For Immediate Release
March 19, 2014
Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Press Contact: James Eckerle, Interim Director
860-443-2545 x113
Lyman Allyn Art Museum to Salute Admiral and Mrs. Robert J. Papp, Jr.
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum is pleased to announce the honorees for their 2014 Spring Gala will be Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr. and his wife, Linda. Admiral Papp, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard and his wife, are both natives of Connecticut. In recent years, Admiral Papp has been working to bring the vision of a national Coast Guard museum to reality and the current plan is to build the museum in New London, home of the Coast Guard Academy.
Admiral Papp is retiring from active duty on May 30 of this year. “The Lyman Allyn is pleased to honor Admiral Papp and his wife Linda in recognition of their life of service to their country – and to their local community” said Polly Merrill, Lyman Allyn Art Museum Board President. She added, “The Coast Guard Museum will have a significant impact on New London and area cultural attractions, and we look forward to working together in the future.”
Proceeds of the event will benefit the Lyman Allyn’s Yellow Bus Fund, which funds or subsidizes school field trips for New London County and Southeastern Connecticut schools. Last year, the Yellow Bus Fund brought over 4,500 children to the museum where they learned about the principles of art, the rich art history of Southeastern Connecticut and hands-on techniques for working in various media used in fine arts.
The Lyman Allyn Spring Gala will be held May 3. The theme of this year’s event is “Derby Day in New London.” Attendees will enjoy race-inspired cocktails and Southern style hors d’oeuvres, and shop a fantastic silent auction followed by dinner and Bluegrass Music provided by The Goodtime String Band. Tickets are available at www.lymanallyn.org.
For more information please contact James Eckerle at 860.443.2545, ext 113 or at eckerle@lymanallyn.org
Lyman Allyn Art Museum is a community-based museum located in New London, Connecticut. Founded in 1932 by Harriet Upson Allyn in memory of her father, Lyman Allyn, the museum serves the people of Southeastern Connecticut and admission is free to New London residents. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a non-profit organization with 501(c) 3 status. Housed in a handsome Neo-Classical building designed by Charles A. Platt, the permanent collection includes over 10,000 paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, furniture and decorative arts, with an emphasis on American and European art from the 17th through 20th centuries.
The museum is located at 625 Williams Street, New London, Connecticut, exit 83 off I-95. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sundays 1 – 5 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays. For more information call 860.443.2545, ext. 129 or visit us on Facebook or the web at: www.lymanallyn.org.