Sue Thompson surrounded by her family after the presentation of the Massie Medal
At the Annual Meeting in Charlottesville, Susan Cunningham Thompson received the Massie Medal for Distinguished Achievement, the most prestigious award presented by the Garden Club of Virginia. Sue is a gifted horticulturist, a passionate preservationist and an avid conservationist. Through her work and study over the years, she has also accumulated a wealth of knowledge in garden restoration and landscape design that is respected within the state and on the national level.
A Richmond, Virginia native and former President and member of the Tuckahoe Garden Club of Westhampton, Sue and her family have generously opened their home and gardens at Tuckahoe Plantation, Thomas Jefferson’s boyhood home and a National Historic Landmark, to the public and during Historic Garden Week for over 30 years. She has hosted three of the Garden Club of Virginia summer fellows. This talented woman has contributed her extensive horticultural knowledge and passion for garden history and design with gracious enthusiasm to the benefit of the GCV Restoration Committee, GCV clubs, and other statewide and national organizations. She has led both community and national preservation and conservation efforts with distinction. Our recipient’s life’s work serves as an admirable path for all of us to follow.
Her knowledge and expertise are always generously shared in her endearing selfless way. Her tireless contributions benefit the Commonwealth and the Garden Club of Virginia where she serves in all capacities with dedication and distinction. We applaud Sue Thompson, our 2013 Massie Medal award recipient, as a steward of the land, a guardian of history, and a generous spirit.
