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NSCDA–CT COMMITTEES 2009-10All members are urged to participate in the activities of the Society by serving on one of thesecommittees. Training, expertise or experience in the field of a committee’s work is especiallyhelpful and welcome, but not necessary.AUDIT COMMITTEEMrs. Robert A. Hicks, ChairMrs. Loftus T. JestinMr. Donald PetersonThe Audit Committee is responsible for choosing and overseeing the accounting firm to performthe annual audit of the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum and the NSCDA-CT.COLLECTIONS COMMITTEEMrs. John F. Reynolds III, ChairThe Collections Committee is responsible for reviewing acquisitions and/or the de-accession ofobjects from the collections. They also work with the Executive Director and the PropertiesCommittee in plans for the restoration and/or the reinterpretation of the Interiors of the Webb,Deane and Stevens houses.DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEEMrs. Anne Bingham Pierson, M.D. , ChairMrs. Philip Rowley, Vice-ChairMrs. John P. CookeMrs. James E. KernanMrs. N. Alexander MacCollMrs. John B. NolanMrs. Josiah G. VenterThe responsibilities of the Development Committee have been expanded in order to better meetthe growing challenges that present themselves as we prepare and plan for the future of theWebb-Deane-Stevens Museum. There are four parts to our plan for the future:1.2.3.4.10EndowmentFundraisingAnnual Campaign for operating expensesBuilding Campaign

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMrs. John P. Cooke, PresidentMrs. James E. Kernan, 1st Vice PresidentMrs. J. Bartley Given III, 2nd Vice PresidentMrs. Anne Bingham Pierson, M. D., 3rd Vice PresidentMrs. Robert O. Y. Warren, Co- Recording SecretaryMrs. Denis Brian Flynn, Co- Recording SecretaryMrs. Loftus T. Jestin, Corresponding SecretaryMrs. Stuart H. Clement, Jr., TreasurerThe Executive Committee, which includes past Presidents of the NSCDA-CT, manages theaffairs of the Society and the Museum between Board meetings, submitting any actions taken tothe Board for ratification. It reviews the Society’s strategic plan, develops the Museum’s annualoperational plan and recommends both to the Board for approval. Additionally, it monitors therelationship between Board and staff members.FINANCE COMMITTEEMrs. James E. Kernan, ChairMrs. Stuart H. Clement, Jr., TreasurerMrs. Henry Wilde Estabrook, Assistant TreasurerMrs. Susan Green Foote, Treasurer EmeritaMrs. Robert A. HicksMrs. Loftus T. JestinMrs. Samuel D. ParkinsonMrs. Anne Bingham Pierson, M.D.Mrs. Charles N. Schenck IIIMrs. Josiah G. VenterThe Finance Committee is responsible for the Society’s and the Museum’s financial welfare. Itselects and monitors the performance of the Investment Advisor. It reviews and recommendsthe Society’s and the Museum’s annual operating budgets to the Board for approval.GROUNDS COMMITTEEMrs. Agnew Allen Talcott, Co-ChairMrs. Walter H. Hart, Co-ChairMrs. Orville Elias BabcockMrs. Christopher B. CarrollMs. Nancy S. DubleMrs. Glenn KillianMrs. Anne B. Pierson, M.D.Mrs. Samuel D. ParkinsonMs. Karen StetlerMembers of the Grounds Committee are encouraged to participate in Garden Angel workdaysand outings.11

GARDEN ANGELSElizabeth Bell, Master GardenerRose Riley, Master GardenerAnn Foley, Staff Member /Garden Volunteer CoordinatorCindy BrownDot BurwellMartina CacioliPaul CourchaineEdward & Barbara DaltonAmy Dalton-KayAnn FoleyIsabel FreitasSandra GinesCarol GouletteJanet HansenCarol JonesAmy LawsonJayne LawsonPatricia MarksAnne MayoLynn OlsonCynthia OuelletteAnne B. PiersonRichard PrenticeHelena ReillyAnita SkellyMartha SmartKaren StetlerKatie SullivanShirley TalcottFil VincenzoJean WilliamsMembership in the Garden Angels is open to all members of the Museum as well as tocommunity members. The Angels help to maintain the Amy Cogswell Colonial Revival Gardenand Stevens House herb garden under the supervision of the Master Gardeners. The schedulefor workdays will be posted in the calendar section of the Museum web page at www.webbdeane-stevens.orgHISTORICAL ACTIVITIES COMMITTEEMrs. Arthur Phillips Sultan, ChairMrs. Charles Edgar AyssehMrs. Neale HutchesonMs. Catherine G. McChordMrs. David H. MeansMrs. Sarah Babst ParsonsMrs. Valerian Lubomir PuskarMrs. Eric Prettyman RichardsThe Historical Activities Committee works in the field of research, preservation, restoration andeducation to collect and preserve manuscripts, traditions and relics in Connecticut. During200506, the Committee coordinated the symposium and the celebration of the 225th anniversaryof Washington and Rochambeau’s strategic meeting at the Webb House in May 1781.LIBRARY COMMITTEEMs. Karen Stetler, ChairThe Library Committee, in consultation with the staff, will recommend additions to the ReferenceLibrary.12

