In Memoriam: Ann McClellan

Ann McClellan (1950-2025) Photo by Kenji

The National Bonsai Foundation honors the memory of Ann McClellan, who passed away peacefully this past March in Washington, DC.

Ann was an author, advocate, and longtime supporter of the National Bonsai Foundation, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and the U.S. National Arboretum. A former member of the National Bonsai Foundation Board of Directors, she played an essential role in developing the organization’s public voice, connecting wider audiences to the art and spirit of bonsai.

“Ann was a true friend to the Arboretum and the Museum,” said Dr. Richard Olsen, Center Director of the U.S. National Arboretum. “She believed deeply in its mission and continually sought ways to amplify its impact. Throughout her life, she remained engaged, creative, and committed to helping bonsai flourish as both an art and a cultural bridge.”

Ann as a child, collecting sap from a sugar maple.

Ann’s deep connection to nature began early, growing up on the grounds of the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, where her family lived surrounded by sweeping landscapes designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

“It was like living on a boat in the middle of an ocean of trees and grass,” she once recalled.

That immersive environment sparked a lifelong reverence for trees—from the grand oaks and elms of her childhood, to the gorgeous cherry blossoms that define springtime in DC, to the timeless bonsai masterpieces at the Museum.

She studied history at Goucher College and went on to a career at the Smithsonian Institution, where she collaborated with entomologists and botanists to bring the Smithsonian’s natural collections to broader audiences. She later served in a senior communications role at the World Wildlife Fund, among other prominent nonprofits.

Credit: annmcclellan.com

Ann ultimately became a freelance writer, beginning her career with several books celebrating cherry blossom trees and their famous annual festival in Washington, DC. Her writing about these iconic flowering trees, which had initially arrived as a state gift from Japan, helped raise public appreciation for living trees as symbols of cultural exchange and also brought wider awareness to the Arboretum and its horticultural mission.

Credit: Lauren Bullock via Legacy.com

In 2016, Ann authored Bonsai and Penjing: Ambassadors of Peace & Beauty, a beautifully written and photographed exploration of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum’s collections and the definitive account of its history.

“I was so grateful for the opportunity, and I have loved learning about bonsai and connecting with the trees,” she said.

The book serves as a reference guide to the Museum, offering readers a full account of the origins, evolution, and significance of the national collections of bonsai. Working closely with Arboretum, Museum, and NBF staff and drawing from extensive interviews and archival material, Ann brought together the history, philosophy, and artistry of the Museum in one accessible volume. The book serves as a foundational resource for anyone seeking to understand not only the trees themselves, but the broader cultural legacy they represent.

“She couldn’t have been a stronger supporter of the Museum and its community,” said Michael James, Curator of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. “She was always looking for ways to promote the art form, whether through writing, programming, or simply introducing new people to bonsai. I had the privilege of working with her on several projects and presentations, and her energy, insight, and generosity were always evident.”

Sandra Moore (left), author of “Peace Tree from Hiroshima”; Ann McClellan (center) with her book, “Bonsai and Penjing: Ambassadors of Peace and Beauty”; Stephen Voss (right), NBF Board Member and author of “In Training”. Credit: Olivia Anderson Photography

Ann joined the NBF board in 2018 and served for several years. In 2019, she helped welcome guests during a reception at the Japanese Pavilion for members of the American Public Gardens Association, furthering her legacy as a connector and advocate.

Meanwhile, she continued to write and celebrate her lifelong interest in Japan–U.S. relations, the art of bonsai, and the cultural symbolism of trees and gardens. In recent years, she worked with NBF and Museum staff to develop an updated version of her bonsai book, a testament to her continued dedication to promoting the art form. Ann remained a constant supporter of the U.S. National Arboretum, always thinking of new ways to elevate its work and strengthen its public presence. Over the years, she collaborated closely with Museum and NBF staff, offering ideas, encouragement, and hands-on support.

“It was my joy and privilege to serve alongside Ann,” said Felix Laughlin, chair emeritus of the NBF board of directors. “She brought not only a deep love for the Museum, but a rare understanding of its role in advancing the art of bonsai and building lasting friendships between nations. Her widely-admired books and many contributions to the Museum’s growth and vitality stand as her enduring legacy.”

In 2022, Ann McClellan was presented an award by Koji Tomita, then Japanese Ambassador to the United States. Credit: Aaron Webb, Embassy of Japan in the USA

In 2021, Ann was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, by the Government of Japan. This distinguished honor recognized her outstanding contributions to strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States—a cause she championed throughout her life.

Ann McClellan’s contributions to the National Bonsai Foundation, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and U.S. National Arboretum, and the art of bonsai are enduring. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, and we honor her legacy with deep gratitude.

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