NEWS & PROGRAMS | JULY–AUGUST 2018 Preservation Front and Center Preservation activities in Greenwich can take many forms. Here we look at some of the ways we all can work together to save our town’s historic properties.
signs that mark areas of historic significance. Markers erected to date include: the Greenwich Municipal Center, Historic Fourth Ward, River Road-Mead Avenue Historic District, Glenville Historic District and Putnam Hill Historic District. A new marker went up in the Strickland Road Historic District in June. There are other districts that still need markers and funding, among them Greenwich Avenue, Round Hill Road at John Street and Stanwich Historic District. The cost is $3,500 for each sign; the name of the individual, business or organization that underwrites the project will appear on the permanent marker. continued on page 2 Designated Local Historic Property, French Farm, Built 1905–1910
Historic Designation: Local Historic Property Designation is the strongest protection for historic properties, be it an individual home, neighborhood or district. The town also Greenwich, designates Historic Overlay Zones. There are other levels Check Out Our New Look of protection for historic properties that are less restrictive, including: National Historic Landmark, National Register Districts, National Register of Historic Places, State Register n honor of our reimagined campus, over the of Historic Places and Scenic Road Designation. Whichever course of the next few months, a new logo will designation is appropriate for your situation, the Greenwich begin to appear throughout our communica- Historical Society and its partners can help with the research tions materials. You’ll see graphic updates in needed to apply for historic designation. everything from our newsletters to our website, invitations and development materials. The new logo was a year in Fund a Historic District Sign: To increase visibility and the making with a dedicated committee of staff, design- awareness of historic districts and educate the community ers and board members working behind the scenes to about older buildings and neighborhoods, the Greenwich review and revise a host of layouts, fonts and colors that Preservation Network partners with local supporters to erect visually express our mission and our vital place in the community. Many thanks to all who participated! Glenville Historic District Marker Dedication, 2017 The final design by Whirlwind Creative represents the old, the new and the future with a customized font high- lighted in “Greenwich Green” (although this versatile design can take on other color personalities too). For those of you who enjoy design details, in addition to our new logo, our official new fonts will be the universally appealing ITC New Baskerville and Gotham!
Stay tuned for news about our new mission statement, coming soon…
All images from the collections of the Greenwich Historical Society unless otherwise cited. Photo: Michael Biondo Landmarked Property Chateau Paterno, 1939 Preservation Award winner Greenwich Point Conservancy restored Innis Arden Cottage. The Gateway Garden was a gift of Green Fingers Garden Club. continued from page 1
Seek Greenwich Landmark Designation for Your Property: Apply for a Preservation Award: Greenwich Historical Greenwich Historical Society’s Landmark Recognition Program Society honors individuals, organizations and projects for their honors distinctive properties that reflect Greenwich’s unique contributions to the preservation of Greenwich’s historical architectural heritage to encourage preservation and pride in resources. Winners represent historical and/or architectural ownership. Since the program’s inception in 1987, the Greenwich significance and demonstrate the outstanding aesthetic, Historical Society has professionally re- cultural or economic benefits of searched and plaqued more than 300 preservation. structures. Documenting and perform- Preservation needs “Since demolitions so often ing architectural surveys of these prop- ‘‘cheerleaders! make the news, it’s essential to erties help us understand how historic ’’ recognize those who respect homes enhance our community, shape says Diane Fox, chairman and care for historic struc- the landscape and influence our qual- tures. Preservation maintains ity of life. Landmark Designation does of the Preservation Network. the character of our town and not restrict an owner’s right to modify fosters a sense of place. It also or demolish a building. has the added benefit of being sustainable and friendly to the environment,” says former Awards Program Chairman John Deed Restrictions: An owner selling property can stipulate that Morris Dixon. n a building may not be demolished even upon transfer of title.
What Else Can You Do?
• Read the print copy of Greenwich • Become involved in your • Be active in community organizations Time and look for demolition notices. neighborhood association. and town government.
