American Horticultural Society To Celebrate 50 Years At River Farm

FORT HUNT, VA — Nearly two years after the American Horticultural Society removed River Farm from the real estate market, the organization will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the landmark.

The American Horticultural Society purchased River Farm, located at 7931 E. Boulevard Drive in Fort Hunt, in 1973. The purchase was possible with a financial gift from philanthropist Enid Annenberg Haupt under the condition of keeping the grounds accessible to the public. River Farm was the northernmost of George Washington’s five farms and today attracts visitors due to its gardens and Potomac River views.

That condition of keeping River Farm open to the public was a key point of the Save River Farm movement. When the American Horticultural Society listed River Farm for $32.9 million in fall 2020, the organization argued that wasn't a condition but that River Farm was kept publicly accessible anyway. The property was listed as the organization cited financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But when American Horticultural Society's former executive director and several board members resigned, the organization changed its stance. The American Horticultural Society said in October 2021 that River Farm was no longer up for sale and would remain the organization's headquarters and a publicly accessible landmark as requested by Annenberg Haupt.

The American Horticultural Society celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. Now the organization will celebrate 50 years at River Farm with a River Farm Anniversary Picnic on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors are invited to bring a picnic blanket and picnic food to River Farm's lawn and enjoy music, the gardens and views overlooking the Potomac River. The event is free, but visitors are asked to RSVP.

During the summer, River Farm is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.