The Dawes Arboretum’s Archive is dedicated to preserving the history of The Arboretum, the Dawes family, Tree Dedicators, and the Pure Oil Company.
Our archives building is nestled between The Daweswood House and the start of the North Auto Tour. The building houses our physical archive, an organized physical collection of records and documents that show The Arboretum’s history and activities since The Arboretum opened in 1929. This space preserves photographs, letters, maps, artifacts, and records that document the Dawes family, the land, and nearly a century of growth and stewardship. The Archive ensures the stories, decisions and moments that shaped The Arboretum are carefully cared for; connecting past vision to present work and future discovery.
The archive can also be found online, where we have three full collections available.
Online Collections:
- The Beman Gates Dawes Manuscript Collection: This manuscript houses over 3,000 manuscripts relating to the business practices, political career, and personal life of Arboretum co-founder Beman G. Dawes that illuminate the life and legacy of Beman Gates Dawes. This collection offers rare insight into his leadership, values, and vision, and it reveals how one individual’s stewardship helped shape both The Dawes family’s legacy and the future of The Arboretum This collection was made available with funding provided by the Ohio Local History Alliance.
- The Dawes Arboretum Newsletter Collection: Beginning in 1968, The Dawes Arboretum Newsletter (later renamed Happenings and then Nutshell) published articles on The Arboretum, gardening tips, upcoming programs and more! This captures the evolving voice of The Arboretum over time. The collection documents milestones, programs, research, and community connections, offering a window into how Dawes has shared its mission, celebrated growth, and engaged the public across generations.
- America-250 Ohio Collection: America 250 is the celebration for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Ohio commission for America 250 has chosen a different celebration theme for each month, and this collection features materials from The Dawes Arboretum’s Archive that coincide with these themes. Preserved within The Dawes Arboretum Archives, the America-250 Ohio Collection helps ensure that today’s reflections, initiatives, and commemorations become part of the historical record for future generations.
If you’re interested in an in-person research visit, please complete this form and review the Researcher Guidelines.
Please note, Digitized materials may not be reproduced in any format (digital or print) without permission from The Dawes Arboretum. For questions concerning the archival collections, please contact daweshistory@dawesarb.org.