The Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum (pronounced “tan’ -jer”) on the grounds of LancasterHistory was designed by Gustaf Malmborg of Manheim, PA. When the Willson Memorial Building was constructed in 1956, neighbor and naturalist Louise Arnold Tanger offered  to plant trees on the barren grounds surrounding the building. Mrs. Tanger joined the board where she took charge of the grounds until her death in 1959. At this time, her son Charles took her place and served as the historical society’s naturalist for many years until his death in 1991. Following Charles Tanger’s death, the Board established a group known as The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum to care for the Arboretum. A master landscaping plan was designed, tree labels were added, and a map developed for self-guided tours.

Visiting The Arboretum

The Tanger Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk to the public. There is no admission fee. Maps of the Arboretum are available at Visitor Services at LancasterHistory, Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 5pm or in two outdoor boxes attached to Tanger Arboretum signs at the Dwarf Conifer Garden and Pollinator Garden.

For a Visitor Guide of the property that includes a map of the walking paths of the Arboretum, please click here.

Membership

Members of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum help care and conserve the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum. To learn more about membership, please visit the Arboretum’s webpage.