Getting to Know the Trees at Tudor Place

Histories and mysteries: This towering Scarlet Oak, planted in honor of George Washington, left a hefty “paper trail.” Stories behind other specimens are harder to trace. |
In evaluating my internship experience, I find the most unexpected result was a sense of knowing the trees personally. Some of their histories were easily discovered, like the Scarlet Oak, above, planted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Others are mysterious in origin: historic photos, slides, family records, garden committee notes – nothing reveals their planting date or story.
The trees’ solidity is comforting, while their changes are fascinating, even to a novice. |
Kelly is an M.S. Candidate in Museum Studies at The George Washington University.