Henry Lee
Founder, Friends of the Public Garden
Henry Lee is a Bostonian whose name is synonymous with the Friends of the Public Garden. He has guided that organization since its founding in 1970 and he has worked tirelessly to protect, enhance and restore the portion of the Emerald Necklace that includes the Boston Common, the Public Garden and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. People respectfully remark that Henry knows every square inch of these parks and can identify the provenance of virtually every tree planted therein.
Over the years, Henry Lee’s efforts have led to increasing public awareness of the importance of green space to the quality of life in the great metropolitan area. He embodies the best in parks advocacy, and his commitment, dedication and grace inspire all in both the public and private sector. Henry, who served for many years on the board of the Massachusetts Olmsted Parks Association and on the Visiting Committee of the Arnold Arboretum, was one of Justine Mee Liff’s mentors and friends.
Past Recipients
2022
Kathy Abbott
President and CEO, Boston Harbor Now
2019
Kathryn Ott Lovell
Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
2018
Kelsey Wirth
Founder, Mothers Out Front
2017
Whitney Hatch
Chairman, DCR Stewardship Council
2016
Ropes & Gray
Celebrating 150 Year Anniversary
2015
Mark Volpe
Managing Director, Boston Symphony Orchestra
2014
Elizabeth Barlow Rogers
Founder, Central Park Conservancy
2013
Thomas M. and Angela Menino
Mayor and First Lady, City of Boston
2012
Malcolm Rogers
Ann and Graham Gund Director,
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
2011
Valerie Burns
President, Boston Natural Areas Network
2010
Charles Ansbacher
Conductor and Founder,
Boston Landmark Orchestra
2009
Michael and Kitty Dukakis
Former Governor and First Lady,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
2008
Joan and Ted Cutler
Philanthropists
2007
Agnes “Diddy” Cullinane
Founder, Black and White Boston
2006
Henry Lee
Founder, Friends of the Public Garden
2005
Eugenie Beal
Founding Chair, Boston Conservation Commission
Founding Member, Emerald Necklace Conservancy
Norman Leventhal
Founder, The Beacon Companies