Herb Society of America

Last updated
The Herb Society of America
AbbreviationHSA
Formation1933;91 years ago (1933)
Type Nonprofit
34-1596261
Legal status 501(c)(3)
HeadquartersThe Vineyard House, Kirtland, Ohio
Location
Board President
Betsy Smith
Executive Director
Laura Lee Martin
Betsy Smith; Casey King; Amanda Swope Joos; Laura A. Mullen; Krystal Maxwell; Peggy Riccio; William “Bill” Varney; Linda Franzo; Lisa-Marie Maryott; Jessica Dickerson; Karen O'Brien; Rosemary Loveall-Sale; Linda Lange; Sharon Hosch
Website https://www.herbsociety.org/

The Herb Society of America (HSA) is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to promoting the knowledge and appreciation of herbs through educational programs and research. [1]

Contents

As of 2024, the society has 40 chapters throughout the United States. [2]

History

The HSA was founded in 1933 by seven women who were interested in learning more about the botany of herbs and their cultivation. They asked Edgar Anderson of the Arnold Arboretum for instruction and guidance. The women decided to form a society to further their own interest in herbs and expand the knowledge and use of herbs among others. [3]

To commemorate to the United States Bicentennial in 1976, The Society began the work to establish the National Herb Garden at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. [4]

Its national headquarters are adjacent to the Holden Arboretum outside of Cleveland, Ohio. [5]

It publishes a journal The Herbarist once a year. [3]

Awards

The Herb Society of America has awarded multiple named awards. [6]

  1. The Helen De Conway Little Medal of Honor
  2. The Nancy Putnam Howard Award for Excellence in Horticulture
  3. The Gertrude B. Foster Award for Excellence in Herbal Literature
  4. The Joanna McQuail Reed Award for the Artistic Use of Herbs
  5. The Elizabeth Crisp Rea Award
  6. The Madalene Hill Award For Excellence In Herbal Education
  7. The Mighty Oak Award for Excellence in Conservation
  8. Certificate of Achievement
  9. Certificate of Appreciation


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References

  1. Stevenson, Tom (August 7, 1977). "National Herb Center". The Washington Post.
  2. "Herb Society of America : About HSA : Where We Are : Where We Are". Herb Society of America. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  3. 1 2 "Herb Society of America : About HSA : History : History". www.herbsociety.org. Retrieved Aug 10, 2021.
  4. Hunter, Marjorie (1977-05-29). "Extensive Herb Garden Planned for National Arboretum". The New York Times. Retrieved 2020-11-23.
  5. McClure, Susan (1990-07-15). "A Furry Challenge At Herb Society's New Headquarters". The New York Times. Retrieved 2020-11-23.
  6. "The Herb Society of America Award Description and Winners by Award". 17 May 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2023.