Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation

Biographical Note

Benjamin Yoe Morrison (1891–1966) was chief of the Division of Plant Exploration and Introduction at the United States Department of Agriculture (1934–1948) and the first director of the United States National Arboretum (1937–1951). He helped to found the American Horticultural Society. After retirement he ran a nursery in Pass Christian, Mississippi.

Scope and Contents Note

The papers in this collection deal mostly with Morrison's activities after retirement (1951) when he lived and had his nursery in Pass Christian, Mississippi. The correspondence (1924–[1945–1965], boxes 1–2) concerns plant breeding and the exchange or sale of seeds and bulbs, as well as information about his work and that of fellow horticulturists, publication of his National Horticultural Magazine and business of the American Horticultural Society. There are six boxes of manuscripts, reports and notes. Also found here are Morrison's libretto for Salve Regina (presumably copyrighted ca.1957) and certificates, letters of introduction and other personal documents (1915–1962). Additional materials include sketchbooks and over 150 drawings in various media of Chinese and Japanese gardens and other scenes.

Additional Collections and Materials

The Hunt Institute Art Department also has 52 works by Morrison.

Finding Aid

A finding aid for this collection is available online.

Other Resources

For information about portraits of and biographical citations for the subject, see the Hunt Institute Archives Register of Botanical Biography and Iconography database.

For thumbnails of artwork by the Morrison, see the Catalogue of the Botanical Art Collection at the Hunt Institute database.