Connecticut native Kay Abels has been a fixture and active participant in Ridgefield’s many notable institutions since 1968 when she and her husband Jerry first moved to town. Kay has been instrumental in the formation of the Ridgefield Historical Society, Museum in the Streets, the preservation and restoration of the Scott House, and has worked closely with Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center, the Lounsbury House, RVNAhealth, the Italian Americans Club, and Farmingville Elementary School.

While raising two children, daughter Susan, and son David, Kay found time for Board appointments of what was then known as the Lounsbury Community Center and served as President of the Ridgefield Woman’s Club. She worked closely with Ridgefield’s inaugural town historian Dick Venus and was appointed to the role upon Dick’s passing in 2006.  Kay has a strong interest in the historical records documenting Ridgefield’s past and counts as one of her many accomplishments being part of the Keeler Tavern team that identified over five thousand glass plate negatives of Ridgefield’s former leaders and early residents.

In the early 2000’s Kay was a founding member of the Ridgefield Toastmasters. In 2023, Kay was the recipient of the Thrown Stone New Connections Award for her work in bringing local history to life.