Museum Description :Created in 1931 with a bequest from Albert Fairchild Holden, The Holden Arboretum encompasses 3,600 acres in Lake and Geauga counties.Holden was created by Albert Fairchild Holden as a memorial for his daughter, Elizabeth, who died in 1908 at the age of 12. The president of the Island Creek Coal Co. and managing director of the American Zinc, Lead, and Smelting Co., Holden was familiar with the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University and originally intended to leave his estate to that institution. However, his sister, Roberta Holden Bole convinced him that the p .. View More >>
Museum Description :Created in 1931 with a bequest from Albert Fairchild Holden, The Holden Arboretum encompasses 3,600 acres in Lake and Geauga counties.Holden was created by Albert Fairchild Holden as a memorial for his daughter, Elizabeth, who died in 1908 at the age of 12. The president of the Island Creek Coal Co. and managing director of the American Zinc, Lead, and Smelting Co., Holden was familiar with the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University and originally intended to leave his estate to that institution. However, his sister, Roberta Holden Bole convinced him that the people of Northeastern Ohio deserved an arboretum. When Holden died in 1913 at the age of 46, funds from his estate were placed in a trust for the development of an arboretum after a life interest for his two teenage daughters, Emery May and Katharine Davis. Originally, the arboretum was to have been located on the family estate in Bratenahl, but family interests precluded its use. An alternate site at the Lake View Cemetery was also considered, but later abandoned.An extensive survey of the region was conducted before Lake County was chosen as the home for the new arboretum. Roberta Holden Bole again showed her support for the project, donating 100 acres in Lake County, which forms the core of Holden today. During its early years, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History oversaw Holden, creating a firm foundation in the sciences. In 1952, the courts permitted Holden’s separation from the museum and its incorporation as a not-for-profit organization.Nurtured in its early years by the Bole family, Holden also gained the support of investor Warren H. Corning, who built his home Lantern Court on Kirtland-Chardon Road near the fledgling Holden. His support, as well as his success in gaining the support of other area landowners, helped Holden expand to 1,000 acres by 1956. The largest land purchase during that period was the Baldwin farm, a 556-acre parcel that is now home to some of Holden’s natural areas, its nut bearing tree collections, and its specimen collection. Corning served as the first unpaid “executive administrator” and would serve in that capacity until 1958.In 1958, R. Henry Norweb, Jr., Albert Holden’s grandson, succeeded Corning. Holden’s first paid director; he would lead the organization until his retirement in 1983. Under his direction, land continued to be acquired, facilities and features aimed at attracting and serving the public were added, collections grew and long-term planning began in earnest for the day when the Holden Trust would be available.Today, Holden is supported by funds from The Holden Trust as well as the contributions of members, donors and business partners.In 2014, an agreement was signed integrating the Arboretum with Cleveland Botanical Garden, creating the 13th largest public garden in the United States.
Museum Admission :Members : FreeAdults : $10Senior (60+) Tuesdays : $5Youth (6-18) : $4Children (5 and under) : Free
Museum Program :A Journey Back in Time to Little Mountain - Grade 4, 2 1/2 hours - $7 a student - (April- October) : Maximum: 60 students, Minimum: 20 studentsPresented in collaboration with the Lake County Historical Society this new field trip targets fourth grade science and social studies standards by taking students on a journey back in time. Little Mountain was once the destination of choice for wealthy Cleveland families looking to trade the dirt of downtown for a cool breeze and a view of the lake. They built magnificent hotels to spend their summers at. On the students journey up the mountain they will meet first-person interpreters to learn what life was like during the mid to late 1800s for staff and guests on the mountain. Students will also engage in hands-on science activities to learn about the landforms and environment.Participants need to be able to walk for three miles up hills and on uneven and muddy ground. This trip is not appropriate for those who are uneven on their feet as it is necessary to climb over logs and navigate around rocks.Registration is through The Holden Arboretum or 440-602-3833.Guided Group Tours : Every season offers the opportunity to experience beautiful and interesting areas of The Holden Arboretum. Trained guides and staff lead the way on tours of breathtaking gardens, special collections and natural areas.Garden Tours. Holden Highlights Walking Tour: April - November – An overview of Holden history, gardens, collections and natural areas with special emphasis on seasonal highlights. (1 ½ hours).Tram Highlights Tour: (1 hour) Tours offer a sampling of Holden's gardens and collection.Arlene and Arthur S. Holden Jr. Butterfly Garden Tour: June - September – Enjoy a leisurely 40 minute walk through the Holden Butterfly Garden to observe pollinators in action. Learn about their importance and how easy it is to attract them. Whether you are a beginning or seasoned gardener you will be sure to pick up many ideas.Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist - 2015 : Dates: Fridays, Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25; Oct. 2 and 9; and Saturdays, Sept. 12 and Oct. 10Time : Fridays, 9:30 - 4:30pm; Saturdays, 8:30 - 4pmLocation : The Holden ArboretumCost: $195For more information contact Marian Williams, Manager of Information Services, at 440.602.3811.Please return application form to Marian Williams, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, Ohio, 44094 or by email to mwilliams@holdenarb.orgThe Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) program is a science-based natural resource education program coupled with community-based volunteer service. The program is administered by Ohio State University Extension in conjunction with local partners.The Holden Arboretum and Ohio State University Extension are partnering to offer an OCVN training program at Holden. Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist trainees receive formal training that teaches a wide range of natural resource topics.To become an OCVN, the trainee must be accepted into the program, complete the training component, pass the required exam and volunteer for 40 hours. The volunteer commitment may be fulfilled in a number of ways, either at Holden or with other nature-related organizations. After the completion of the initial volunteer time, volunteers are encouraged to continue to assist with natural resource program delivery as Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists. << View Less