Adelin Figueroa is the Administrative Coordinator of the LuEsther T. Mertz Library at the New York Botanical Garden.

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Thanks to a generous grant from Shelby White and the Leon Levy Foundation, the LuEsther T. Mertz Library is now able to process, digitize, and make accessible the institutional records of the New York Botanical Garden. We’re excited to announce collections that are newly processed and available for research use in physical or digital format.

Check out some of our latest processed pieces of Garden history below, and stay tuned for more as we here at the Mertz Library share out new updates quarterly!

Elizabeth Gertrude Knight Britton records (RG-04-04)

Elizabeth Britton (1858-1934) was a bryologist, educator, and one of the founders of the New York Botanical Garden. The Elizabeth Gertrude Knight Britton records contain correspondence, research materials, personal papers, manuscripts, typescripts, photographs, artwork, and printing plates. These materials document her teaching career at the Normal School (now Hunter College), her involvement with the Torrey Botanical Club, her role in founding and contributing to the Sullivant Moss Society, her research on the flora of the Caribbean and West Indies, and her work at the New York Botanical Garden.

View the finding aid for the Elizabeth Gertrude Knight Britton records here, or browse other archival collections available for research. For access to archival materials, please email us at archives@nybg.org.

Nathaniel L. Britton, Elmer D. Merrill, and Marshall A. Howe records (RG-03-01)

The Nathaniel L. Britton, Elmer D. Merrill, and Marshall A. Howe records document the NYBG administrative careers of its first three directors, as well as the history of the institution during their directorships, from 1880 to 1936. Britton’s directorship (1896–1929) marks NYBG’s founding years. The following six years, under Directors Merrill and Howe, represent a relatively quiet period, with few major events documented in the records. Merrill’s and Howe’s contributions to NYBG were, for the most part, in the area of botanical research. However, the administrative careers of Merrill and Howe, linked with the early NYBG career of Director William J. Robbins, marks a period of transition for the institution. This transitional period included the unionization of Garden employees, the Great Depression, and World War II.

View the finding aid for the Nathaniel L. Britton, Elmer D. Merrill, and Marshall A. Howe records here, or browse other archival collections available for research. For access to archival materials, please email us at archives@nybg.org.

William J. Robbins records (RG-03-02)

In 1937, William J. Robbins was appointed Director of the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). He was the first plant physiologist appointed NYBG Director. When Robbins arrived at NYBG, the institution was experiencing financial difficulties. He found that New York City’s failure to maintain public buildings had led to the deterioration of NYBG’s facilities, and that private financial support had greatly declined. Additionally, NYBG staff received no benefits, and many employees worked more than the legal work week. Robbins’ early years at NYBG focused on gaining tighter financial control over the institution’s budget. He began improving working conditions for employees on the city payroll and strengthened the Garden’s capacity for scientific work. Under his directorship, the Carpenter Shop was moved to the Snuff Mill, and the ground floor of the Museum Building was converted into a laboratory. During the Robbins administration, five additional laboratories were constructed at the east end of the Museum Building. The collection contains his correspondence, administrative records, grants, and documents relating to construction projects and union relations, as well as other topics.

View the finding aid for the William J. Robbins records here, or browse other archival collections available for research. For access to archival materials, please email us at archives@nybg.org.

Addison Brown records (RG-02-04)

Addison Brown (1830–1913) was a United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, as well as a botanist and amateur astronomer. He was a founding member of the Corporation of the New York Botanical Garden, a member of the Board of Managers from its inception in 1895 until 1913, and President of the Board of Managers from 1910 to 1913. The Addison Brown records contain early material on the origins and development of the New York Botanical Garden, particularly its charter and location. They also document Brown’s role on the Board of Managers and his interactions with the Scientific Directors.

View the finding aid for the Addison Brown records here, or browse other archival collections available for research. For access to archival materials, please email us at archives@nybg.org.

Council of the New York Botanical Garden records (RG-02-03)

Originally established as the Women’s Auxiliary Committee, the Council of the New York Botanical Garden was founded in 1915 to assist the Board of Managers with receptions, public functions, membership recruitment, and other duties in support of the Garden. Its core mission was to support the development and progress of the Garden through various initiatives, promote horticulture for public enjoyment and education, and raise funds for needs such as scientific research, publicity, education, and hospitality. The records of the Council of the New York Botanical Garden contain material documenting the Council’s history from its inception through the late 1980s and early 1990s. Included are correspondence, publicity materials, minutes, and financial records related to the Council’s social and fundraising activities.

View the finding aid for the Council of the New York Botanical Garden records here, or browse other archival collections available for research. For access to archival materials, please email us at archives@nybg.org.

Board of Trustees records (RG-02-01)

The Board of Trustees records consist of administrative files, minutes and supporting documentation for Board and committee meetings, Board member files, and material related to Board trips and retreats. Topics in this collection include Garden finances, design and construction projects, long-range planning, staff appointments, policy developments, departmental and committee reports, and general Garden updates. These records show the Garden’s growth and development, its relationships with other cultural heritage institutions and organizations, and its connection to both the local and global community.

View the finding aid for the Board of Trustees records here, or browse other archival collections available for research. For access to archival materials, please email us at archives@nybg.org.