An image from the 2019 exhibition Gilsonfest: The Exceptional Journey of Alexander Gilson, a Bard College–led collaboration with local partners.
The 19th-century Black master gardener who tended hundreds of plants and an arboretum at Montgomery Place, who hybridized two flower species, and who mentored white gardeners in Rhinebeck was recognized with a plaque astride his burial place at the Methodist Church Cemetery on Cherry Street in Red Hook. In an interview, Myra Young Armstead discusses the fascinating history of Alexander Gilson. Armstead is the vice president for academic inclusive excellence and the Lyford Paterson Edwards and Helen Gray Edwards Professor of Historical Studies at Bard College.
Post Date: 10-09-2021