In 1859, Missouri Botanical Garden founder Henry Shaw created a great gift for St. Louis and trusted those who followed would both steward his legacy and help it continue to grow. In his will, he also created the first planned gift to ensure the Garden’s future. For more than 150 years, the Garden has honored his legacy and made an impact on our visitors, our community, and our planet. 

The Board of Trustees established the Heritage Society in 1986 to recognize the outstanding group of friends who choose to support the Garden in their estate plans through a bequest or other planned gift arrangements. Members are honored each year at the annual Heritage Society event and receive special invitations to other events and activities.

Some generous donors name the Garden in their estate plans but never let us thank them for their invaluable support. If you have included the Garden in your estate plans, we hope you will share this with us. We would appreciate the opportunity to express our gratitude and welcome you into the Heritage Society. Of course, if you want to remain anonymous, we will respect your wishes.