Ellen Burns and Darwin Ellis, long-time owners of Books on the Common, Ridgefield, Conn., were celebrated recently as the inaugural Keeler Icons, awarded by the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center to members of the community who have made lasting and meaningful contributions to the town.
"We were thrilled to honor Ellen and Darwin as our first-ever Keeler Icons and recognize the extraordinary work they've done for decades to build community and nurture our town's love of reading," said KTM&HC executive director Hildegard Grob.
Burns said, "We were honored to be named the inaugural Keeler Icons, and to gather with so many friends of the bookstore and supporters of Keeler Tavern Museum to celebrate the history and culture that bind us. In such a divided time in our country, it's even more important to focus our efforts to educate, challenge, engage, and yes, entertain our customers, patrons, and supporters. We hope to continue to do so for years to come."
Books on the Common celebrated its 40th year in business in 2024.
Pictured: (l.-r.) First Selectperson Rudy Marconi, state senator Julie Kushner, Darwin Ellis, Ellen Burns, state representative Savet Constantine, KTM&HC executive director Hildegard Grob, KTM&HC board president Sara Champion (photo: Katie Burton)