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEEMrs. Marian K. Browning, ChairMrs. John CallanDr. Katherine Prescott HoldenMrs. Loftus T. JestinMrs James E. KernanMrs. William H. RussellMs. Karen StetlerMrs. John Richard WagnerThe Membership Committee encourages members in the Connecticut Society to seek out andpropose candidates for membership in the NSCDA-CT and in the WDS Museum. TheCommittee will make plans to interest new members in the Society and the Museum, and tointergate them into the Society and Museum activities.MUSEUM BUILDING COMMITTEE (AD HOC)Mrs. John P. CookeMrs. James E. KernanMrs. J. Bartley Given IIIMrs. Philip C. RowleyMrs. Josiah VenterNOMINATING COMMITTEEMrs. J. Bartley Given III, ChairMrs. Dirck BarhydtMrs. Marian K. BrowningMrs. Christopher CarrollMrs. Robert Lee CaulfieldMrs. Henry W. EstabrookMrs. Calvert ThomasMrs. Robert O. Y. WarrenThe Nominating Committee prepares and presents to the Board a slate of officers andmanagers for election at the annual meeting.COMMITTEE TO NOMINATE THE NOMINATING COMMITTEEMrs. Dirck BarhydtMrs. Robert A. HicksMrs. Anne B. Pierson, M.D.13

PATRIOTIC SERVICE COMMITTEEMrs. William Chittenden, Jr., ChairMrs. Charles Edgar AyssehMrs. Christopher CarrollMrs. Robert A. HicksMrs. Michael H. MuellerMrs. William H. RussellThe Patriotic Service Committee works primarily in the field of education to stimulate a spirit ofpatriotism and to create interest in our Colonial history. The Committee will review and discussthe mix of educational programs proposed by the Museum’s Educational staff.PROPERTIES COMMITTEEMrs. J. Bartley Given III, Co-chairMrs. C. Newton Schenck, III, Co-chairMrs. Christopher B. CarrollMrs. Jared I. EdwardsMrs. Robert A. HicksMrs. James E. KernanMrs. N. Alexander MacColl, Jr.Ms. Patricia Paull NewsomMrs. John S. Reynolds IIIMrs. Agnew Allen TalcottMrs. Josiah VenterThe Properties Committee, in consultation with the Museum Director and appropriate specialtyprofessionals, is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of the buildings and grounds.As plans for a new building remain on hold awaiting a more stable financial climate, further workon restoration and interpretation of the exterior and interior of Webb House will continue.THE SILAS DEANE HOUSE (1766)This two-story gable roofed house was built about 1770 for Silas Deane, a lawyer andWethersfield’s representative to the Connecticut Colonial Assembly. The house, which includesa large entrance hall, dining room and kitchen, as well as a chamber that could be used fordancing, was custom-built for entertaining. During the Revolution, Silas Deane was appointed toserve in several high positions and is credited with notable accomplishments here and abroadbut not without controversy.THE ISAAC STEVENS HOUSE (1789)This two-story center hall house was built for leatherworker, Isaac Stevens, who married SarahWright in 1789. They did not have servants. The family furnishings that came with the houseprovide the setting for an early 19th century interpretation of family life, including exhibits anddiscussion of the woman’s role as mother, nurse, cook, and housekeeper. The toy exhibit is apopular highlight.14

