Dorothy Y. Armistead CSG #2

It is with great sorrow that we note the passing of a founding member of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists, Inc., Dorothy Y. Armistead, CSG # 2. At the inaugural meeting of the Society on April 20, 1968 in the auditorium of the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford, Dot’s presence was felt. She was the first member to sign-up, although member number, CSG # 1, was reserved to honor Donald Lines Jacobus.

Dorothy was born in Auburn, N.Y., May 19, 1919, the daughter of William and Elizabeth Simon Young. She died Jan. 21, 2006 in Madison, CT. She is survived by her husband, Donald A. Armistead, and her three sons, David, Douglas and Dwight.

Dorothy served on the first Board of Governors in 1968 and from 1979 to 2000. She was the President of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists in 1990 and 1991 and also served three terms as Vice President. Dorothy gave her energy with great enthusiasm to every task she undertook. She made important contributions to the creation of the organization and to its growth. With a pencil as sharp as her mind she was a force on the Editorial Committee and in the selection of the Annual Literary Award books.

At her “retirement from the Board” party on June 17, 2000, she endured a “roast” by the Board with good humor and was presented with an Honorary Member certificate. Of the five people so honored in the history of CSG, Dorothy was the only one who did not receive the award posthumously. Dot was not done after her “retirement” however. She continued to actively serve on the Editorial Board and to support CSG.

Dorothy graduated from Keuka College in 1940 and taught English in Union Springs, N.Y. She was active in many historical organizations. She was the Librarian for the New Haven Colony collection, Curator of the Martin-Mitchell Mansion Museum in Naperville, IL, Curator of the Henry Whitfield Museum in Guilford, CT and was active in the CT League of Historical Societies. She was active in her church as well as in historical and genealogical organizations and was well-known throughout the CT shoreline communities for teaching classes and seminars on genealogy.

We are grateful for her life and service. A memorial fund has been established in her honor and contributions can be made to the Connecticut Society of Genealogists, Inc. P.O. Box 435, Glastonbury, CT, 06033-0435.