AIDS Memorial Grove facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids National AIDS Memorial Grove
National AIDS Memorial Grove Location in California
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 (1991-09). Nationalized: November 1996.
Website	https://www.aidsmemorial.org

The National AIDS Memorial Grove, often called "The Grove," is a special and peaceful place. It is located in the de Laveaga Dell within eastern Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California.

The Grove is a dedicated space where many people can gather. It helps those affected by a serious health challenge to heal, find hope, and remember loved ones. The main goal of the AIDS Memorial Grove is to offer a calm sanctuary. It also helps everyone learn and understand the difficulties faced during a widespread health crisis.

Understanding The Grove's Purpose
- Visiting The Grove
The Grove's Journey Through Time
- How the AIDS Memorial Grove Began
- Becoming a National Memorial
  - A National Memorial of the United States
See also

Understanding The Grove's Purpose

In 1996, the U.S. Congress and the President approved a law. This law officially made the deLaveaga Dell in Golden Gate Park the site for the first national memorial dedicated to this health challenge. The law was called the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act.

The Grove continues to grow thanks to many generous people. Individuals, companies, and foundations provide services and financial help. Thousands of community volunteers have worked for over 20 years. They ensure the gardens are always beautiful and well-maintained. They also help with projects to improve the landscape.

The Grove is an important sanctuary for everyone. Local visitors and people from around the world come here. It is a place for memories and new enjoyment.

Visiting The Grove

The Main Portal entrance is at 856 Stanyan Street. This is in the eastern part of Golden Gate Park. There are two other main entrances: the West Portal and the South Portal. These are also on park roads around The Grove. Other smaller 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 for the public. These tours are not available during the winter months.

The Grove's Journey Through Time

How the AIDS Memorial Grove Began

1988

Isabel Wade and Nancy McNally had an idea. They imagined a beautiful grove where people could find peace and hope. It would be a place to remember loved ones. They wanted it to be a positive focus for their feelings.
They shared this idea with friends. They wanted to create a living tribute to those lost to the health challenge.

1989

The Grove Steering Committee was formed. This group worked with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
In the winter, three donations were made. These were in memory of Stephen Marcus, a local landscape architect. These donations provided the first funds for the Grove. It became a project of Friends of the Urban Forest.

1990

In February, the Committee chose the de Laveaga Dell. This area had been neglected for a long time. It was chosen for the AIDS Memorial Grove.
- The de Laveaga Dell

The de Laveaga Dell was created in 1898. It was a gift from the estate of Jose Vicente de Laveaga. When it opened to the public in 1921, it had a lake and a winding stream. It also featured iris beds, oak trees, and beautiful ferns. John McLaren oversaw its development. He added rare rhododendrons, lush camellias, and artistic faux boulders.

In its early days, the Dell was called the Deer Glen. It was used by the zoo to house animals. There was even a bear in the western part, now known as the 'Fern Grotto'.

The Dell was well cared for in the first half of the 20th century. Later, it suffered from a lack of money for upkeep.

In November, the first fundraiser was held. It took place at the home of committee member James C Hormel.

1991

In September, the first Volunteer Workday happened in the Grove. Mayor Art Agnos and 75 volunteers helped break ground.
Twenty-two landscape architects, designers, artists, and park staff helped. Under designer Garrett Eckbo's guidance, they created the basic design and Master Plan.

1992

The Master Plan for the AIDS Memorial Grove was approved. This happened through the San Francisco Park Commission.
The Grove Steering Committee agreed to work with volunteers. Their goal was to clean up and restore the de Laveaga Dell.

The Committee also raised money for an endowment. This fund would pay for a city gardener position at the Grove. It would also support the Grove's maintenance forever.

This way of combining volunteers and a special fund became a model. It showed how public and private groups could work together for public spaces.

1993

In July, Kerry Enright was hired as the first Executive Director. Initial funds for this role came from the Columbia Foundation and James C. Hormel.

The AIDS Memorial Grove and the City of San Francisco signed a 99-year lease for the de Laveaga Dell site.

1994

In December, the first official observance of World AIDS Day took place in the AIDS Memorial Grove.

1995

In February, the 'Main Portal' was dedicated. Steve Silver, creator of San Francisco's Beach Blanket Babylon, was the benefactor. He dedicated it on his 51st birthday. He said, "The Grove represents the spirit of the people who have left and the memories that will always be there."
In July, the first full-time gardener began work. This position was funded by the Grove. Joan Chase Velluntini, the gardener, had worked at Golden Gate Park for 20 years.
In December, on World AIDS Day, a 7-ton Sierra granite boulder was installed. It had the Grove sign inscribed on it. This boulder was placed at the entrance terrace of the 'Main Portal'.

Becoming a National Memorial

The Circle of Friends, where names are engraved

1996

In February, the 'Circle of Friends' feature was introduced. This is a special terrace for honor and memory. Names are engraved into its flagstone floor. New names are added each year. They are inscribed before the Grove's World AIDS Day event on December 1.

A later inscription describes the 'Circle of Friends' meaning: “Circle of Friends: Lives Touched By AIDS...Donors to the Grove...Those Who Have Died...Those Who Loved Them.”

