The Mission
The American Rhododendron Society is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to encourage interest in and to disseminate information about the genus Rhododendron. Members’ experience ranges from novice to expert. Society activities include public education, plant sales, flower shows, seed exchanges, and scientific research.
The Society provides a medium through which people interested in rhododendrons and azaleas can communicate and cooperate with others via its publications, events, local and regional meetings and international conferences. ARS chapters are located throughout the United States and Canada and in Denmark, Finland, Holland, Scotland, Sweden and Sikkim. “At-large” members reside in countries around the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Brazil, France, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Russia, and South Africa.
Join the American Rhododendron Society
Visit the ARS to learn more.
Officers
| President | Kenneth Webb | kenwebb@shaw.ca |
| Past President | Ann Mangels | wamangels@aol.com |
| Western Vice President | John Stephens | j.d.stephens@outlook.com |
| Eastern Vice President | Bill Meyers | bpmeyers@aol.com |
| Treasurer | Dave Banks | dfbanks@earthlink.net |
| Secretary | Linda Derkach | lindaderkach@shaw.ca |
| Office Administrator | Katherine Sterner | member@arsoffice.org |
| Editor | Dr. Glen Jamieson | ars.editor@gmail.com |
| Assistant Editor | Don Smart | donolyn@comcast.net |
Past Presidents, Executive Secretaries, Executive Directors, ARS Chapters, Officers & Directors
History and Founding*
* Excerpted from the Office of the American Rhododendron Society.
As early as 1931, the idea of forming a rhododendron society in the U.S. had been discussed, although the first meeting of an organized group wasn’t held until July of 1944. World War II interrupted the seed exchange from Britain on which the founders of the ARS had been dependent, so that September 40 interested enthusiasts, most with their own impressive collections, attended a meeting at the Public Service Building in Portland. John Henny was named the first president.
On January 9, 1945, the articles of incorporation of the American Rhododendron Society were signed. Bylaws were revised in 1951 to include local chapters in Eugene, Middle Atlantic, New York, Seattle and Tacoma. Portland, itself, was formally named a chapter in 1955. The first annual rhododendron show was held in Portland in 1948; the first international convention took place in Portland in 1961.
Today there are 87 chapters worldwide and some 2,500 members. International Conventions are held annually, alternating between East and West. The 2020 international convention, sponsored by the six chapters of ARS District 4, will be the seventh hosted in Portland and the vicinity. Fall Regional Conferences are held in alternate East/West locations annually. Gettysburg will be the location for the ARS Fall Regional Conference, September 25-27, followed by the ARS International Spring Convention in Nova Scotia, June 3-6, 2021.
Rhododendron of the Year (ROY) Selections
The ARS proudly announces its Rhododendron of the Year (ROY) awards for 2020. Chosen for excellent foliage, flower, habit, pest and disease resistance and hardiness, these beautiful rhododendron varieties have been selected to perform well in each of eight regions of the United States and Canada.
The Journal American Rhododendron Society (JARS) is produced quarterly. Editor: Dr. Glen Jamieson; Associate Editor: Don Smart
