American Eden lecture 2019

UDBG Friends Members: $10; Nonmembers: $15

This lively, illustrated lecture by Victoria Johnson features her acclaimed new book, American Eden: David Hosack, Botany, and Medicine in the Garden of the Early Republic (Liveright/W.W. Norton, June 2018). The book was recently named a Finalist for the National Book Award in Nonfiction.

When Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr met on a dueling ground in July 1804, they chose the same attending physician: David Hosack. Family doctor and friend to both Hamilton and Burr, Hosack is today a shadowy figure at the edge of a famous duel, the great achievements of his life forgotten. But in 1801, on 20 acres of Manhattan farmland, Hosack founded the first botanical garden in the new nation, amassing a spectacular collection of medicinal, agricultural, and ornamental plants that brought him worldwide praise from the likes of Jefferson and Humboldt. Hosack used his pioneering institution to train the next generation of American doctors and naturalists and to conduct some of the first pharmaceutical research in the United States. Today, his former garden is home to Rockefeller Center.

Victoria Johnson is a writer and professor living in New York City. She holds a doctorate in sociology from Columbia University and an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Yale. She teaches at Hunter College of the City University of New on the history of philanthropy, the natural environment, and New York City. More information on Victoria and her book can be found at americaneden.org.

Registration is highly recommended for all events to ensure a seat; please email botanicgardens@udel.edu or phone 302-831-2534. Send payment to: UDBG, 152 Townsend Hall, University of DE, Newark DE 19716. To register and pay via credit card using our online form, click here. All events are held in Townsend Hall Commons unless otherwise noted. Prepayment only required where stated.

Cancellation Policy: UDBG reserves the right to cancel any program if necessary. Refunds take approximately three to four weeks to process. There will be no refunds after a class or series begins. Payment will be refunded if cancellation is made 10 business days prior to class.