At a tented celebration in the lush gardens of the Historical Society’s new campus, Historical Society volunteers, Board of Directors, members and friends were feted with sumptuous food, cocktails and entertainment provided by the Historical Society’s new partner, Watson’s Catering & Events.
The annual celebration thanked volunteers took on new significance this year, with the October opening of the $13.5 million campus, and the strategic partnership with Watson’s to help establish the Historical Society as a prime site for events.
In expressing gratitude to its 140 volunteers, Historical Society Executive Director and CEO Debra Mecky said they helped preserve and interpret Greenwich history, and strengthen the Town’s connection to its past.
A ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award was presented to Jessica Studman Guff for her years of service, beginning in 2012 when she joined the Board of Trustees, serving as Vice Chairman of the Board from 2015 – 2018, and as Chair of the Exhibitions Committee from 2013 – 2018.
In presenting the award, Mecky, thanked her for her generous and enthusiastic support of programs and willingness to share her professional experience from her years at ABC Television, where she was a two-time Emmy Award-winning producer.
“Your guidance and leadership played an essential role in the Historical Society’s ability to serve the community with rich cultural experiences particularly through our exhibition programs these past few years, which included The Great War, Our Maritime History, The Inspiration of Japan, Jim and Jane Henson and the award-winning Jewish Experience in Greenwich,” Mecky said.
Greenwich native and history buff Jeffrey Jackson, who served as an intern in the Communications Department while a senior at Greenwich High School, was also recognized for his exemplary service in promoting campus activities through social media.
“We are particularly delighted when a young person demonstrates enthusiasm for Greenwich history through researching projects in our library and archives, becoming a docent or camp counselor, or interning with us,” said Mecky.
Campus gardens offer attractive party venue for Fairfield/Westchester events
In honor of their exclusive new partnership, Watson’s Catering & Events showcased why the Historical Society gardens and grounds provide a fabulous new Greenwich party venue for all types of celebrations, from corporate events, to birthday parties, weddings and bar mitzvahs.
Guests were treated to shucked oysters and other signature hors d’ oeuvres, and creative cocktails.
“Watson’s is very excited about our new partnership with the Greenwich Historical Society and looks forward to establishing the newly renovated space as a premiere event venue for any occasion,” said Susan Watson Scully, president of Watson’s Catering & Events, adding. “We already have several brides interested in the rustic barn and gorgeous grounds for their special day.”
The Historical Society gardens and landscaping are inspired by journals and paintings of members of the Cos Cob Impressionist Art Colony who lived, studied and worked on the grounds of the campus at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.