ISHS Acta Horticulturae 299: Forum on Strategies for Horticultural Societies in the 1990's, XXIII IHC
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE* |
| Author: | George C. Martin |
| Abstract:
The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) was founded in 1903. At that time one of the originators, Dr. S.A. Beach, circulated a letter proposing an organization of "a society for horticulture science, the object of which should be more fully to establish horticulture on a scientific basis". In his letter he stated "the amount of scientific work being done in this country along horticultural lines is not fully appreciated in the scientific world because in many cases it is obscured in presentation by a large admixture of popular features." Liberty Hyde Bailey served as the first President of ASHS and provided a lasting legacy for horticulture. In the current Bylaws (see Appendix) four purposes for ASHS are listed including 1) the sponsorship of an annual meeting of the society to provide a forum for research reporting, lectures and public discussion on horticultural research; 2) the dissemination of horticultural knowledge through the publication of the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science and other publications of the society; 3) the participation and offering of leadership in national and international horticultural matters; and 4) the development of mutual understanding among individuals and organizations concerned with the science of horticulture. The society is open to all scholars and is inter- professional, as well, other related participants can gain entry upon application. Currently, ASHS publishes the Journal, HortScience, ASHS Newsletter and starting in 1991 HortTechnology. In addition to these publications, conference symposia and colloquia proceedings are published in books and monographs. From 1903 until the late 1970's ASHS was lead by an elected President and Secretary-Treasurer. This leadership format served the society well in the early years but was restrictive as ASHS gained in size. During the 1970's ASHS reorganized its leadership structure to provide greater coverage for identified needs and to allow more participation from the membership. The elected officers of the society include the President-elect, President and Chair of the Board and five Vice Presidents to cover the Divisions of Research, Education, Extension, Industry and International Affairs. The Vice Presidents all serve for one year. Upon election, the President-elect serves one year followed by one year each as President and Chair of the Board for a total of three years service. This approach provides experience and continuity as the individual learns the details of how the organization operates. Each of the Vice Presidents oversees working groups appropriate to their division. Currently we have over 50 working groups, most of which are in the Research Division. With eight individuals elected to office each year the Board of Directors contains a great deal of energetic input into the society and the procedure provides many people with the opportunity to gain experience and service in their professional society. The Board of Directors meets three times per *The Bylaws of the American Society for Horticultural | |
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