Bussey Institution

Bussey Institution was established by Harvard in 1869 as a school of agriculture and horticulture on land donated by Benjamin Bussey. Institute building and greenhouses were designed by Peabody & Stearns; construction began in 1871. Abolished as a school in 1931, Bussey became a center for research in genetics. After the land of the Institution was turned over to the Commonwealth of Mass., the Bussey Professorship of Biology was established.

From the description of Drawings, 1925. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 177499838

The Bussey Institution was established by Harvard University in 1869 as a school of agriculture and horticulture, on land donated by Benjamin Bussey. In 1907, Bussey changed from an undergraduate school to an institution for advanced instruction and research, and became part of the Graduate School of Applied Science. After a reorganization in 1912, Bussey officially became the School of Applied Biology; but after a cooperative agreement with M.I.T. in 1914 it was continued under its own faculty. The school was discontinued in 1931.

From the description of Records of the Bussey Institution, 1873-1932 (inclusive). (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 76973164

The Bussey Institution, located in Jamaica Plain, was erected in 1871 to house the School of Agriculture and Horticulture. Over the next two years, greenhouses and sheds were built, the grounds and avenues were prepared, and a water-supply system was constructed. Lectures on applied zoology, chemistry, horticulture, and entomology were held inside the Institute.

From the description of General information by and about the Bussey Institution. (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 77066419

The will of Benjamin Bussey, drawn up in 1835, gave an endowment to Harvard University for the establishment of an undergraduate school of agriculture and horticulture to be called the Bussey Institution, as well as a grant of land from his estate in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Enrollment in the program was never very large, it averaged about eight students during the years 1880-1895 and only ten undergraduate degrees were ever granted. Enrollment improved during the period 1896-1907 and new instructors were appointed, including John G. Jack.

The Bussey Institution remained as an undergraduate school until 1908 when it was reorganized into the Graduate School of Applied Science (after 1915 Applied Biology). In 1930 the Bussey faculty was merged with the faculty of

Arts and Sciences and in 1936 the Bussey staff was transferred to the Biological Laboratories in Cambridge. The Bussey Institution remained as a holding agency and its funds were used to support the Arnold Arboretum. In the late 1940s botanical activities were reorganized at Harvard University and the Bussey Institution was folded into the Institute for Research in Experimental and Applied Botany. During World War II the Bussey Institution buildings in Jamaica Plain were renovated and used by the U.S. Army Medical Corps. In 1947 the now vacant Bussey buildings became the home of the Diagnostic Laboratories. By 1963 more room was needed, so the state arranged the purchase of the former Bussey Institution grounds and buildings from Harvard University. When construction of the new State Laboratory Institute began in 1969 on the property, efforts were made to preserve the old gothic Bussey Institution building however funding was not available for preservation and restoration of the structure and it was demolished in the eary 1970s.

From the description of Records of the Bussey Institution, 1883-1994. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 175315513