07/02/2025
Sasquanaug Conservancy for Southport
• Connecting Our Past with Our Future •
Southport Conservancy and Sasquanaug Association merge
to forge new entity dedicated to historic preservation,
environmental stewardship and civic improvement
Southport, CT, July 2, 2025
Two of Southport’s non-profit community groups have
officially joined forces in a merger approved in a unanimous vote by the members of
both associations. The carefully deliberated decision to bring together the two groups
was fueled by the need to combine collective energies and resources to shore up their
shared mandate to protect and preserve the community and avoid redundancy. Both
the Sasquanaug and the Conservancy have collaborated for years as advocates for
Southport residents, including lobbying for the Town’s historic bluestone sidewalk
restoration, acting as liaisons on proposed housing developments, and (most recently)
as active intervenors in the ongoing UI Docket 516 battle.
This milestone merger poises the group to double down on their mission and mandate:
o Preserving the historic character and beauty of Southport Village and its environs
o Promoting civic improvement, public engagement, and historically consistent
development
o Supporting community services such as zoning, safety, beautification, and
coordination of government resources.
The newly merged entity, The Sasquanaug Conservancy for Southport, is registered
as a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization and a new Board of Trustees, Executive
Committee and Advisory Council approved along with the union. The first public
meeting of the SCS is scheduled for November 2025, with all members and community
residents welcome to attend.
Pam Toner, co-president of the new Board of Trustees says “This merger unites the
Southport residents into one impactful force protecting our heritage and way of life” with
co-president Laura Becker Lawlor adding “we’re stronger and better than ever together-
--can’t wait to hit the 06890 ground running!”
The newly formed Sasquanaug Conservancy for Southport will be finalizing a new
website and communications over the summer; in the interim, new and renewing
members, prospective volunteers can join, donate and find information at
www.sasquanaug.org, and on Instagram and Facebook, as well as at
www.southportconservancy.org and on Instagram and
Facebook. Inquiries can be directed to [email protected] and
[email protected].
About the Sasquanaug Conservancy for Southport
In the early 1980’s, the Pequot School in the Village of Southport faced a serious threat of
intrusive commercial development into condominiums. In order to raise funds to purchase the
school property, which was built in 1914 on land that had been the home for Southport schools
since 1855, citizens of Southport and Fairfield established The Southport Conservancy in
1982. Since its founding, the Conservancy has evolved into a substantial preservation force in
the community.
The Sasquanaug Association for Southport Improvement was founded in 1887 by a group
of prominent local women seeking to improve and beautify Southport. At the time, Southport
was in a period of transition from a bustling shipping port to a more residential enclave.
Inspired by similar grass roots groups in New England, the founders raised money through
membership dues, bake sales and lawn parties to fund endeavors such as the installation and
maintenance of bluestone sidewalks and kerosene street lamps through the Village.
The Sasquanaug Conservancy for Southport is the deeded steward for historic properties
including The Southport School (formerly The Pequot School), The Sea Lodge, Robinson
Cottage (33 Main Street), along with conservation properties and nature preserves such as The
Southport Park, The Southport Village Park, The Wakeman-Lacey Preserve and irrigation of
Perry Green. The Conservancy was instrumental in restoring both the historic Freight Station
(1990) and also Ye Yacht Yard’s boathouse (2018). They recently completed a year-long
Beautification of Five Corners in the Village as well as The Sea Lodge, and in 2025 revived the
popular Southport Walking Tour ( Walking Tour) guided by one time Southport
resident Jason Robards as a 21st century tour on mobile devices. They have also published
Southport, The Architectural Legacy of a Connecticut Village, by Jan Cigliano and Ralph G.
Schwarz, and the quarterly Southport Packet Volumes I and II, all available for purchase at The
Lattice House and The Fairfield Women’s Exchange. Popular community events sponsored by
the Sasquanaug Conservancy for Southport include The Onion Fest ,The Blessing of the Fleet,
Parade, Holiday Cocoa+Cookies in the Village during Santa’s Visit, and always their sweet
signature--free ice cream!
