American Landmarks: Oaks

Join a walking tour of historically and botanically significant oaks in The Huntington’s gardens.  

Then, explore the multifaceted importance of oaks in a panel conversation featuring Wallace Cleaves, Jared Farmer, and Nicole Cavender.  Beginning with some of the native California oaks on The Huntington’s campus that are as old or older than the United States, this conversation branches out to consider a broader array of stories connected to our “national tree.” As keystone species that support a wide range of wildlife, oaks have also been critical for human survival and well-being. The panelists will explore the cultural, botanical, and historical significance of these iconic trees in North America and invite the audience to join them in discussing how oaks might model more reciprocal relationships with the natural world and each other. 

Key Details 

• Reservations are required to attend the tour and talk. 
• Event check-in begins at 3:30 p.m. at Admissions Window #10.
• The Ahmanson Classroom is a 5–10-minute walk after check-in. Please plan accordingly.
• 4 p.m. Tour begins.
• 5–6:30 p.m. Panel and discussion. 

About the Speakers

Wallace Cleaves, Board Chair, Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy, and Associate Dean and Director of the University Writing Program, University of California, Riverside 

Wallace Cleaves is a member of the Gabrielino/Tongva tribe and a scholar of medieval literature. Through the Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy, he has worked to ensure Tongva access to and stewardship of resources, including California oaks and their broader ecosystem. 

Jared Farmer, Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania 

Jared Farmer is an environmental historian and the author of five books, including two that focus on human relationships with woody plants: Trees in Paradise: A California History (2013) and Elderflora: A Modern History of Ancient Trees (2022). 

Nicole Cavender, Telleen/Jorgensen Director of the Botanical Gardens, The Huntington 

A self-professed “querciphile” (oak lover), Nicole Cavender is a plant biologist who oversees The Huntington’s 207 acres of gardens and grounds. Featuring one of the most globally diverse plant collections of scientific significance, the grounds feature 16 themed gardens and include an exceptional oak collection of 83 species and over 800 trees. 

About the American Landmarks series 

The American Landmarks series explores historical touchstones, including objects featured in the “This Land Is…” exhibition, through a mix of panel discussions and community conversations. Join scholars, storytellers, and community experts to excavate the layered histories of this country through these cultural landmarks and discuss the lessons they hold for the present. The series is presented with the USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute as part of the LA2026 project, which has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

About This Land Is … 

THIS LAND IS … is a sweeping multiyear initiative that invites visitors to reflect on the American story through the lens of land. Anchored by the tagline “Reflections for America at 250,” the initiative draws on The Huntington’s library, art, and botanical collections to spotlight relationships between land, United States history, and American identities. Discover a season of exhibitions, experiences, and conversations across the campus: www.huntington.org/this-land-is

THIS LAND IS … is made possible through major support from The Fletcher Jones Foundation and Stewart R. Smith, Robin A. Ferracone, Logan Smith, and Tracy Beetler through The H. Russell Smith Foundation. Generous support for this initiative is also provided by LeeAnn and Ronald Havner through the JCS Foundation.  

Top Image: Engelmann Oak (Pasadena Oak) slab. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.