque commemorating Civil War hero Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, leader of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment—at a monument dedication by Governor Deval Patrick. A generous gift from an 1831 member and family descendant enabled Mount Auburn to conserve the grand monument, replace the iron fence surrounding the lot, and rejuvenate the horticulture, preserving this historic lot for the future. Last spring, society members attended a private tour at the Walter Hunnewell Estate and Pinetum in Wellesley, MA. This property, built by prominent horticulturalist Horatio Hollis Hunnewell and now home to 1831 Society member Luisa Hunnewell, includes a grand 1852 house and attached conservatory, and one of the first topiary gardens in America. On June 5, 2014, 1831 Society members enjoyed a garden tour and reception with Mount Auburn’s former Director of Horticulture Claude Benoit at Mole Hill, in Westford, MA, the home of Alan Emmet, landscape historian and author of So Fine A Prospect: Historic New England Gardens. It is our pleasure to recognize 1831 Society members, whose generosity and stewardship make it possible for us to expand and care for our horticultural collections, to present engaging public programs, to undertake special conservation projects, and to maintain our profile as a nationally-renowned landscape and cultural institution on into the future. To learn more about Mount Auburn’s 1831 Society, please contact Jane Carroll, Vice President of Development at [email protected] or 617-607-1919. Top to Bottom: Dave Barnett and Luisa Hunnewell at the 1831 So- ciety Reception in 2013. Members of the Historic 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, Company A at the dedication of the Robert Gould Shaw Family Monument for the 1831 Society Event in 2012. Guests gather at Bigelow Chapel for the 1831 Society Event celebrating Mount Auburn’s 180th anniversary in 2011. Summer 2014 | 21