Lauralton Hall Celebrates its Historic Designation

Administrators, teachers, students, alumni and honored guests celebrated the designation of on the National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 17 at the school’s High Street campus.

The rich history of meticulously restored and maintained buildings and grounds, coupled with pride in the educational institution housed there was apparent.

The 106-year-old school that started as a boarding school for girls grades K-12, is currently a day school for 462 girls grades 9-12.

Teachers Marilyn Cummings, Regina Moller and Pat Doerr greeted visitors as they entered the administrative building.

Cummings, a history teacher, has been at Lauralton Hall for 14 years; Moller, has been teaching French for 28 years; and Doerr has taught Spanish for 12 years.

“Part of the charm of the school is its tradition,” Moller said. “We keep up with the times while we honor traditions.”

The teachers spoke about the unique mix of current technology with respect for the past among students and teachers.

French teacher, Corinne Chace has been commuted from Wallingford to teach at Lauralton Hall for 25 years.

“This has always been a home,” she said. “I am very proud to be here.”

“This is an exciting event for the school and for the community,” said Principal Ann Pratson. “We are always happy to share our campus with the community.”

Guided and informal tours of the buildings, including the Carriage Barn that is slated for repair and reconstruction, took place during the event that ran from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A program was held at 2:30 p.m. in the school’s recently constructed gymnasium.

After a presentation by the Advanced Vocal Ensemble, Antoinette Iadarola, Ph.D., the school’s president, welcomed guests.

Patricia Sullivan, member of the Leadership Team, Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community, who delivered the Invocation and praised the school’s level of excellence and “high principles and goals.”

Eugenie Guterch, chairperson of Lauralton Hall Board of Trustees, greeted guests and thanked them for being part of the celebration.

Dr. Iadarola introduced U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-3rd), who was a boarding student and a graduate of Lauralton Hall.

DeLauro said: “The Sisters’ faith in us [students] provided us with the self-confidence to achieve.” She continued, praising the school as a place where "good values are nurtured. We were taught to be moral and compassionate.”

The lessons, she said, were “reach out, work hard and be whatever you want to be.”

DeLauro presented an official statement of congratulations to Iadarola from Gov. Dannel Malloy who named Sept. 17 Lauralton Hall Day in Connecticut.

Dr. Iadarola then introduced state Sen. Gayle Slossberg.

“This is a great day for Milford, for Connecticut and for the country,” Slossberg said.

“If you look around,” she said, “you will see why Lauralton Hall belongs on the Historic Register.”

The designation, she continued, “reminds us of the people who have lived here, worked here and studied here. It sends a powerful message to the women who are studying here today... and they will carry inspiration with them when they leave.”

Slossberg presented the official plaque of the National Historic Register to Dr. Iadarola.

Milford Mayor James Richetelli, whose two sisters studied at Lauralton Hall, spoke of the ties between the city’s history and the schools.

“Milford is proud of its historic heritage,” he said. “This designation, and Lauralton Hall, enhance Milford’s rich historic tradition,” he said.

Lauralton Hall senior Madeline Rudden, president of the Environmental Club, read an original poem "The Mansion’s Lessons.”

And Noel Ostrosky, president of the Class of 2012, read an original tribute “The Wonderful Irony of Our School.”