[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 89 (Monday, June 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING 150 YEARS OF OPERATION OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN & 
  CONGRATULATING THE WORK OF ITS CURRENT PRESIDENT, DR. PETER H. RAVEN

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                           HON. W. TODD AKIN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 15, 2009

  Mr. AKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 150 years of 
operation by the Missouri Botanical Garden and to congratulate the work 
of its current president, Dr. Peter H. Raven.
  The garden was the conception of a successful businessman, Henry 
Shaw, who moved to Saint Louis in the early nineteenth century to begin 
his career in the hardware business. His business grew along with the 
city as he outfitted pioneers, who were heading west into the newly 
purchased territories. As his wealth grew, Shaw turned his attention to 
his true passion, horticulture. He established and maintained a 
personal garden on his estate and on June 15th, 1859, he opened it to 
the public. Upon his death, Shaw's will established the Missouri 
Botanical Garden as a charitable trust on the grounds of his estate in 
south Saint Louis, where it remains to this day.
  In continuing the vision and passion of its founder, the Missouri 
Botanical Garden has grown into one of the premier research 
institutions in the world. Throughout its history, the garden and its 
staff have contributed significantly to the scientific community, 
helping to establish a sound base of knowledge in the field of botany.
  As the oldest continually operating botanical garden in the United 
States, Missouri Botanical Garden has provided Saint Louisans and 
visitors from across the globe with the best in horticultural displays. 
Recently, this homegrown institution received its re-accreditation from 
the American Association of Museums, the field's primary vehicle for 
quality assurance. The Missouri Botanical Garden was recognized for its 
commitment to excellence in all that it does: governance, collections 
stewardship, public programs, financial stability, high professional 
standards, and providing the best possible services to the public.
  Today, 150 years after opening, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a 
National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, 
education and horticultural display.
  I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Missouri 
Botanical Garden for its achievements and thanking Dr. Raven for his 
stewardship of this national treasure.

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