AIDS Memorial Grove facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids National AIDS Memorial Grove
National AIDS Memorial Grove Location in the United States
Location	Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, U.S.
Area	7.5 acres (3.0 ha)
Designation	National Memorial of the United States
Established	Created: September 1991 (1991-September). Nationalized: November 1996.

A large stone at the entrance of the Grove, marking the way.

The National AIDS Memorial Grove, also known as "The Grove," is a special place in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. It's a quiet, beautiful garden dedicated to remembering the millions of people affected by AIDS.

The Grove helps people heal, hope, and remember those who have been impacted by this serious illness. Its main goal is to offer a peaceful sanctuary and to help everyone understand the human story of the AIDS pandemic (a widespread illness).

What is the National AIDS Memorial Grove?
- How to Visit the Grove
The Story of the Grove
- How the Grove Began
- Becoming a National Memorial
  - National Memorial of the United States
See Also

What is the National AIDS Memorial Grove?

In 1996, the United States Congress and President officially recognized the de Laveaga Dell land in Golden Gate Park. They made it the first national memorial dedicated to AIDS in the country.

The Grove continues to grow thanks to many generous people, companies, and groups. Thousands of volunteers have worked for over 20 years. They help keep the gardens beautiful and well-maintained. This special place is a refuge for memories and a spot for new enjoyment. It welcomes both local visitors and people from all over the world.

As Thom Weyand, a former leader of the Grove, once said, "Most memorials are built after the struggle is over. This battle rages on and we cannot wait, lest any one of our loved ones lost to AIDS be forgotten."

How to Visit the Grove

The main entrance to the Grove is at 856 Stanyan Street in eastern Golden Gate Park. There are also two other official entrances, called the West Portal and South Portal. Many other paths lead into the Grove from nearby park areas.

You can visit the Grove during the park's open hours. Free guided tours are offered monthly, except during winter.

The Story of the Grove

How the Grove Began

1988

Two friends, Isabel Wade and Nancy McNally, had an idea.
They imagined a beautiful garden where people could find peace and hope.
It would be a place to remember loved ones lost to AIDS.
They shared this idea with friends to create a living tribute.

1989

The Grove Steering Committee was formed.
They worked with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
Some early donations helped start the Grove as a project.

1990

The Committee chose the de Laveaga Dell for the AIDS Memorial Grove. This area had been neglected for a long time.
The de Laveaga Dell was first created in 1898.
It opened to the public in 1921 with a lake, stream, and many plants.
Famous horticulturist John McLaren helped design it.
In its early days, the Dell was even used to house animals from the zoo.
Over time, the Dell became less maintained due to a lack of money.
The first fundraiser for the Grove was held in November.

1991

The first Volunteer Workday took place in September.
The Mayor, Art Agnos, and 75 volunteers helped break ground.
Many talented designers and park staff created a plan for the Grove.

1992

The design plan for the Grove was approved.
The Committee decided to work with volunteers to clean up the Dell.
They also started raising money for an endowment.
This fund would help pay for a city gardener and maintain the Grove forever.
This mix of volunteers and funding became a great example for other public spaces.

1993

Kerry Enright became the first Executive Director of the Grove.
The AIDS Memorial Grove and the City of San Francisco signed a 99-year lease for the Dell.

1994

The first official World AIDS Day event was held at the Grove in December.

1995

The 'Main Portal' entrance was dedicated in February.
Steve Silver, a local producer, helped fund it.
He said, "The Grove represents the spirit of the people who have left and the memories that will always be there."
The first full-time gardener for the Grove started in July.
In December, a large 7-ton stone with the Grove's sign was placed at the 'Main Portal'.

Becoming a National Memorial

The 'Circle of Friends' where names are remembered.

1996

The 'Circle of Friends' area was created in February.
This special terrace allows names to be carved into its stone floor.
New names are added each year before World AIDS Day.
An inscription explains its meaning: "Circle of Friends: Lives Touched By AIDS…Donors to the Grove…Those Who Have Died…Those Who Loved Them.”
NBC's Today Show featured the Grove in April.
Other areas like the 'Dogwood Crescent' and 'Woodland Path' were built.
The 'Meadow Overlook' was created with a major gift.
Volunteers helped build the 'Woodland Stream' by hand.