THE JOSEPH WEBB HOUSE (1752)Judah Wright framed this three and one half story, gambrel-roofed house for merchant JosephWebb and his wife Mehitable Nott in 1752. When Joseph died in 1761, there were six children.The oldest son, Joseph, Jr., who inherited the house, married Abigail Chester in 1774. Thehouse served as the American headquarters during a strategic meeting in May 1781 betweenGeneral George Washington and the Comte de Rochambeau. Their joint military campaignculminated in a decisive victory at Yorktown, Virginia that year.PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEEMrs. Loftus T. Jestin, ChairMrs. Calvert Thomas, AssistantMrs. Robert L. CaulfieldMrs. Samuel D. ParkinsonMs. M. Tracy Everson, Newsletter EditorThe Publications Committee, with the help of the staff, is responsible for editing, printing andmailing The Directory, and the Dames and Friends NewslettersREGISTRAR’S COMMITTEEMrs. N. Alexander MacColl, Jr., RegistrarDr. Katherine Holden, Assistant RegistrarMrs. Samuel D. Parkinson, Registrar for Associate StatesThe National Society has created an Index of Documented Descendants Lineage (IDDL).Access, www.nscda.org; user name dame; password: badge. Access for Dames only: username: registrar; password: objects.SOCIAL COMMITTEEMrs. Calvert Thomas, ChairDr. Cornelia W. Hamilton, Assistant ChairMrs. Susan FooteThe Social Committee makes all arrangements for the Annual and Semi-Annual meetings, forall meetings honoring special guests, and for all other meetings of the membership, except thearea meetings. Members of this committee serve as hostesses at these meetings.15

THE AREAS COMMITTEEMrs. William H. Russell, ChairArea 1:Area 2:Area 3:Area 4:Area 5:Area 6:Mrs. Dirck Barhydt, WatertownMrs. Lucian D. Warner, WoodburyMrs. William H. Russell, West HartfordMs. Karen Stetler, WethersfieldMrs. Neale C. Hutcheson, New CanaanMs. Nancy Duble, HamdenMrs. Henry W. Estabrook, HamdenMrs. Glenn Killian, East LymeMrs. Anne D. Shepard, East LymeThe Areas Committees have an important role in keeping members within each area advisedof coming events and enlisting help for Society projects. Additionally they share, in rotation, theresponsibility for making all arrangements for luncheon meetings. There are two of theseluncheons annually.AREAS MAP16

AREAS DIVISIONSArea 1 – WesternBethelBethanyBethlehemCanaanCornwall BridgeDanburyFalls ewtownArea 2 – ySharonSouthburyTorringtonWashington DepotWatertownWest ReddingWoodburyNorth GranbySimsburySuffieldTollandWest HartfordWindsorArea 3 – CentralCheshireGlastonburyPortlandSouth GlastonburyWallingfordWethersfieldArea 4- SouthwesternCos CobDarienFairfieldGreens FarmsGreenwichNew CanaanArea 5 - New HavenBranfordGuilfordHamdenNew HavenNorth BranfordNorth HavenArea 6 - SoutheasternChesterClintonEast LymeEssexLisbonLymeMadisonMystic17NorwalkOld GreenwichRiversideSouthportStamfordWestportWilton

2009-2010 Historian’s ReportThe National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Connecticut sendscordial greetings to the officers of the National Society and to members of State Societies, withgrateful acknowledgement of the invitations, reports and newsletters received.Under the continuing, and very capable, leadership of President Torrey Cooke and the Board ofManagers, the Connecticut Dames made the most of their resources during this banner year.Because of a difficult national economy, efforts had begun the previous year to conservefinances and to lower expectations as to those goals that could be achieved. Withperseverance on the part of the Dames, and the un-wavering support of Museum DirectorCharles Lyle and his staff, strides were made on many fronts. Revenues from museumoperations in 2009 were up significantly over 2008, as was museum attendance. TheWashington Bedchamber was restored, down to the original faux cedar graining of thewoodwork. Included in this project were new bed hangings, new upholstery on the wing andtwo side chairs, reproduction flocked wallpaper, and the installation of conservation LEDlighting. The exterior siding of the Webb House was repaired, as necessary, and re-painted.Because there was not enough structural or documentary evidence to restore the House to its1752 appearance, and National and State Historic Preservation Standards discouragehypothetical reconstruction, an 1832 drawing by John Barber was used as the basis forrestoration. These undertakings required extensive research and were funded by monies fromthe Save America’s Treasures grant and a matching grant from the Connecticut Commission onCulture and Tourism.During the fall and winter, there were special events commemorating the holidays – those withHalloween related themes as well as the Christmas gala and festive holiday tours of the houses.In the spring, the second annual Revolutionary War encampment was held in May. Excellentpublicity and “word of mouth” resulted in large numbers of participants for all events. It shouldbe noted that there were special guests this year as well. The Walpole Society, consisting of 25distinguished curators and collectors, visited in May as did over 100 members of the Society ofthe Cincinnati, along with a number of individuals from the Society’s French divisionDevelopment Committee Chair, Judy Rowley, spearheaded the Tags and Treasures sale thisyear. The final profit was estimated to be about 13,500.00. Area luncheon meetings wereorganized to collect items for this bi-annual event. These luncheons also served as anopportunity for prospective new members to become acquainted with the Connecticut Dames.Membership Chair Marian Browning worked with Areas Chair Mary Russell in this effort. TheDevelopment Committee took on a further fund raising project in June, a tour of several ofFarmington’s most architecturally significant homes. The Farmington House Tour was a uniqueopportunity to visit these privately owned historic houses. The tour was quite successful,making a profit of 2900. It is hoped that the Dames can sponsor similar such events in thefuture.18

