Kean University’s Liberty Hall Museum is already a recognized National Historic Landmark. Now the historic site has a new designation– an arboretum accredited by ArbNet.
The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is a global initiative that recognizes arboreta that meet a set of professional standards. Liberty Hall received Level II accreditation, which means the institution must hold a collection of at least 100 species or varieties of trees or woody plants; have an arboretum collections policy which describes the professional management of the plants; and conduct enhanced public programming on issues related to trees.
Along with maintaining a wide variety of trees, Liberty Hall also cares for many of New Jersey’s most historically significant trees. The property contains Bartlett and Seckel pear trees dating back to the eighteenth century, as well as a horse chestnut planted by the daughter of the state’s first elected governor and Liberty Hall’s first owner, William Livingston.
Megan Couch, Liberty Hall’s newly appointed arboretum director, said in a press release, “There have been many moving components that helped turn this idea into another part of Liberty Hall’s rich legacy, and we are thrilled to receive accreditation as an arboretum. The museum’s trees and plants will be labeled, providing an interactive experience for our visitors.”
Liberty Hall’s arboretum opens for tours on Thursday, April 1.