Greenwich’s Susie Baker received the Historical Society’s 2024
David Ogilvy Preservation Award for exemplary dedication and commitment to environmental preservation in Greenwich.
The award was presented at the Historical Society’s annual meeting on September 18 at the Belle Haven Club.
A staunch environmentalist and founding member of the Greenwich Point Conservancy, Baker has for decades dedicated her time and energy to promoting and preserving the Greenwich waterfront.
Her legacy was formalized with the naming in 2014 of the Sue H. Baker Pavilion at Greenwich Point. The 4,000 sq ft dining deck and rebuilt concession stand has transformed the park experience for thousands who enjoy a meal there with its dramatic views of Long Island Sound.
Beloved and respected throughout town, Baker has boundless energy and an enthusiastic can-do attitude that she brings to anything she undertakes. Her love affair with the environment began in college where she studied biology and later marine biology, leading to a 25-year teaching career in marine biology and oceanography at Greenwich High School. Her aquatics coaching supported students interested in the Olympics and was instrumental in her being named to the Greenwich Aquatics Hall of Fame.
The passion and dedication Baker brought to her students extends to civic pursuits where she continues to share knowledge for the advancement of environmental and conservation causes. She serves on the board of Greenwich Point Conservancy and was a previous board member of SoundWaters, a non-profit dedicated to providing educational enrichment and access to Long Island Sound. Baker is also an active, supporting member of Greenwich Tree Conservancy, Greenwich Botanical Center and Greenwich Historical Society.
“Susie’s enormous accomplishments in conservation and the environment know no bounds,” said Debra Mecky, Historical Society Executive Director and CEO. “It is a privilege to present this award to her out of deep appreciation and gratitude for all she has done for Greenwich, and her support for Historical Society preservation and education programs.”
The David Ogilvy Preservation Award is Greenwich Historical Society’s highest individual honor, awarded when merited, for special achievement in recognition of major accomplishments or lifetime work dedicated to the advancement of preservation in Greenwich and beyond. Past awardees include David F. Ogilvy (posthumously 2020), Deborah and Chuck Royce (2022) and Russ and Barbara Reynolds (2023).
Connecticut State Representative Steve Meskers presented an official citation from the General Assembly in Baker’s honor, and Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo read a proclamation declaring
September 18, 2024 “Susie Baker Day.”
Ann Ogilvy presented the award, named for her late husband, to
Baker on behalf of the Historical Society’s Landmarks and Awards Committee and conducted a fireside chat with her on her accomplishments and vision for environmental preservation in Greenwich.
In her introduction Ogilvy remarked, “It is with much emotion that I recognize Susie tonight, knowing how closely she worked with David on many preservation projects dear to his heart.”