An Evening of Historical Proportions

As they strolled through the historic Gallaher Mansion’s oak-paneled rooms with stained glass windows, almost a hundred guests at “An Evening of Historical Proportions” sampled fine wines, enjoyed tasty hors d'oeuvres and vied for silent auction items that included artwork, jewelry and historic Norwalk artifacts. The Tudor Revival-style English fieldstone manor house in Cranbury Park was an ideal setting for the Norwalk Historical Society’s annual benefit on October 6.



Among the guests were State Senator Bob Duff of Norwalk, State Representative Gail Lavielle of Wilton, Norwalk City Clerk Andrew Garfunkel, Norwalk Recreation & Parks Director Michael Mocciae and former Norwalk Mayor William Collins. Holly Cuzzone and Celia Maddox from Friends of Cranbury Park related stories about the 1930 mansion’s history and plans for future renovations.



The event raised almost $5,000 and David Westmoreland, the Historical Society’s president, thanked attendees for their support during “a ground-breaking year when we have collaborated, revamped and enhanced our events and programming. This has been made possible by you and others who are passionate about history. The funds raised tonight will help us in our work of educating the public and preserving Norwalk’s rich history, with the goal of making it enjoyable and accessible to people of all ages.”



Westmoreland told guests that Historical Society plans for 2012 include moving into the renovated Smith Street Jail, which includes curatorial work spaces. Upcoming exhibits include Civil War artifacts from Norwalk collectors and “Flags of Our Fathers: A Short History of the American Flag,” a collection of U.S. flags.