Leffingwell House Museum

President's Annual Report 2005-2006

Dear Friends,
Although winter is usually a quiet time at the Leffingwell Inn, we have had activities which give evidence that both the Museum and the Founders are awake and active even in the winter months!

In early December we had a reception at the Museum to "kick off" the fund raising drive for the David Greenleaf House next door to the Museum. The Mayor, Ben Lathrop, city officials and other friends gathered for light refreshments and a presentation by Stanley Maxim Lucas who showed the architectural plans. I was pleased with the enthusiasm expressed by our guests because they were all so supportive and really pleased to be with us for the evening.

As a result of that gathering, a number of guests and others have already made donations toward the Greenleaf House Project.

Early spring always brings a flurry of various activities. Beryl Fishbone and Desiree Pearson conducted a course through Norwich Adult Education, titled: "An Introduction to Museum Work." The participants were enthusiastic and may well be interested in being docents at the Museum.

On April 29th, the Founders hosted "A Conversation with Ben", with nationally renowned Jan Leighton portraying one of our most famous and beloved forefathers, Benjamin Franklin. We thank Sandra Brindamour for arranging this outstanding afternoon of history, humor, games and kite making.

Norwich Mayor Ben Lathrop came to welcome Ben Franklin to the city and to present him with a copy of Bill Stanley's book, "The 9-Mile Square" (and I, of course, pointed out the chapter on the Leffingwells and their home!) On May 2nd, Jay Deming and I returned Mayor Lathrop's visit when we joined a small, enthusiastic group at Norwich City Hall for the unveiling of Norwich's 350th Anniversary logo. June 6, 2009, is the actual date. The June 6th part is what traditionally has determined the date of the Annual Meeting of the Founders of Norwich, which falls on the "Wednesday closest to June 6th".

Through the summer there will be special activities at Leffingwell Inn that should be of real interest to children of all ages. Remember scrub boards and hand washing? An old fashioned wash day is set for July 22nd. Other days will feature candle making, wood carving, knot tying name just a few.

On June 10th, we will join Connecticut Open House Day, a state-wide event to celebrate our state's unique history and culture.

We look forward to a busy summer and hope to share it with our members and friends.

Respectfully submitted,
Ann-etta Cannon, President