The Dedication of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Marker Honoring Benjamin Smith Barton

The marker was dedicated on Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 2:00 pm at 712 Arch Street, site of Barton's home.

The rain and snow held off on that Sunday afternoon as Chapter members, staff of the Academy of Natural Sciences and members of the Philadelphia Botanical Club gathered to dedicate the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission marker commemorating Benjamin Smith Barton. Tom Barton, a descendent of the brother of Benjamin Smith Barton, brought his family to the dedication.

Rhonda Cohen, from the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission, welcomed everyone in the name of the Commission, and Frank Muhly spoke for the Chapter.

Physician, professor of natural history and botany at the University of Pennsylvania, author of first American botany textbook, Barton taught natural history to Meriwether Lewis in 1803 as one of the mentors chosen by Thomas Jefferson to help Lewis prepare for Lewis and Clark Expedition. Barton lived at 712 Arch Street, the location now marked by the sign.

Co-hosts from the Academy of Natural Sciences were Dr. Richard M. McCourt, Associate Curator, Botany, and Dr. Alfred E. Schuyler, Curator of Botany Emeritus, who spoke about Barton’s work and his importance.

Following the ceremony, refreshments were provided courtesy of the Philadelphia Botanical Club in the Delegates Cafe at the National Constitution Center.

Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.
Harrisburg, PA
Rhonda R. Cohen
Philadelphia, PA
William A. Cornell
Wormleysburg, PA
Rep. Lawrence Curry
Harrisburg, PA
Senator Jane M. Earll
Harrisburg, PA
Dr. Gordon A. Haaland
Kilmarnock, VA
Robert A. Janosov
Nanticoke, PA
Cheryl McClenney-Brooker
Philadelphia, PA
Secretary Vicki L. Phillips
Harrisburg, PA
Janet S. Klein, President
Rydal, PA
Rep. Stephen Maitland
Harrisburg, PA
Dr. Brian C. Mitchell
Washington, PA
Kathleen Pavelko
Harrisburg, PA
Senator Allyson Schwartz
Harrisburg, PA
Wayne S. Spilove, Chairman
Philadelphia, PA
Mary Clare Zales
Harrisburg. PA

Academy of Natural Sciences
Philadelphia, PA
Dr. D. James Baker
President and CEO

City of Philadelphia
John Street, Mayor
Anna C. Verna,
President City Council
Frank DiCicco
1st District Councilman

Tom Barton, a descendent of the brother of Benjamin Smith Barton, brought his family-- his wife Suzanne, and his sons Spencer and Tom. With them are Dr. D. James Baker of ANS and his wife Emily.

Frank Muhly, on the board of directors of the Philadelphia Chapter, and Rhonda R. Cohen of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission welcomed everyone.

Chapter member Rick McCourt of the Academy of Natural Sciences greets Chapter member Tom Brady and Botanical Club president Robert J. Holt.

With Rick McCourt is Ted Gorden of ANS.

Ernie Schuyler keeps a straight face when he gets everyone laughing with his witty remarks.

Attentive listeners (photos above and below)are prepared for the weather.