• Write a letter of support to the P & Z • Attend P & Z and Historic District • Support the Greenwich Historical for zoning amendments that preserve Commission meetings in support of Society so that we can continue to buildings and landscapes while preservation initiatives. support preservation! allowing additional development.
Proud to Be a Blue Star Museum
reenwich Historical Society tary life. Blue Star Museums offer free is proud to be a Blue Star admission to active military personnel G Museum, one of 2,000 distin- and their families (up to five family guished museums across the country members) from Memorial Day through in collaboration with the National Labor Day. Please help spread the word Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star to any active military families you may Families, an organization that supports know. For more information on the military families and increases aware- program and other participating muse- ness of the unique challenges of mili- ums, visit arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. n
2 | NEWS & PROGRAMS | JULY–AUGUST 2018 For reservations and information about all programs visit greenwichhistory.org or call 203-869-6899, Ext. 10. Grand Reopening Celebration! Enter a Photo of Your Favorite This place is for you and we can’t wait to share it! Spot in Greenwich e are counting the days until a scarecrow-making contest, games and and Attend the we can welcome the entire family-friendly tours of the entire Founder’s Day W town to our newly reimagined campus and Bush-Holley House. campus. We’ll cut the official ribbon Save the Date for the Opening: Reception and open all the doors to premiere our Saturday, October 6, noon to 4:00 pm; The first 50 individuals to submit fabulous new visitor center, café, museum ribbon cutting begins at 12:15 pm photos for the store, new exhibitions, bigger and better This Place General Open House and Free Tours contest will be library and archives, and gorgeous Matters of Bush-Holley House: invited to join the gardens. We’re pulling out all the stops Sunday, October 7, noon to 4:00 pm July 18 Founder’s Day and celebrating with live music, food trucks, reception at craft beer and gelato tastings, crafts for kids, Free admission to all both days. the Feake-Ferris House. Celebrate Founder’s Day, Town’s Oldest House and Photo Contest Winners
reenwich Historical Society Debra Mecky, Greenwich Historical and Greenwich Point Society executive director and CEO, Conservancy are pleased notes, “The Feake-Ferris House is an G to announce that the newly ideal venue for the reception. At a time restored Feake-Ferris House when so many of our historic structures (c. 1645–1689) will be the site of are being demolished, it’s a privilege to the July 18 Founder’s Day reception. recognize a structure that is indelibly Attendees at the reception will be tied to our history. Feake-Ferris House the first to tour the lovingly restored is a treasured Greenwich landmark home, the earliest part of which was that matters a great deal to our town’s “Sunrise at Tod’s Point” erected in 1645 by Greenwich founders heritage and character.” 2018 Submission by Catherine O’Keefe Elizabeth and Robert Feake and the first to congratulate the winners of the The top three entries will be pub- Historical Society’s This Place Matters lished in Greenwich Magazine, maga- photo contest. zine sponsor for the contest, and “We’re thrilled to showcase the will be displayed at the Greenwich newly restored Feake-Ferris House Historical Society’s newly reimagined at the Historical Society’s ‘This campus when it reopens this fall. Place Matters’ reception,” says Chris To participate, just snap a photo of Franco, president, Greenwich Point a favorite place in Greenwich and Conservancy Board of Directors. submit it with a brief statement on “The multi-year restoration project at the subject and why it’s special, Greenwich’s oldest house—and one of by July 6 to the Historical Society the oldest in America—has uncovered Rendering of the Feake-Ferris House to [email protected] the spectacular original home of Courtesy of Greenwich Point Conservancy or via social media. For the latter, Elizabeth Winthrop Feake, namesake photographers should use the Feake-Ferris House Reception: of ‘Elizabeth’s Neck,’ as Greenwich hashtag #thisplacemattersgreenwich July 18, 10:00 am Point was known for more than 200 and tag the Greenwich Historical years. The work was made possible A shuttle will be available beginning Society: Instagram greenwichhistory; by generous contributions from town at 9:30 am to transport guests from Twitter @GrnHistCT; Facebook residents concerned about preserving Greenwich Point parking to the @GreenwichHistoricalSociety. Photos our unique heritage. The Founder’s Day Feake-Ferris House. need to be 300 dpi to be published reception to showcase love of our town in Greenwich Magazine. Full contest Seats are limited and advance is a natural tie-in to the Greenwich details are at greenwichhistory.org. n Point Conservancy’s mission.” reservations required.
