Education Resources

Questions for discussion:

  • What do you think J. Horace McFarland meant when he wrote "Great parks are in the highest degree...a sheer expression of democracy"?
  • How did J. Horace McFarland use his photography to persuade people of his cause?
  • What is your vision of a beautiful city? What makes your city or town beautiful? Are there elements that could be changed or improved upon? Take it a step further by working in small groups to design a new public park for your town or city that embodies the spirit of J. Horace McFarland. 

Projects: 

  • Smithsonian Gardens Green Ambassador Challenge: Apply what you have learned about the history of community gardens to the future of green spaces in your very own community. Up to the task of being a leader, steward, and designer? Take the Smithsonian Gardens Green Ambassador Challenge and make your community a healtheir place by designing and building a green space or garden; we walk you through the process every step of the way!
  • Smithsonian Gardens Community of Gardens digital archive: Interview gardeners in your area or document a community garden and add your story to our digital archive - help us preserve garden history in the United States and become part of the Smithsonian! Click on "Share a Story" in the navigation to get started. 

Further Reading: