History

1985

• In July of 1985 group of like-minded citizens met together to discuss possibility of establishing a Botanical Society.  After a general agreement a constitution was drafted and presented in September.  With forty members enrolled names were submitted for the creation of an executive.
  
• First newsletter mailed out.
  
• 1st general meeting; held at Horticultural Hall, Botanical Gardens the Executive was established by ballot.
  
• Annual Membership Dues:  Single $10 – Family $20 set in 1985 remain unchanged to date.
  

1987

• Decision to send monthly meeting notices to all botanically related societies.
  
• November – $1500 donated by the Society to repair roof of the Cacti House.
  

1988

• Jane Don – President created seniors dues $5 per annum.
  
• 1st of several annual charity status certificates.
  
• Society established a 5 year plan for the Botanical gardens with Ian Truran and other parks officials.
  
• Society created the national bonsai collection donating most of their private plant specimens and donated $1500 to its inauguration.
  
• Meetings fluctuated between Horticultural hall & the Arrowroot Factory for the first 10 years.
  
• 1st Annual Plant Sale.
  

1989

• Indefinite Charitable status granted.
  
• Society given notice for use of former Tavern on the Green building.
  

1991

• Executives asked to commit to 2 year stints.
  

1992

• Constitution Amended.
  

1993

• BBS runs tea room and sells a few local craft items.
  

1994/95

• Structural renovations – BBS can move out of Board Room into current area.
  
• 10th Anniversary.
  
• 1st Annual Botany summer camp started for 8-13 year olds.
  
• 1st Annual Earth Day Celebrations.
  

1997

• Dr. Roberta Dow Scholarship fund created and first year made available to Bermudians  in the amount of $5000.
  
• Society donated $12000 to “Learning through Landscapes” island wide schools programme.
  

2000

• 15th Anniversary.
  

2003/04

• Major renovations to main building.
  

2005

• 20th Anniversary.
  

2009

• New PC and accounting system for office.
  
• Café revamped.
  

2010

• 25th Anniversary.
  
• Website started.
  

2011

• Constitution Amended.
  
• Relinquished operation of Botanical Gardens Visitor’s Centre.
  

2012

• Website relaunched.
  

2015

• 30th Anniversary

2019

• Website redesigned