Dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the history of Old Saybrook
Established in 1958
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Preservation Awards

Old Saybrook Historical Society Award for Achievement in Historic Preservation

The award recognizes projects, programs, policies or actions that make significant contributions to historic preservation in the Town of Old Saybrook. The goal is to keep history relevant to townspeople.

Eligibility: Any non-profit organization, government agency, business or individual(s) is eligible to receive the award. The selection will be related to the stewardship, actions, activities, or undertakings advance by the eligible organization

Frequency: The Award is conferred once a year. Announcement is made at the Annual Meeting. Nominations are made to the Board of Trustees in September and the vote takes place at the September Trustee Meeting.

There is a plaque at Town Hall listing the award recipients.

2020 Award

The Old Saybrook Historical Society is pleased to announce the 2020 “Award for Achievement in Historical Preservation” to the First Church of Christ in Saybrook.

Many projects, programs and actions that have and continue to make contributions to historic preservation in the Town of Old Saybrook were reviewed.  The First Church of Christ in Saybrook was selected for its longstanding leadership in historic preservation, stewardship of its facilities, items in its possession and South Green.  We specifically note the recent outside restoration/preservation painting program completed by the church.

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2019 Award

2019 Award honored Keith & Jane Bolles Saybrook Home which includes the Ambrose Whittelsey House.

The year’s recipients are Jane and Keith Bolles, of Saybrook Home, for their preservation and protection of the Ambrose Whittlesey Home, (1765&1799) 14 Main Street. The house is a rare example of architectural and cultural value to Old Saybrook. Even more so, the adaptive reuse of the structure serves to anchor and influence redevelopment of land at the intersection of
Main Street,.The House is an integral thread to the historic fabric of Main Street. The thoughtful expansion of Saybrook Home over the years has
reflected and maintained the architectural integrity of this early home. We will present a plaque for the House representing this award at an early spring ceremony.

Keith Bolles, upon receiving this award, stated: “We are thrilled. Anytime we are recognized for our accomplishments and efforts is very rewarding for us. We have enjoyed running our business out of this historic home for 42 years. It fits well with what we are doing here and we are honored to be recognized for helping to preserve the history of Old Saybrook”

2018 Award
Barbara Maynard - Preservation Awards

Back Row
Carl P. Fortuna, Jr. First Selectman | Norman Needleman State Senator | Marie McFarlin | Jane Montanaro Executive Director of CT Trust for Historic Preservation |  Devin Carney CT State Representative

Front Row
Barbara and George Maynard

Presentation of a Valley Forge Elm and bench, Saybrook Fort Monument Park, July 12, 2019 in honor of

Barbara J. Maynard

First Selectwoman 1974 – 1989
Lifetime Achievement in Historical Preservation Award

Presented by the
Old Saybrook Historical Society – October 18, 2018

  • Major organizer of 350th anniversary of founding of Old Saybrook
  • Acquisition of Saybrook Fort Monument Park from the State of Connecticut
  • Purchase of miniature golf course and Sandbar Restaurant (Vicki Duffy Pavilion) from Steffie Walters
  • Purchase of Kirtland House, now home of Family Youth Services
  • Purchase of Harvey’s Beach from Violet Harvey
  • Major contributor to publication of “faces and Places”
  • Active in establishing Wall of History, Action Library
  • Instrumental in having published “Glimpses of Saybrook in Colonial Days” by Harriet Chapman Chesebrough
  • Co-author of “Old Saybrook Postcard History”
  • Nurturer and Protector of Centennial Elms
  • Key organizer to save “The Preserve”
  • Notable use of historic photos for promoting political causes
  • Collector and contributor of Old Saybrook memorabilia
  • A Storehouse and promoter of local history and lore

2017 Award

Honored Carol and Stephen Huber for the protection of the Ferry Road Whittelsey House and grounds

2016 Award

Honored Herb & Sherry Clark for the protection and preservation of Bushnell Farm

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