BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robin joined the Board in 2020, as the Publicity Chair, and then served as the Ways & Means Chair, before also becoming President in 2025, while continuing to operate in her Committee Chair roles. She has lived in Short Beach for more than 25 years, and is currently the State Representative for the 102nd district. She was inducted into the 2019 Branford Education Hall of Fame for her tireless efforts in improving education in Branford and serves in numerous health, education, and civic organizations.

Matt has been on the Board since 2016, initially serving on the Publicity Committee before serving as President from 2017-2025. Since 2026, he has served as a Board-Member-At-Large. Matt was born in Rhode Island and raised in Branford, attending Branford public schools and the University of Virginia. He majored in History and International Relations while participating as a midshipman in the United States Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. Upon graduation, he was commissioned Ensign and entered the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet as an officer on the guided-missile destroyer U.S.S. Richard E. Byrd and then transferred to the destroyer U.S.S. Caron, where he earned designation as a Surface Warfare Officer. During his active-duty period, he visited (in alphabetical, not chronological, order) the countries listed below [1]. However, his favorite places to explore history and culture are New England and the western states of the U.S. He volunteers at Trinity Episcopal Church of Branford and for Parker Memorial Park. His mother, the late Elizabeth “Tish” Radulski, was active in the Branford Historical Society and was the co-transcriptionist and co-editor (with the late Betty Linsley) of The Diary of Malachi Linsley – the manuscript of which was discovered, forgotten, in the Horace Lanphier house on Harbor Street where Matt grew up and now resides. Matt was given an Honorary Member Award at the Annual Meeting in May 2025.
[1] Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Aruba, the Bahamas, Bahrain, Chile, Cuba (at Guantanamo Bay), Curacao, Ecuador, Egypt, Grand Cayman, Israel, Italy, Panama, Peru, St. Croix, and Venezuela

Ginny joined the Board in 2011, serving as Accessions Chair from 2011-2013, and President from 2013-2017. She is a lifelong resident of Branford. Among many other contributions, Ginny helped create the Society’s first website, and was the driving force behind the purchase of the Harrison House in 2016, which saved the historic home for future generations. Ginny was given an Honorary Member Award at the Annual Meeting in May 2019.

Mike served on the Board 2008-2026, making him one of the longest serving members of the Board of Directors in the Society’s history. For 18 years he served as Programs Chair and then as Membership Chair. He was a lifelong resident of Branford until 2017, and currently lives in North Haven. He loves Branford history and seeks to pass on that interest to others. Mike was given an Honorary Member Award at the Annual Meeting in April 2026.

Josh served on the Board from 2015-2026, originally as Membership Chair and then as Treasurer for many years. He is a lifelong Branford resident, and has a deep love of history and passion for his hometown.

Joe served on the Board from 2013-2024, originally as Guides Chair for the Harrison House Tours, and then as the House & Grounds Chair, before becoming Assistant Treasurer for many years. He is a descendant of William Swaine who was one of the original settlers of Branford in 1644. Joe earned his M.S. degree from the University of New Haven and is a retiree of AT&T. He currently serves as an At-Large Member. Joe was given an Honorary Member Award at the Annual Meeting in May 2022.

Nancy served on the Board in the early 2000’s, as Recording Secretary. She was a lifelong resident of Branford, and worked for WTNH for 40 years. Her father, Dr. Charles Gaylord operated a medical practice office out of their home on South Main Street in Branford for many years.

Martha served on the Board in the early 2000s, as Preservation of Historic Structures and Landmarks Committee Chair and Publicity Chair. She was instrumental in preserving the Wyllys Russel House.

Winnifred was a long time member and served on the Board at various times between 1978 and the early 2000’s, as Grounds Chair, Assistant Treasurer, Annual Dinner Chair, Strawberry Festival Chair, and in many other roles . She was responsible for planting the herb and colonial gardens behind the Harrison House, and she was also instrumental in creating the partnership with the Branford Garden Club and in the Cenotaph Restoration Project. Winnifred was given an Honorary Member Award at the Annual Meeting in spring 2004.

Jeanne served on the Board in the 2000’s, as Membership Chair, and was pivotal in the printing of the Society’s newsletters.

Priscilla seved on the Board from 1978 to 2005 as Acessions Chair and Corresponding Secretary. Priscilla was given an Honorary Member Award at the Annual Meeting in spring 2003.