National Memorial of the United States

In October, the U.S. Congress officially named the AIDS Memorial Grove a National Memorial of the United States.
This important law was written by the Grove's Executive Director, Kerry Enright.
She worked with staff for Representative Nancy Pelosi and Senator Dianne Feinstein.
In December, the 'South Portal' entrance was dedicated.

A peaceful path leading to the 'Circle of Friends'.

1997

The 'Fern Grotto' was created. It's a gathering spot with a circular terrace called the 'Circle of Peace'.
A poem is carved there, honoring those who were affected by AIDS.

1998

Garden Design magazine published an article about the Grove.
In December, Irene Smith received the first GROVE AWARD for her helpful work.
First Lady Hillary Clinton visited the Grove.

1999

The National AIDS Memorial Grove won a Silver Medal Award.
This award recognizes excellent urban places.
Actor Tom Hanks recorded a Public Service Announcement for the Grove.
He had won an Oscar for playing a character affected by AIDS in the film “Philadelphia."
'Moonwalk Way' was built to help prevent erosion.
In December, the Grove Award honored Celi Adams, a founder of Home Care Companions.

A stone marker with a quote from President Bill Clinton.

2000

Garden Design magazine published another article about the Grove's healing power.
The 'Woodland Stream' was extended.
The first annual fundraiser gala was held in the Grove.
The State of California gave $500,000 to the Grove. This was the only public money the Grove has ever received.
World Landmarks.com listed the National AIDS Memorial Grove.
World AIDS Day was observed with a theme about communities making a difference.

2001

The second annual fundraiser took place.
The Grove marked 20 years since the start of the AIDS pandemic.
World AIDS Day honored families affected by AIDS.

2002

The 'Western Portal' was built.
The third annual Grove fundraiser was held.
'Crossroads Circle', the last main feature from the original design, was completed.
'The Meadow' was reseeded.
The 'Belvedere Overlook' was built, offering views of the Grove. It includes a "Timeline of the Epidemic" sculpture.
A dedication ceremony celebrated the completion of the original design.
World AIDS Day focused on "Stigma and Discrimination."

2003

The Board decided to hold a competition for a new memorial design. This would add to the visitor experience.
World AIDS Day honored Paul Miller and Thomas J Coats.

2004

Money was raised to start a documentary film about the Grove.
A "Groove in the Grove" concert event was held.

2005

The winner of the Memorial Design Feature Competition was announced: “Living Memorial.”
World AIDS Day honored Donald O Collins and Gert McMullin of the Names Project.

2006

A trailer for “Forget Me Not,” a documentary about the Grove, was created.
The "Mad Hatter’s Tea Party" celebrated the Grove's 15th Anniversary.
World AIDS Day honored Dr Abraham Verghese and the McCormick family.

2007

World AIDS Day honored Ruth Brinker, founder of Project Open Hand.

2008

World AIDS Day honored Don Jacobs Grove and founding board members Bill Clark and Alice Russell-Shapiro.

2009

World AIDS Day honored Dr. Stephen F Morin and Bishop Yvette Flunder.
The first annual Youth Scholarships were awarded to student essay writers.

2010

Work began on the South Slope Rhododendron Restoration Project.
Words from Henry Wells were carved above a bench.
The first annual "Light In the Grove" gala event was held.
World AIDS Day honored Laura Thomas, Jeanne White Gindler, and Ted Kennedy.

2011

The Grove celebrated 20 years since its founding.
The "World AIDS Day Youth Scholarship Program" awarded four scholarships.
Planning began to restore the old Victorian Falls.

2012

The "Light in the Grove 2012" gala honored William D. Glenn and Prescott W. Hafner.

2019

The AIDS Memorial Quilt will be permanently displayed at the Grove starting in 2020. This was announced by the NAMES Project Foundation and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

2020

All 48,000 sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt became available online.
The National AIDS Memorial honored Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. David Ho during the virtual World AIDS Day event.