Founded on Dec. 22, 1891, the Society has used the Academy of Natural Sciences as headquarters for its monthly meetings. The membership consists in part of professional botanists and in part of interested amateurs, and collectors. Its December meeting shortly before Christmas is usually a gala affair, with special decorations of named species of exotic evergreens. In 1908 the publication of a serial “Bartonia” was initiated, which has continued to the present time, although appearing somewhat irregularly.

These archives include the constitution and a list of founders, rules and regulations, treasurer's reports and accounts and finally the minutes of their meetings from 1891 to 1958.

Bound minutes (1891-1907) in Call. 937, Phila. Bot. Soc. 6/14/85