Submitted by Susan R. Waide
(March 14, 2026) — The East Haddam Historical Society will present a program called “The Castle Cats” on March 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the EHHS and Museum at 264 Town Street in East Haddam. The event is a “birthday party” for Sir Henry Irving, a famous theatre cat owned by William Gillette, who loved cats. Many lived with him at his home in East Haddam, and even on his 144-foot houseboat, Aunt Polly, on the Connecticut River.
In this presentation, Susan R. Waide will take a closer look at Gillette’s passion for cats and will present a snapshot of his life. The presentation will be followed by a “reception” for Sir Henry Irving, the Lyceum Theater Cat that Gillette brought from England to live with him in Connecticut. While this cat lived more than a century ago, its legacy as part of the “Caturday” atmosphere at Gillette’s Castle lives on forever and is the subject of one of Waide’s upcoming books.
The event is free to EHHS members and children under 12. Suggested donation for non-members is $5.00. For more information, call 860-873-3944, or email museum@easthaddamhistory.org.
Susan R. Waide has conducted extensive research about William Gillette’s cats for a series of children’s books she is currently writing. Over the thirty years she has lived in East Haddam, she has taken in eight stray cats, some who, she believes, could possibly be descendants of William Gillette’s cats. Waide has taught writing at the University of Hartford and area Connecticut colleges, at libraries, and to assisted living residents. Her STEAM children’s picture book, Dr. Ken’s Fab STEAM Lab, will be published in the spring of 2026, followed by Sir Henry Irving the Cat (historical fiction). Beyond His Narrative – Venture Smith (Book 1), a two-book Series for Young Adults/Adults, co-authored with Dr. Karl P. Stofko, is on track to be completed by the fall of 2026. Her nonfiction book for ages 10+, The Schoolteacher Who Became a Spy: Nathan Hale is expected to be released later in 2026.