For reservations and information about all programs visit greenwichhistory.org or call 203-869-6899, Ext. 10. NEWS & PROGRAMS | JULY–AUGUST 2018| 3 47 Strickland Road, Cos Cob, CT 06807
☞ Note our new mailing address and street number.
SAVE THE DATES:
July 9–20 Historic Innovation Camp July 18 Founder’s Day October 6 Ribbon Cutting and Opening Day Celebration October 7 Free Museum, Archives and Campus Tours
Greenwich Historical Society chronicles the past, but the future is in your hands. Please remember us in your estate plan so that future generations may continue to explore the ongoing story of our community.
Visit our blog at greenwichhistory.org/blog Antiquarius 2018 and follow us on: Honorary Co-Chairs Announced Save the dates @GreenwichHistoricalSociety for the entire series of We are thrilled to announce that Antiquarius holiday events. the Antiquarius 2018 Honorary Alex Papachristidis Tickets will be available online Design Co-Chairs are renowned in early October. AD Top 100 designer Alex @GrnHistCT Papachristidis and celebrated Greenwich Winter Antiques Show Opening Night Party: event planner David Monn. This Friday, November 30 uber-talented duo will transform Holiday Boutique Opening: the Eastern Greenwich Civic @greenwichhistory Tuesday, December 4 Center into a holiday wonderland Holiday House Tour: for a Winter Antiques Show open- Wednesday, December 5 ing party you won’t want to miss. David Monn
HOURS ADMISSION CONTACT US DIRECTIONS Docent-led Tours of Bush- $10 for adults Greenwich Historical Society Off I-95 at Exit 4. Holley House $8 for seniors and students 47 Strickland Road Details at greenwichhistory.org/ Wednesday through Sunday, Always free to members and Cos Cob, CT 06807 visit 1, 2 and 3 pm and children under 18. 203-869-6899 by appointment Free to all visitors the first greenwichhistory.org/contact Wednesday of each month. 21 museums for $25! ctarttrail.org
4 | NEWS & PROGRAMS | JULY–AUGUST 2018 For reservations and information about all programs visit greenwichhistory.org or call 203-869-6899, Ext. 10. Volunteers Make It Happen!
2018 Volunteer of the Year Awards
reenwich Historical Society feted its volunteers at a chairing the Antiquarius Patron Solicitation Committee and reception at the Round Hill Club in April. Joseph and Caity Sushon was recognized as a Student Volunteer of the G Mary Beth Greco received the Volunteers of the Year Year. Our sincere thanks to all of the volunteers who support award, Deb Robinson and Ashley Bruynes were thanked for us throughout the year with their time, talent and creativity. n
Joe and Mary Beth Greco receive award from Caity Sushon and Curator of Education Anna Greco Antiquarius Volunteers Deb Robinson and Executive Director & CEO Debra Mecky Ashley Bruynes flanked by Ron Strackbein and Board Chairman Davidde Strackbein Is Gardening Your Game? Join the Green Team!
