The Salmon Brook Historical Society’s well-attended and historic annual meeting on April 21, highlighted leadership elections, major organizational changes and the public display of the Town of Granby time capsule for the first time.
Granby Selectman Mark Neumann was elected to his first term on the society’s board of directors, joining a leadership team focused on preserving and strengthening Granby’s rich historical legacy for future generations.
Four current directors were re-elected to second terms: Cathie Willis, Philip Marshall, Todd Vibert and Rich Zlotnick.
The society also recognized and thanked five retiring board members Kathy Morgan, Peg Giles, John Horr, Peter Taylor and Dave Laun, for their years of dedicated service and commitment to preserving Granby’s history.
The following officers agreed to continue serving and were nominated for reappointment for the 2026–27 term: Treasurer Lynn Lochhead, Secretary Karen Antonucci, Curator Martha Miller and Archivist Sarah Langdon
Members unanimously approved significant bylaw changes to modernize and strengthen the organization for the future. The amendments reduce the board of directors from 16 to 12 members and centralize day-to-day operations under an executive director who reports directly to the board. Leaders noted that the governance changes are intended to improve organizational efficiency, strengthen long-term planning, and better position the historical society to preserve Granby’s historical collections, buildings, archives and educational mission for decades to come.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the initial public display of the Town of Granby time capsule. The time capsule is a unique snapshot of community life and a symbol of the town’s commitment to remembering and preserving its shared history. It will be buried during a special public ceremony on Sunday, July 26, at 4 p.m. on the main campus of the Salmon Brook Historical Society, 208 Salmon Brook Street. It will be opened in 2076 during America’s Tricentennial celebration.
The evening’s keynote speaker was Michael Campbell, immediate past executive director of the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford. Campbell delivered a captivating presentation filled with behind-the-scenes stories and intriguing insights into one of Connecticut’s most treasured cultural institutions. His remarks highlighted the importance of preserving local history and the role historical organizations play in connecting communities to their past.
Society leaders emphasize that preserving local history is essential not only for honoring the past but also for helping future generations understand the people, traditions, agriculture, institutions and civic spirit that shaped the unique heritage of the Town of Granby and continues to play a vital role in protecting those stories and artifacts.