Impact: Legacy Society

Since Preservation Connecticut’s founding in 1976, many supporters have established planned gifts, large and small, to help build the organization’s endowment while creating lasting legacies that continue their philanthropic priorities.

Including Preservation Connecticut in your estate plan is one of the most important ways to support Connecticut’s historic resources. Donors who do so are designated as members of the Legacy Society and honored in Preservation Connecticut publications and events.

These leadership gifts have helped put Preservation Connecticut at the forefront of preserving, protecting, and promoting our state’s irreplaceable places.

Edward F. Gerber

“My entire life, I’ve been passionate about preserving historic buildings and places. I felt compelled to join Preservation Connecticut’s Legacy Society, as well as contribute during my lifetime, because Preservation Connecticut is the only statewide preservation organization and it needs individuals like me to support it. The Legacy Society allows me to be flexible in my estate planning by donating outright todfay and from my estate further down the road.”

Ed is a long-time member, Trustee, and supporter of Preservation Connecticut. As the owner of the Sturges-Wright house in Westport (1764), he understands historic preservation and stewardship firsthand. Ed elected to safeguard his home and its rich history with a Preservation Connecticut easement. He supports all of Connecticut’s vast historic resources as Chair of the Legacy Society.

Mary Jean Agostini

“Preservation of our historic structures and landscapes has always been an integral part of my life, beginning many years ago as a historic homeowner and growing to participating in the transfer of countless historic properties and using knowledge of historic homes to teach others who have an interest. Becoming a member of Preservation Connecticut’s Legacy Society was an easy choice to ensure there will be an organization that promotes and protects these treasures for future generations.”

Trustee Mary Jean Agostini is an expert in the sale and valuation of historic homes, working as a realtor for over 40 years. Joining the Legacy Society gives MJ the peace of mind that Connecticut’s historic assets will be around for many more years to come.

The Thomas Lyman House

This distinguished Georgian center-hall house was bequested to Preservation Connecticut. Built in the range of 1787 and 1798 by Thomas Lyman, part of one of Durham’s most prominent families, it remained in the family for nearly 200 years. Preservation Connecticut chose to sell the house to new owners, but placed an easement on the property to protect the exterior of the house from alterations and to prohibit subdivision of the lot, both with the intent of retaining the property’s historic character. The funds Preservation Connecticut received from the sale of the property were put towards the protection of other historic properties through a revolving loan fund.