The Tanger Arboretum
About The Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum
The Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum (pronounced “tan’-jer”) is an 11-acre arboretum featuring a multitude of plant specimens and garden features on the grounds of LancasterHistory and President James Buchanan’s Wheatland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Arboretum includes over 100 species of trees from all over the world and includes two Pennsylvania State Champion trees, native plant pollinator gardens, and an American Conifer Society Reference Garden. The Arboretum is cared for and conserved by the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, a subsidiary of LancasterHistory.
The Tanger Arboretum is an accredited Arboretum, Level 1, by ArbNet.
History of the Tanger Arboretum
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. The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, a subsidiary of LancasterHistory, still cares for the Arboretum today.
Visiting The Tanger Arboretum
The Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum is located on the grounds of LancasterHistory, including President James Buchanan’s Wheatland. There is no designated “entry” point; only that vehicles should enter the property via LancasterHistory’s main entrance at 230 North President Avenue.
The Tanger Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk to the public. There is no admission fee. Maps of the Arboretum and the Native Plant Pollinator Gardens are available at Visitor Services at LancasterHistory, Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 5pm, or in two map boxes in the Arboretum. One box is located at the entrance at North President Avenue. The other, near the Pollinator Gardens.
If you spot a problem or concern about the Arboretum, please contact (717) 392-4633 or email Michelle Lapp, Groundskeeper, at michelle.lapp@lancasterhistory.org.
Maps
Printed maps are available onsite in two map boxes near the Dwarf Conifer Garden along President Avenue and the Native Plant Pollinator Gardens near the intersection of Marietta and North President Avenues. Please only take one copy per couple.
The maps may also be viewed online:
- Map of the Tanger Arboretum [PDF; 545kb]
- Photo ID Guide for the Native Plant Pollinator Gardens [PDF; 794kb]
Maps and guides may be continuously updated as the Arboretum changes and if any errors are found.
About the ACS Reference Garden (Dwarf Conifer Garden)
In late 2015, an American Conifer Society (ACS) Reference Garden was planted on the grounds of LancasterHistory as part of the Tanger Arboretum. This reference garden, also referred to as the Dwarf Conifer Garden, contains many species of dwarf and miniature conifers. A conifer is…
- “Miniature” if it grows less than 1 inch per year;
- “Dwarf” if it grows 1 – 6 inches per year;
- “Intermediate” if it grows 6-12 inches per year; and
- “Large” if it grows more than 12 inches per year.
There are currently 120 conifers located in the garden.
The Dwarf Conifer Garden is recognized by the American Conifer Society and received Reference Garden designation after meeting several criteria, including the number of conifers, accurate labeling of conifers, and proper maintenance of conifers.
The garden is open for visitation from dawn to dusk on the grounds of LancasterHistory.
Programs & Events
The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum hosts periodic events throughout the year, including their yearly Nature Series, that focus on topics rated to plants, gardening, the environment, and animals. An Annual Dinner is also hosted each year to raise funds for the care and conservation of the Tanger Arboretum. To view upcoming events, please click here. Members of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum often receive complimentary admission or program discounts to Arboretum programming.
The Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum at LancasterHistory is a member of the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP). If you are a member of an American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Garden, we offer the following: 90-mile exclusion not enforced, free/discounted audio guide or tour, free/discounted educational programs, and free/discounted entry to select special events. Programming that has an AHS Reciprocal discount often mentions it in the listing. You can view available programs here.
Group Tours of the Tanger Arboretum
LancasterHistory offers guided, private tours of the Tanger Arboretum for adult and student groups of 10 or more, led by knowledgeable Friends of the Tanger Arboretum members. Guided tours traverse the entire Tanger Arboretum and take approximately 60 – 90 minutes depending on the amount of questions from group members and the size of the group.
For more information, including pricing, on scheduling a guided tour of the Arboretum for a group (10+ people), please visit and complete a Group Tours inquiry form online. You can also view our Group Tour flyer [PDF; 2mb].
Volunteering at the Tanger Arboretum
We’re always looking for volunteers to help care for the Tanger Arboretum! To view any current opportunities, please visit the Volunteer webpage or reach out to Michelle Lapp, Groundskeeper, at michelle.lapp@lancasterhistory.org.
Membership
Memberships to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum help care and conserve the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum. Members also enjoy exclusive benefits such as:
- A special invitation to the Tanger Arboretum’s Annual Dinner
- Free admission to the following events:
- Annual Wine ‘n Cheese & Walk In The Trees
- Seasonal Gathering Tours
- Tanger Arboretum Nature Series
- 10% discount in LancasterHistory’s Museum Store
Each subsequent level enjoys the benefits of all previous levels.
Membership for one adult.
Membership for two adults and children residing at home.
Two additional complimentary guest tickets to Wine 'n Cheese & Walk In The Trees.
A portion of your membership will support Arboretum educational programming.
A portion of your membership will support the purchase of trees, plants, and supplies for the care and conservation of the Arboretum.
Join/Renew Arboretum Membership Online
Prefer paper? Download a paper form. [PDF, 92kb]
Download a Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Membership Brochure [PDF, 1,224kb]
Additional questions can be submitted via the Contact Form.
Please Note: If you choose to opt in to auto-renew your membership, you can cancel or adjust your auto-renewal any time by calling LancasterHistory at (717) 392-4633, ext. 122.
Donations
Donations to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum are greatly appreciated and help the Arboretum care for and conserve the many plant and tree specimens on the grounds of LancasterHistory, as well as provide educational programming for the Lancaster community.
If you are interested in making a donation to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, you can go online to make a tax-deductible donation or give us a call at (717) 392-4633 to make a donation over the phone.
Please Note: If you choose to opt in to set up a recurring donation or pledge, you can cancel or adjust your recurring electronic payment any time by calling LancasterHistory at (717) 392-4633, ext. 122.
Thank you very much for your support of the Tanger Arboretum!