Despite the tremendous strides made under the auspices of the Property Committee this year,2009-2010 may be remembered more as a year of loss than of triumph for this hardworkinggroup. Its beloved Chair, Anne Crofoot Kuckro, died in March. Dame Judy Rowley gave theeulogy for Anne at a Memorial Service held in the Webb Barn on April 1st. In it she noted that“Throughout her illness these past two years Anne continued to be involved with the Museum attending meetings, offering suggestions and ideas right up until five days before her death.Three words come to mind: Devoted, Steadfast and Heroic.” In recognition of her many effortson behalf of the Dames, Anne’s name is being placed on the Connecticut Roll of Honor. Herwisdom, her vision and her leadership will be greatly missed.Registrar Nancy MacColl reported that, as of June 1, 2010, membership in the Dames was 272.Added to the Register of Ancestors were as follows: Edward Culver, born 1653/54 in NewLondon, Connecticut and died in 1732 in Litchfield, Connecticut; Ebenezer Warner, born 1755 inWaterbury, Connecticut; and John Willey, born in 1732 and died in 1805 in East Haddam,Connecticut. Several new members were added this year, while others are in the process ofpreparing and submitting applications.Katherine Holden sent a welcoming letter andinformation packet to each of the new members.The incoming Chair of the Patriotic Services Committee, Penny Chittenden, reported that thePatriotic Services Scholarship had been awarded to Daniel Platt, a Masters Degree student atthe University of Connecticut. The scholarship is in the amount of 5000.Away from Wethersfield, the Dames toured Hill-Stead Museum and gardens in September, theStanton-Davis House in Stonington in April, and Philip Johnson’s “Glass House” in June. Alecture and lunch is planned for October 2010 at the Florence Griswold Museum featuring CarolHuber, a well-known collector and curator of Colonial school girl embroidery.In looking to the future, a woodland trail is being planned for the property behind the WebbDeane-Stevens Houses. A Horticultural Designer has been consulted and funds are beingraised for this effort. Dame Charbra Jestin has been working on the construction of a web sitefor the Dames. Those with computer access will be able to obtain numerous documents andinformation on-line. Those without computers will not be left out – the same information will besent to them via the U.S. Postal Service.As we look back on the year 2009-2010, we can be proud of what we achieved. We also oweour gratitude to Charles Lyle and his highly capable staff for their hard work. We can lookforward to the challenges ahead knowing that there is a great deal we can, and will, continue toaccomplish.Respectfully submitted,Marye T. Wagner, Historian19

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORYIf your name and address do not appear exactly as you would like, kindly call,email or write to Mrs. Joftus T. Jestin, Corresponding Secretary*Denotes Non-Resident Member Denotes Courtesy Member Denotes Life Member1455 *Adams, Mrs.Welles V. (Webster, Grace)3003 Gulf Shore Blvd, N., Apt. 304,Naples, FL 34103Webster, John (CT)Member since April 19771855 Alexander, Mrs. James (O’Reilly, Martha)123 Edgehill Road,New Haven, CT 06511Prather, Henry (PA)Member since February 2006860-529-3520w

Webb Deane Stevens Museum has been accredited by the American Association of Museums since 1974. CONNECTICUT ROLL OF HONOR Mrs. John Knox Bodel, Lakeville *Mrs. Ludlow S. Bull, Litchfield *Mrs. George C. Capen, Bloomfield Miss Sarah M. Ferguson, New Haven Mrs. J. Bartley Given III, West Hartford *Mrs. James L. Goodwin, Hartford