In April, NBC's Today Show featured the AIDS Memorial Grove. Correspondent Dawn Frantangelo filmed a segment. It showed the engraving of her brother's name for the 'Circle of Friends'.
The 'Dogwood Crescent', which holds the 'Circle of Friends' terrace, was created.
The 'Woodland Path', an accessible ramp from the 'South Portal', was built.
The 'Meadow Overlook' was created at the 'West Portal'. This was made possible by a major gift from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.
The 'Woodland Stream' was created over two work-days. Volunteers passed stones by hand into the streambed.

A 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.

Executive Director Kerry Enright wrote the legislation. She worked with staff from Representative Nancy Pelosi and Senator Dianne Feinstein.

In December, on World AIDS Day, the 'South Portal' feature was dedicated. It was supported by Terry Watanabe.

A path leading to the Circle of Friends

1997

The 'Fern Grotto' was created. This is a gathering place with the 'Circle of Peace' circular terrace. It is in the far western part of the Grove.

A poem by Thom Gunn is inscribed here. It is "dedicated to all of the unidentified individuals who fell victim to AIDS."

1998

In August, Garden Design magazine published an article. It was called “A Healing Landscape.” Harriet Heyman wrote it with help from the Grove's founders and designers.
In December, at the fifth World AIDS Day event, Irene Smith received the first GROVE AWARD. This was for her pioneering work in founding Service Through Touch.
In December, First Lady Hillary Clinton visited the National AIDS Memorial Grove.

1999

The National AIDS Memorial Grove received the Silver Medal Award. This was from the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence program in the United States.

The Bruner Award looks for projects that show a good balance. It considers design and use, cost and opportunity, and keeping old features while adding new ones.

Tom Hanks recorded a Public Service Announcement for The National AIDS Memorial Grove. Hanks won an Oscar for his role in the film “Philadelphia." In the film, his character faced discrimination because of his illness.
'Moonwalk Way', a new feature, was approved to help control erosion. It was funded by the Moonwalk Foundation.

A stone marker with a quote from President Bill Clinton, dedicated on World AIDS Day 2017

2000

In March, Garden Design magazine published another article. It was called “A Healing Garden.” Zazel Loven wrote it, focusing on how the Grove helps people heal.
In April, the 'Woodland Stream' feature was extended westward. It reached the edge of 'The Meadow'.
In May, the first annual fundraiser was held in the Grove. It was a gala and bazaar called “An Fair to Remember.”
In September, the State of California provided $500,000 to the Grove. This was the only public money the Grove has ever received.
In October, World Landmarks.com listed the National AIDS Memorial Grove.
In December, World AIDS Day was observed. The theme was “All Our Communities Can Make a Difference.” Hosea Turner, Shanti's Transportation Manager, received the Grove Award for Community Service.

2001-2002

The Grove held its second and third annual fundraisers.
In June 2001, the Grove marked 20 years since the start of the health crisis.
In 2002, the 'Western Portal' was built, a gift from the Donald O Collins Foundation.
'Crossroads Circle' was completed in May 2002. This was the final hardscape feature from the original 1991 design.
'The Meadow' was reseeded in August 2002.
The 'Belvedere Overlook' feature was constructed. It offers a view into the Grove. It also includes a granite "Timeline of the Epidemic" sculpture.
In October 2002, a dedication ceremony and picnic took place. It celebrated the completion of the original 1991 design features. It also honored the establishment of the initial $1.5 million endowment fund.
In December 2002, World AIDS Day focused on "Stigma and Discrimination." F. Vic Galvan, a longtime volunteer and tour guide, received the Grove Award for Volunteer Service.

2003-2005

In April 2003, the Board decided to hold a Memorial Design Feature Competition. The goal was to enhance the visitor experience. It also aimed to raise public awareness of the Grove as a National Memorial.
In 2005, the winner of the competition was announced: “Living Memorial” by Janette Kim and Chloe Town.
During these years, various awards were given to community leaders and donors.

2006-2008

Open Eye Pictures began creating a documentary film about the Grove, titled “Forget Me Not.”
In September 2006, the "Mad Hatter’s Tea Party" celebrated the Grove's 15th Anniversary.
In December 2006, Dr. Abraham Verghese received a Grove Award. The McCormick family was honored for 13 years of contributions to volunteer workday lunches.
In 2007 and 2008, more Grove Awards recognized community service and founding board members.

2009-2012

In 2009, the first annual Youth Scholarships were awarded to student essay writers.
In November 2010, the first "Light In the Grove" gala event was held. Pat Christen was honored for her role in creating the Ryan White Care Act.
In December 2010, Jeanne White Gindler and Ted Kennedy were honored for their work on the Ryan White Care Act.
In 2011, the Grove celebrated its 20th Anniversary. This coincided with the 30th Anniversary of the health crisis. The "World AIDS Day Youth Scholarship Program" awarded four scholarships.
In November 2012, the "Light in the Grove" gala honored William D. Glenn and Prescott W. Hafner. They were recognized for their leadership and compassion.

2017

In September, The Hemophilia Memorial opened at the National AIDS Memorial Grove.

2019

In November, The NAMES Project Foundation and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced big news. The AIDS Memorial Quilt would be on permanent display at the Grove starting in 2020.

2020

In June, all 48,000 tiles of the AIDS Memorial Quilt became available online.
In December, the National AIDS Memorial honored Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. David Ho. This happened during the virtual World AIDS Day commemoration.