OUR STORY

Our Story: The Journey of the Bermuda Botanical Society

The story of the Bermuda Botanical Society begins in the summer of 1985, when a small group of like‑minded citizens gathered with a shared dream: to form a society dedicated to celebrating, protecting, and promoting Bermuda’s botanical heritage. Their enthusiasm was immediate and wholehearted. Within weeks, a draft constitution had been prepared and presented, and with forty founding members enrolled, names were submitted for the creation of the first Executive Committee. The Society mailed out its very first newsletter that year, and the inaugural general meeting took place at the Horticultural Hall in the Botanical Gardens, where the Executive was formally elected by ballot. Membership dues—set at $10 for individuals and $20 for families—were established at that first meeting and have remarkably remained unchanged ever since.

By 1987, the young Society was reaching outward, sending meeting notices to all botanically related groups across the island to strengthen relationships and broaden awareness. That November, the Society made one of its first major contributions to Bermuda’s public green spaces, donating $1,500 to repair the roof of the Cacti House, signaling its intent to support the Botanical Gardens in tangible ways.

In 1988, under President Jane Don, senior membership dues of just $5 a year were introduced to keep the Society accessible. It was also the first year the Society received charitable status, marking its growing legitimacy and importance. Working collaboratively with Ian Truran and Parks Department officials, the Society helped develop a five‑year plan for the Botanical Gardens—a major early contribution to the island’s horticultural planning. That same year, members contributed many of their own personal bonsai specimens to establish Bermuda’s national bonsai collection and funded its inauguration with another $1,500 donation. Meetings during the Society’s early years moved between the Horticultural Hall and the historic Arrowroot Factory, a rhythm that continued for nearly a decade. Another milestone of 1988 was the launch of the first Annual Plant Sale, a tradition that would remain central to the Society’s activities.

Charitable status became indefinite in 1989, solidifying the Society’s place in Bermuda’s nonprofit landscape. Around the same time, the Society received notice regarding its use of the former Tavern on the Green building, prompting considerations for future meeting and operational space. By 1991, the Executive agreed that members should serve two‑year terms, creating more continuity in the Society’s leadership. The constitution was updated again in 1992 to reflect the evolving needs of a growing organization.

In 1993, the Society broadened its activities by running a tea room and offering local craft items for sale, blending community, culture, and fundraising. Renovations in 1994 and 1995 allowed the Society to move from a temporary Board Room into its current, permanent space. During this period the Society celebrated its 10th anniversary and launched two initiatives that would become longstanding cornerstones of its educational outreach: the annual Botany Summer Camp for children aged 8 to 13, and the island’s first Earth Day celebrations.

The late 1990s brought continued expansion. In 1997, the Society established the Dr. Roberta Dow Scholarship Fund, awarding its first $5,000 scholarship to support Bermudian students pursuing botanical and environmental studies. That same year, the Society donated $12,000 to the island‑wide “Learning Through Landscapes” programme, enriching school grounds across Bermuda and furthering environmental education for young people.

By the year 2000, the Society proudly marked its 15th anniversary. Major renovations took place in 2003 and 2004, upgrading the main building and improving the spaces used by both staff and visitors. The 20th anniversary in 2005 reflected two decades filled with growth, community connection, and environmental stewardship.

Modernization continued in 2009 with the purchase of a new computer and accounting system for the office, and the café received a welcomed revamp. A year later, the Society celebrated its 25th anniversary with another important milestone—the launch of its first website, widening access to information, events, and educational resources. In 2011, the constitution was amended once more, and that same year the Society stepped back from operating the Botanical Gardens Visitor’s Centre, allowing it to focus on its educational and conservation‑based mission. The website was relaunched in 2012 with improved functionality and updated content.

The year 2015 marked the Society’s 30th anniversary, a proud moment reflecting three decades of dedication to Bermuda’s botanical beauty. Four years later, in 2019, the website was redesigned again to meet the needs of a modern audience and better showcase the Society’s ongoing work.

From a gathering of passionate citizens in 1985 to a well‑established charitable organization today, the Bermuda Botanical Society has grown into a vibrant community devoted to education, conservation, and the celebration of Bermuda’s plant life. Its history is one of commitment, collaboration, and a lasting love for the island’s natural world—a story that continues to unfold as the Society looks toward its future.