“Haviland in New England”, the 19th annual Haviland Collectors International Foundation conference, was held June 12th – 15th, 2008, at the Crowne Plaza Downtown Hotel in Hartford, Connecticut. A special room rate of $110.00 was available.

A special pre-conference tour to the Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain houses was held on Thursday June 12, 2008. A luncheon was served during the tour to the two houses. The Mark Twain house does have Haviland China. The dessert reception that opened the conference featured the nationally famous actor John Pogson as Mark Twain.

Featured sessions included “Hand Painted Haviland” by Debby DuBay, “Charles Field Haviland” by Nora Travis, and “Haviland in The Porcelain Museums of Limoges, France,” by Annick Moreau-Feunteun.

The conference was a wonderful experience that allowed attendees plenty of time to again visit with old friends and make new ones. A highlight of the weekend was the side trip to the Farmington Antique Show & Sale. Attendees piled into cars and left at the crack of dawn to be the first to wander the acres searching for antiques and collectibles of all kinds. Many who went found treasures, from a Haviland Fleurs Saxe pitcher, the shape of which was designed by Félix Bracquemond, to silver spoons, old tools and a walking stick containing a liquor flask in the handle.

Retiring HCIF board members John Beecher, Kathy Chanes, and Sharon Green were honored, as was Alice Pricer, who stepped down after three years as HCIF president but remains on the board. The results of the recent board election were announced. Jeff Ruggles and Anjanette Stoltz were reelected. Returning to the board after time away are Judy Baughman and Richard Rossman, and new member Nancy Bueche was elected. Karen Levin was elected as the new president. Also joining the board are two appointees who will be filling vacanct board positions, Bonnie Kline and Diana Lynn Seward.

Grace Graves, Dr. Robert Rorex and Dr. Wallace 'Maso' Tomasini were unanimously approved as HCIF Directors Emeritus. All original founders of HCIF, their contributions and guidance throughout the years have been, and continue to be, unmeasurable.

Our sincerest thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Hartford conference. We especially want to thank our conference chairpersons, Mary Ann and Ray Harrigan and Marguerite and Paul Ohland, for all of their efforts in organizing this outstanding conference.

We hope to see you next summer in Indianapolis. Come to an HCIF conference and find a friend for life.