Who was Eliza Scidmore?
Eliza Scidmore was an American journalist, world traveler, author, photographer, lecturer, art expert, plant enthusiast, and National Geographic board member--all at a time when women were expected to stay home. 

   

Eliza loved Japan and the Japanese blossoming cherry tree, which she called "the most beautiful thing in the world." Eliza persisted for 24 years to accomplish her goal of bringing these trees to Washington, D.C.. The landmark cherry trees were planted there because of one amazing and determined woman, Eliza Scidmore! 

Read about Eliza and how she brought the cherry trees to Washington in Eliza's Cherry Trees by Andrea Zimmerman.