1950 The idea to build an Elizabethan Garden was first proposed by Sir Evelyn Wrench, founder of the English Speaking Union during a visit to see 'The Lost Colony'. The idea was presented to Mrs. Charles Cannon and Mrs. Inglis Fletcher who served as Sir Evelyn Wrench's host at the performance. 1951 The Garden Club of North Carolina formally adopts The Elizabethan Gardens project and forms The Elizabethan Gardens Committee to oversee the project. In June the Concord Garden Club makes the first gift to The Elizabethan Gardens project. Later this year The Roanoke Island Garden Club is formed and a number of its members assist with the development of The Elizabethan Gardens. These included Mrs. Leo Midgett, Mrs. Guy Lennon, Mrs. M.K. Fearing and numerous other local women. 1952-1953 Mr. E. W. Reinecke informed The Garden Club of North Carolina of valuable European statuary that he was dismantling on the Greenwood Estate of The Honorable John Hay Whitney and Mrs. Whitney in Thomasville, Georgia. The architectural firm of Innocenti and Webel were contacted and, through their interest in the proposed garden, Mr. Whitney donated his fantastic collection of statuary to the Garden Club of North Carolina. This gift completely altered the original garden concept and a more elaborate design had to be adopted. The Roanoke Island Historical Society leased 10.5 acres to The Garden Club of North Carolina for the proposed gardens. Albert "Skipper" Bell began clearing and doing preliminary work on the site. The internationally acclaimed landscape firm of Innocenti and Webel were retained to design The Elizabethan Gardens. The firm of E.W. Reinecke of Fayetteville began construction on the historic date of June 2,1953, the date Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of England. Initial work focused on the construction of the Sunken Garden. Paul Green, the writer of "The Lost Colony" donated the statue of Virginia Dare to be displayed in The Elizabethan Gardens. 1955 On August 18th The Elizabethan Gardens were dedicated and opened to the public. 1957 The first small gatehouse was built. 1958 Louis Midgette, Sr. was hired as the first Superintendent of The Elizabethan Gardens. 1959 North Carolina Camellia Society donates and plants over 200 camellias in The Elizabethan Gardens. The Ruth Coltrane Cannon Nursery is started. 1960 The Elizabethan Gardens has a ceremony and formally opens on August 18, Virginia Dare's birthday. 1961 On April 20th a bronze plaque with an inscription by Inglis Fletcher is dedicated in honor of the first four Chairmen of The Elizabethan Gardens. (Mrs. James Tyler, Mrs. Glenn Long, Mrs. Roy Homewood, and Mrs. Corbett Howard) 1966 On July 13th the new Gatehouse is completed and opened as the new entrance to The Elizabethan Gardens. The gatehouse was partially funded with a $38,500 appropriation from the State of North Carolina. At this time the courtyard fountain was presented in honor of Mrs. Corbett Howard for her years of service. 1971 The Elizabethan Gardens commemorates' its 20th anniversary with the governor's wife, Mrs. Robert Scott, as the honored guest. 1974 The first greenhouse is constructed to help over winter tender and exotic plants. 1976 The Elizabethan Gardens celebrates its 25th anniversary and dedicates the new Rose Garden designed by Lewis Clarke. 1980 Avenue of Maples planted in memory of Mrs. Leo Midgett who served on The Gardens Committee, worked in The Elizabethan Gardens, and was one of its strongest local supporters. 1981 The 16th century style gazebo is constructed adjacent to the Roanoke Sound. The gazebo was designed by Lewis Clarke and constructed by artisans from Plimoth Plantation. Master thatcher Peter Slavin from Ireland did the thatching. 1984 Princess Anne visits The Elizabethan Gardens during the 400th anniversary celebration. 1987 Mr. Louis Midgett retires from The Elizabethan Gardens after 29 years of service. 1997 The Meeting Hall is completed and dedicated. The building provides The Elizabethan Gardens a place to offer educational programs. 2001 The Elizabethan Gardens celebrates its 50th anniversary. 2004 Hermann Schulz of Innocenti and Webel agrees to develop a master plan for The Gardens. 2006 Dedication of the Elizabeth I statue. 2007 Restoration of The Elizabethan Gardens begins. The Elizabethan Gardens Chairmen List The Elizabethan Gardens Committee, Chairmen 1951-54 Mrs. James Tyler, Kinston 1954-55 Mrs. Glenn Long, Newton 1955-57 Mrs. Roy Homewood, Chapel Hill 1957-68 Mrs. Corbett Howard, Goldsboro The Elizabethan Gardens Trustees, Chairmen 1958-59 Mrs. H.R. Totten, Chapel Hill 1959-64 Mrs. J.R. Bennett, Rocky Mount 1964-66 Mrs. Corbett Howard, Goldsboro 1966-67 Mrs. James Tyler, Kinston 1967-70 Mrs. Roscoe McMillan, Red Springs The Elizabethan Gardens Board of Governors, Chairmen 1970-74 Mrs. Roscoe McMillan, Red Springs 1974-97 Mrs. W. Marion Odom, Ahoskie 1997-99 Dr. Myrtle Swain, Wilson 1999-03 Mrs. Harry B. Schiffman, Manteo 2004-05 Mrs. Stephen Hicks II, Pollacksville 2006-Present Mrs. Joseph Zoll, Manteo