Can you tell us about your background and what attracted you to the Ridgefield Historical Society?
I have over forty years experience as a Construction Project Manager and felt with my recent retirement I might be of some service to my community by volunteering. I’ve always had a great love of history, particularly Ridgefield’s rich colonial history and was on the RHS website and saw there was an opening in the field of building and property maintenance so I thought it would be a good fit.
How long have you lived in Ridgefield and what brought you here?
I moved to Ridgefield as a teenager in 1974 with my family. I remember the prior owner of the farmhouse we bought on Ridgebury Road telling the story of the British marching past the property back during the American Revolution. I found that really fascinating as this was the time leading up to our Country’s Bicentennial and all things from that period were rediscovered and celebrated.
What is your area of focus on the Board of Directors at the Historical Society?
My focus will be with the maintenance of the Society’s buildings and properties. As the Old Branchville School will soon be transferred to the Society’s care, I am excited to help develop a construction budget for the restoration project.
What is your favorite era of history? Is there a particular historical person, event, or topic you’re most interested in?
I like American Colonial history because it’s very much a part of the place where I live, but I really like the history of classical Rome. I even found time to write a historical novel about Caesar’s conquest of Gaul.
What other interests do you have?
I love the outdoors and hiking. I recently finished a 2,200 mile hike of the Appalachian Trail.