e are seeking volunteers for the Green Team, a group that assists with the planting and mainte- W nance of our vegetable garden and new flower beds funded by Hortulus. The heirloom vegetable garden is planted each year based on journals kept by artist Elmer MacRae in the early 1900s when the Bush-Holley House was a boarding house and the center of the Cos Cob art colony. American Impressionist works of art in the Historical Society’s collections inspired the flower David Scott Parker Architects beds and will be used in site Call for Volunteer Gallery Guides interpretation. The Green Team pro- Our new museum will require a cadre of volunteer gallery vides a wonderful opportunity guides. We’re looking for individuals who are friendly and for beginners, master garden- outgoing with the ability to engage visitors during their ers, scout troops and garden museum experience. Guides will be stationed in the gallery club members who seek a and will be responsible for interacting with the general meaningful, hands-on oppor- public as well as safeguarding our exhibitions and materials. tunity. Perks include sharing Willingness to help with computers, iPads and tablets is Bush-Holley House from back in the garden’s bounty and needed, and guides must be committed to attending training of garden an invitation to the annual sessions throughout the year. Gallery guides will respond to Green Team dinner held each autumn to celebrate the harvest general inquiries about the museum, direct visitors and help season, as well as recognition in our annual report and at our to create a positive museum experience. annual volunteer reception. For information, contact Michele To learn more about this volunteer position, contact Curator Couture, Director of Operations and Visitor Services: of Education Anna Greco at [email protected] or [email protected] or cell 203-615-8904. n 203-869-6899, Ext. 31. n
NEWS & PROGRAMS | JULY–AUGUST 2018 Greenwich Historical Society Announces STEAP Grant
e are honored to small towns, [which are so] vital to announce that our economy and quality of life.” the Greenwich The grant will help to complete WHistorical Society work on our landscape plantings, has received a $389,800 STEAP pathways, accessible ramps and (Small Town Economic Assistance restored landscape features as well Program) grant from the State as less visible (but no less important) of Connecticut to assist with the drainage, slope and embankment completion of site improvements protection. for the expanded campus at Bush- These improvements will restore Holley Historic Site. According the site’s bucolic character as a to the Office of Policy and The Honorable Dannel Malloy, Governor of park amenity for public enjoyment, Management, STEAP funds Connecticut, with the Greenwich Historical Society’s increase green space and make the economic development, community Curator of Education Anna Greco (left) and former museum more accessible to the conservation and quality-of-life Director of Development Katrina Dorsey (right) in thousands of schoolchildren who capital projects to “preserve the Hartford on April 13, 2018, after the state voted to annually visit as part of their school historical integrity and beauty of our award the STEAP Grant to the Historical Society. curricula. n
Royce Gift of Hassam Painting to Grace Bush-Holley House
Childe Hassam (1859–1935) The Royces’ purchase originally produced several works set in the marked the 2005 launch of the dining room of Bush-Holley House Historical Society’s Promised during his sojourns in Cos Cob, and Gift Program, which furthers one, an oil-on-panel painting of the Historical Society’s collecting Josephine Holley dated 1912, has now objectives by allowing donors to been returned to its original setting. agree to give, at a specified future Thanks to a generous gift by Deborah date, artwork or other material gifts and Chuck Royce, the painting connected to the history of Bush- (thought to be painted on the lid of Holley House and Greenwich. a cigar box) will join “The Writing Those interested in making a Desk,” an etching picturing Hassam’s donation to The Promised Gift wife Maude, in the same room. Our Program should contact Executive deepest thanks to the Royces for this Chuck and Deborah Royce, flanked by art historian Director & CEO Debra Mecky at important gift as well as for their and former Board Chairman Susan Larkin and [email protected] or longtime support. Executive Director & CEO Debra Mecky call 203-869-6899. n
Library & Archives: Preparation for Move Well Under Way
n our last issue, we noted that the Library & Archives is closed to public visits so that staff can pack for its move to new and improved quarters over the summer. Says Curator of Library & Archives Christopher Shields, I“We are now finishing up with the process of rehousing collection material and are beginning the mapping of collections to specific shelves in the new archives vault. “It will be exciting to be able to locate all related collection material together in the new space. The space shortage in our current building has sometimes meant that collection material needed to be separated to fit.” n
Curator of Library & Archives Christopher Shields and assistant Daryn Reyman-Lock in the midst of packing NEWS & PROGRAMS | JULY–AUGUST 2018