Berwyn native Joel T. Fry, who worked at Bartram’s Garden as a gardener, curator, and historian for three decades, died on March 21, aged 66, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Fry, who was also an archaeologist, writer, and lecturer, spent his time at work researching, writing about, and introducing others to the botanical history of the National Historic Landmark on the Schuylkill in Southwest Philadelphia. 

He cataloged over 2,000 plants in Bartram’s Garden, some of which date back to 1783, uncovered over 10,000 relics of old flower pots during an archaeological dig. In addition, he kept and updated the garden’s large historical records. 

The Conestoga High School graduate also introduced countless visitors to Bartram’s Garden with all of its natural wonders. 

“When he spoke it was like a waterfall of information and insight,” said Fry’s friend. “In spite of his intellectual expertise and rigor, Joel ever remained the most humble and gracious person.” 

Fry enjoyed mentoring students during field trips and summer internships and enthusiastically championed blending of traditional ecological knowledge with modern thinking as well as the expansion of research into local Black history. 

Read more about Joel Fry in The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

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