Honoring the Roots of Our Garden
Join us in celebrating the foundational contributions of 200 African American women and 20 African American men who, employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1938, cleared dense swampland to plant our very first azaleas. Through their unmatched resilience and hard work, a lasting legacy was born that grew into Norfolk Botanical Garden.
WPA Heritage Day is more than a historical look back. It is a vital act of recognition. During the era of racial segregation, the very laborers who poured their sweat into planting the initial 4,000 azaleas, 2,000 rhododendrons, and 100 bushels of daffodils were legally barred from visiting the finished grounds. Today, Norfolk Botanical Garden stands actively committed to being a green sanctuary where everyone belongs.
Schedule of Events
2PM | Commemorative Ceremony in Rose Garden Hall | The afternoon begins with our annual ceremony honoring the original 220 WPA gardeners. The ceremony includes a keynote address and the annual presentation of the Groundbreaker Award. Hosted by the Presidents’ Council on Inclusion and Diversity (PCID), this award recognizes outstanding local leaders who demonstrate groundbreaking service to our community.
3PM | Community Reception in Baker Hall | Following the ceremony, join us in Baker Hall for light refreshments, fellowship and community reflection.
Featured Art Display | Baker Hall Lobby| Throughout the afternoon, join us in Baker Hall to view a special collection of WPA-inspired works by local artist Iyana Graham. Stop by to view the display and chat directly with the artist as she discusses the inspiration behind her pieces.
Special Musical Guest: JuJu Drum
We are honored to welcome Norfolk native and acclaimed regional percussion artist JuJu Drum. An educator and Norfolk State University alumnus, JuJu Drum brings dynamic rhythm and deep cultural storytelling to life through his music. Having shared the stage with legendary acts like Earth, Wind & Fire, his high-energy performance will provide a soulful, celebratory soundtrack honoring our original WPA gardeners.
Visit the Memorial: We encourage all event attendees to take a reflective walk through our physical WPA Memorial Garden to view Kathleen Farrell’s Breaking Ground bronze sculpture in person.
Mistress of Ceremonies:
Derrah Getter
Derrah Getter is an award-winning meteorologist and multimedia journalist committed to serving her community. She joined the First Warning Weather Team in May 2024 during her senior year of college. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Geoscience with a Concentration in Applied Meteorology at Mississippi State University.
Keynote Speaker:
Jackie H. Glass
Jackie H. Glass is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and a 2024 NBG groundbreaker recipient.
On Sunday, September 20th, the Garden is offering complimentary admission 12-7PM in honor of WPA Heritage Day.
Want to explore the history early? Read about our historical accounts, original plantings, and see the monument details directly on the official WPA Memorial Garden page.
