Selby Gardens announces Smithsonian affiliation

Gardens’ president cites ‘rigorous and competitive process’ to achieve that status

Orchids adorn a conservatory at Selby Gardens during an exhibition in October 2018. Contributed photo by Matt Holler

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has been designated a Smithsonian Affiliate, “joining a national network of museums, educational, and cultural organizations in sharing the resources of the Smithsonian Institution,” the Gardens has announced.

Altogether, 213 affiliates are spread among 45 states, Puerto Rico and Panama, a news release notes. Selby Gardens is the only garden in Florida that is an Affiliate, the release points out.

“We are honored to be part of this prestigious network,” said Jennifer Rominiecki, president & CEO of Selby Gardens, in the release. “The rigorous and competitive process to become a Smithsonian Affiliate further highlights the caliber of work being done at Selby Gardens and cements our institution as a national and international leader in the world of botanical gardens,” she added in the release.

Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program whose members “share a common mission with the Smithsonian, a commitment to education and public service,” the release points out. They have the capability of bringing Smithsonian artifacts, exhibits and programs to local communities, the release adds. “Through its Affiliate partners, the Smithsonian is able to reach audiences that cannot be easily accessed without the benefit of these partnerships,” the release notes.

“We are thrilled to welcome Selby Gardens to Smithsonian Affiliate,” said Myriam Springuel, director of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Affiliations, in the release.

Rominiecki is scheduled to accept the honor at the 2019 Smithsonian Affiliations National Conference in Washington, D.C., late this month.