Submitted by Elizabeth Malloy.
On Sunday, November 7, 2021, the Haddam Historical Society held its annual Founders’ Day Celebration on the grounds of the Thankful Arnold House Museum. We honored both the Native Americans of the area and the early English settlers and presented our volunteer awards. This was followed by a tour of the Old Burial Yard at Thirty Mile Island Plantation.
The Haddam Historical Society is pleased to announce that the 2021 Founders’ Day Awards have been presented to Cindy Sullivan and posthumously to Carl Conrad.
Cindy Sullivan has been a long-time active volunteer with the Society primarily working on our designated Connecticut Historic Garden. She, along with Deb Rutter, have for years been in charge of maintaining the museum’s historic herb garden and have renovated and brought back to life the border gardens. Cindy has also served on the Board of Directors and coordinated volunteers. In addition she has been a vital part of the Haddam Land Trust for over 25 years, serving on their board as both President and Secretary. Cindy is a certified Master Gardener and is currently working on becoming a Master Naturalist Gardner and volunteers at the CT Forest and Park Association. In her spare time, she works at Wellstone Farm, the Middletown YMCA and teaches Tai Chi, Yoga, senior strength and flexibility classes. Cindy and her husband, David, raised their two sons, Carter and Kyle, and live in an historic house in Higganum. She is a devoted volunteer who donates her time to make our community and world a better place.
The Society also recognized Carl Conrad, who unexpectedly passed away in November of 2020. Carl and his wife, Marijean Conrad, joined the Society upon moving to Haddam and as next -door neighbors to the museum were active in programs and events. Carl served on the board as treasurer for many years and worked tirelessly on the financial well- being of the organization. He volunteered at countless fundraising events and is remembered as a competitive croquet player. A lovely memorial bench, in honor of Carl, now graces the grounds of the museum, and we welcome visitors to sit and reflect. We thank Carl and Marijean for their many years of service not only to the Society but to other organizations including Brainerd Memorial Library.
Photos courtesy of HHS.
