The late Connie Q. Umberger, Nantucket Lighthouse School grandmother and former Chair of the Board, founded the Nantucket Garden Festival as a fundraiser for the school, which has long used gardening as an educational tool. The Festival raises operating and scholarship funds and supports the school's unique horticulture curriculum.
Throughout the years, the Festival has celebrated island gardening through informative workshops, exquisite garden tours, educational and inspirational keynote addresses, creative family activities, parties, and more.
Nantucket Lighthouse School's educational garden and greenhouse provide students with a living laboratory and a deeper connection to the natural world. Advised by long-time friend and Nantucket Garden Festival supporter, Russell Morash, our weekly horticulture classes allow children to grow, experiment, observe, and learn to care for the environment.
“Starting children on a path understanding how a garden works is noble work indeed, for it is fundamental to a healthy life and a healthy planet. Knowing and growing plants you can eat or enjoy simply for their beauty throughout a lifetime of observation is just one more joy a gardener knows well. ”
Nantucket Lighthouse School's educational garden and greenhouse provide students with a living laboratory and a deeper connection to the natural world. Advised by long-time friend and Nantucket Garden Festival supporter, Russell Morash, our weekly horticulture classes allow children to grow, experiment, observe, and learn to care for the environment.
RUSSELL MORASH 1936-2024
We are saddened to announce the passing of Russell Morash (1936-2024), a cherished friend and passionate supporter of Nantucket Lighthouse School. Russ played an instrumental role in the success of our Nantucket Garden Festival summer fundraiser and served as an invaluable advisor to our horticulture program.
With an impressive career as a television producer and director, Russ brought his expertise and enthusiasm to our school, conducting workshops with faculty and inspiring our students and future generations of island gardeners. He was the visionary force behind beloved shows like "The Victory Garden" and "This Old House," which revolutionized home gardening and DIY television.
Russ was the perfect choice to serve as the first Chair of Childhood Horticulture at Nantucket Lighthouse School. We were honored to work with him in this capacity and are deeply grateful for his unwavering support in introducing children to the joys of gardening.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones. Russ's legacy will continue to bloom in the hearts and gardens of those fortunate enough to know him.
