W.T. Brightwell

Small Fruits Research
1944-1973

Career Highlights:

Dr. Brightwell released ten varieties of blueberries. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis once contacted Dr. Brightwell to acquire blueberry plants for the Onassis privately-owned Greek island of Skorpios. Brightwell sent five plants each of ten different varieties. Today, Georgia produces more blueberries than any other state.

Dr. Brightwell maintained a camellia garden on the Coastal Plain Experiment Station (now UGA Tifton) campus. He was an American Camellia Society accredited judge for camellia shows in Florida and Georgia.

Awards/Honors:

• Founding member of the Georgia Blueberry Growers Association and was honored for his contributions toward the growth of the blueberry industry in Georgia.
• Big Blue Award from the Florida Blueberry Growers Association.
• Pioneer Award from the Michigan Blueberry Growers Association.
• Certificate of Merit from the Garden Club of Georgia.