By Sue Krabill, AIFD Northeast Chapter President
The Northeast Region of AIFD is richly steeped in floral history. In November of 1827, 53 prominent men joined together to form the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. The original mission was to advance the “health and well-being” of the Greater Philadelphia region. It became customary for these men to bring their prized plants to the meetings, and it was soon decided to share these beauties with the public. In June 1829, the Philadelphia Flower Show was born, held at the Masonic Hall on Chestnut Street, where hundreds of plants were on display, featuring a newcomer: the Poinsettia.
In 1867, PHS built its first Horticultural Hall, only to have it burn down in 1881. Rebuilding shortly thereafter, a second hall also burned down in 1883. A third hall, opening in 1896, had majestic features such as a grand staircase, stained glass, and electricity. For 20 years, the show remained in this location until PHS was forced to sell, citing lost profits. The building was demolished the following year.
Shortly thereafter, the flower show relocated to the city’s new Convention Center, where it remained for nearly 50 years, experiencing exponential growth. They added “Women’s Classes” and remained popular even during the great depression.
Through these years, the show has only had one three-year hiatus, during WWII. In 1964, the original Convention Center was being torn down, and the show was forced to move yet again. It has been held at its current location since 1996, the New Philadelphia Convention Center.
During an unprecedented time, the COVID-19 pandemic, the show was held outside for the first time in history. It attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually and is described as the country’s largest and most prestigious celebration of flowers!
