The North Carolina Arboretum is honored to announce the naming of the Richard R. Ransom Library, located on the second floor of the Education Center. This meaningful tribute was made possible through the generosity of Mary Rubin, whose heartfelt gift in memory of her beloved husband, Richard “Dick” Ransom, also supports the Arboretum’s Helene Recovery Efforts.
Mary and Dick’s relationship with the Arboretum began in 2019, when they became members and frequent visitors, dividing their time between their homes in Florida and Asheville. They shared a love of the outdoors, often hiking the trails of North Carolina and Colorado, and enjoying friendly competition on the tennis courts. Dick was also a passionate Civil War reenactor and a talented writer, having published two books on Civil War history.
In April 2022, Dick passed away following a brief battle with cancer. In seeking a meaningful way to honor his memory, Mary was drawn to the idea of naming the Arboretum’s library—a fitting tribute to a man who found joy both in nature and in books.
“Dick had two happy places,” Mary shared, “outside in nature or at home with his nose in a book. And together, in Asheville, we spent countless outdoor happy moments at The North Carolina Arboretum. Dick was also deeply committed to education and lifelong learning. I can think of no better tribute to my beloved husband than to place his name on our beautiful library. I know that, somewhere, somehow, he is very honored—and smiling.”
“It is our greatest honor to help remember Dick’s legacy through the Richard R. Ransom Library,” shared Drake Fowler, Executive Director. “If you take a walk through the Arboretum’s gardens and trails, you can also get a feeling of why Dick loved the outdoors so much. I hope he inspires many to give it a try and find their own place of peace, their own happy place.”
Also as part of this memorial, the book Plants in the Civil War: A Botanical History by Judith Sumner has been added to the library’s permanent collection, celebrating Dick’s passion for both botany and history.
The love Mary and Dick shared for the Arboretum continues to inspire Mary’s support. In addition to her generous contributions, Mary serves on The North Carolina Arboretum Society’s Board of Directors, a role she has held since March 2024. Her commitment as a member, donor, and board member plays a vital role in advancing the Arboretum’s mission and what she fondly calls our “WNC treasure.”
We are deeply grateful to Mary for her generosity and vision and honored to celebrate Dick’s legacy through the Richard R. Ransom Library.
If you would like more information about unique naming opportunities and memorial/tribute giving at the Arboretum, please visit our website here.