Hattiesburg Area Rose Society

The Hattiesburg Area Rose Society was the organization responsible for the planting of the All-American Rose Garden on the Hattiesburg campus of The University of Southern Mississippi in 1973. Maintained by the university's Physical Plant, the Garden was dubbed an accredited Public Rose Garden by All-American Rose Selections, Inc. in 1975. Consisting of 32 separate beds, each containing its own unique hybrid roses, the garden has become a traditional spot for students to celebrate their educational milestones with commemorative photographs.

The bulk of this collection covers the Hattiesburg Area Rose Society's activities in the late 1990. The group met monthly to discuss their love of roses and plan events centered around the beautification of Hattiesburg. Speakers provided tips on lawn care, seasonal transitions, and the best times to plant, prune, and fertilize to ensure the best roses. Society members held annual picnics and gatherings and attended local and national rose shows.