1978 photograph of Ernesta Ballard, PHS leader, taken in Board Room of offices at 325 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Photograph by Lynn Gilbert

1966.  Lady Bird Johnson (right) dedicates the garden at the former PHS headquarters in Independence National Historical Park, 325 Walnut Street. Ernesta Drinker Ballard, left, was the first female President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.  An ardent feminist and community activist who organized many successful civic projects, she harnessed the collective energy and talents of area garden club members and in doing so, raised the stature of the Philadelphia Flower Show to a world class event.