Thomas S. Elias

Dr. Thomas S. Elias is the Director of the U. S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., and plays a key role in the development and oversight of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. During his tenure as Director, the Museum has undergone considerable expansion of its physical plant and extensive expansion of its living collections, library, and museum artifacts. He has been instrumental in obtaining hundreds of rare and out-of-print books and serial publications, particularly from Japan, for the Museum's collections.

Although Tom has practiced bonsai for nearly ten years, his main interest is in the history and development of the art of bonsai, suiseki and related art forms. He is a writer and frequent contributor to Bonsai Magazine and the National Bonsai Foundation's Bulletin. He has written 17 papers and a book chapter on bonsai-related matters. He serves as International Consultant to the World Bonsai Friendship Federation and is also on the editorial board for Bonsai Clubs International.

Tom was instrumental in arranging for one of the Museum's bonsai to be displayed in the Blue Room of The White House and the Blair House during Japanese Prime Minister Obuchi's official state visit to the United States and in arranging for an American bonsai and viewing stone to be presented to Obuchi.