Founder’s Room
The historic Founder’s Room was the library of Joy Morton’s mansion, Thornhill, and is the only part of it which remains today. With its English oak paneling, carved stone mantelpiece, stained glass, and decorative plaster ceiling, it looks much as it did when it served as his library and management office for his new arboretum.
Morton found creative ways to incorporate his passion for trees into the design of his library.
The bay of 10 windows on the south wall contain stained-glass medallions depicting famous trees from history and legend.
When the room is not in use, guests can view permanent displays of photographs, letters, and other memorabilia pertaining to the Morton family and Arboretum history.
The Founder’s Room is used as a classroom for adult education programs and as an elegant setting for weddings, receptions, and special events hosted by the Arboretum.
Arbor Room
The Arbor Room offers spectacular views through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking an expansive landscape and outdoor stone terrace. The room hosts many of the Arboretum’s educational programs and special events, including chamber music concerts, and can be rented for weddings and other private events.
It has a large built-in screen and sound system and can accommodate 130 people.
Joy Path
Joy Path is named for Arboretum founder Joy Morton because it was his favorite walk.
Today, it is a paved trail that begins between the Thornhill Education Center and the Fragrance Garden. It is a popular starting spot for short hikes or all-day adventures.
Benches are arrayed along the path. Although it is paved, it has a relatively steep slope that may make it inaccessible to some people.
The path is not a loop. About a quarter of a mile south of the Thornhill Education Center, Joy Path connects to the Arboretum’s network of unpaved trails.
Each year, as many as 10,000 children may travel the path as part of a field trip, camp program, or early childhood program that advances their understanding of natural science in a hands-on setting.
Fragrance Garden
The Fragrance Garden is just west of the Thornhill Education Center, at the north end of Joy Path. This accessible half-acre garden contains plants selected for their fragrant flowers, fruit, or foliage. The garden was built and planted in 1984 and includes more than 95 types of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Benches and small fountains throughout this secluded space invite guests to relax and connect with nature.
Classrooms
Most classrooms are located on the lower level of the Thornhill Education Center. The Founder’s Room and the Arbor Room on the main level are used as classrooms for some Arboretum programs. An additional classroom is located behind the Founder’s Room.
Classrooms are accessible. Both levels of the Center have accessible restrooms and can be reached by elevator.
Thornhill Shelter
This open-air space with a wood burning fireplace is an outdoor classroom next to Parking Lot 21 used for nature and wellness classes, school field trips, and other events. It has restrooms available to all guests.
Located next to the Thornhill Education Center parking lot, it has accessible restrooms that are open to guests year-round.
Morton Family Cemetery
The Morton Family Cemetery is at the base of the slope that leads up to the Thornhill Education Center, once the site of the Morton family home. Some of the oaks, yews, and hawthorns that framed the space in 1925 remain. An original iron fence, refurbished in 2006, stands around the formal section of the cemetery.
Joy Morton set aside this 1-acre parcel as a family burial plot in 1925. It is the final resting place for the Arboretum founder and members of his family.
Accessibility
The Thornhill Education Center is on the Arboretum’s West Side, which can be reached by driving through an underpass located just west of the Visitor Center.
The center has two floors, connected by stairs and an elevator. A ramp leads to the main entrance.
Its parking lot, Parking Lot 21 (P21), is asphalt-paved and is a <HOW LONG?> walk from the main entrance on the building’s north side. There is a road loop to drop people off at the entrance. There are additional accessible parking spaces in a small lot on the east side of the building, with a ramp to the door.
Most classes take place on the lower level, which can be accessed by stairs or elevator. Classrooms and other spaces used for events are accessible. There are accessible restrooms on both levels.
