Photo by William Crooks
Elsie Sullivan proudly displays her King Charles III Coronation Medal in her room at Grace Village, reflecting on a lifetime of contributions to arts and culture in the Eastern Townships
Upcoming ceremony to award more
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Grace Village resident Elsie Sullivan recently received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, an honour recognizing her exceptional contributions to arts and culture in the Eastern Townships. At 102 years old, Sullivan reflected on the recognition with pride and humility in a recent interview, noting, “Well, I feel quite proud. But it’s a little late in the day, except this is the first year it’s been given out.”
The medal, presented to 30,000 Canadians in 2024, celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on their communities or brought acclaim to the country through their achievements. While Sullivan’s medal was awarded earlier this year, an upcoming by invitation-only ceremony at the Lennoxville Golf Club on Jan. 16, 2025, will honour other local recipients of the same distinction. Among them will be Sharon McCully, publisher of The Record, who will be recognized for her contributions to local journalism and community service.
Sullivan’s medal serves as a capstone to a lifetime of dedication to preserving history and culture. She is perhaps best known for founding Marcil Museum in a historic house built in 1759, which she personally located and championed as an ideal site for showcasing the region’s heritage. “I found the house, did the whole thing, and became the director,” she said, recalling her early days with the project. Under her leadership, the museum earned accreditation from the Quebec government despite its modest size, a testament to its quality and the depth of its exhibits.
Although the museum closed last year after moving out of its historic home, Sullivan believes the original location was integral to its appeal. “To me, the old house was part of the exhibit,” she explained. Despite the closure, her work laid the foundation for continued appreciation of local history.
Beyond her museum work, Sullivan has been deeply involved in other cultural initiatives. She served as vice president of the board for the Colby-Curtis Museum and contributed exhibitions at the Georgeville Studio after retiring. Her passion for history also inspired her to write essays for the Eastern Townships Resource Centre, enriching the region’s documented history with her insights and expertise.
Sullivan’s life journey has been closely intertwined with the evolution of her community. Born in Ontario, she moved to Quebec in the 1950s when her husband joined Pratt & Whitney Aircraft during a period of growth in the aviation industry. She describes her life in the Eastern Townships as deeply fulfilling, particularly enjoying its landscapes and the sense of connection fostered by small-town living.
According to documents provided along with the award, the King Charles III Coronation Medal represents not only a recognition of past achievements but also a broader celebration of Canadian identity and its ties to the monarchy. Sullivan expressed a nuanced view of royalty, noting that while she is neither staunchly pro- nor anti-monarchy, she sees the institution as a unifying thread. “It’s like a golden line that goes right through Canada and back to England,” she reflected.
The Jan. 16 ceremony will provide an opportunity to highlight the contributions of other community members. Organized under the direction of local MP Marie-Claude Bibeau’s office, the event underscores the importance of grassroots efforts in shaping Canadian society. Attendees will include those whose efforts have spanned fields such as arts, media, education, and philanthropy.
Sullivan’s contributions stand as a shining example of how one person’s efforts can leave a lasting mark on a community. Her work has not only preserved the Eastern Townships’ rich history but also inspired others to engage with their cultural heritage. Reflecting on her legacy, Sullivan said, “I’ve done a lot. The exhibitions, the essays, the museum—it all added up.”
The King Charles III Coronation Medal program, administered by the Chancellery of Honours, was launched in 2024 as a way to recognize outstanding Canadians. Eligible recipients include those alive on May 6, 2023, the date of the King’s coronation. Medals are awarded across a range of fields, with a strong emphasis on community service and national impact. Sullivan’s achievements in arts and culture embody the spirit of this honour, serving as a reminder of the power of local initiatives in shaping a shared national identity.
As the ceremony approaches, the community continues to celebrate the accomplishments of its residents. Sullivan’s story exemplifies how dedication and passion can lead to recognition at the highest levels. Though she has already received her medal, the upcoming event at the Lennoxville Golf Club will offer another moment to reflect on the collective achievements of individuals like Sullivan, whose work continues to inspire and enrich the region.
From preserving the legacy of a historic house to fostering a deeper appreciation for the Eastern Townships’ history, Sullivan’s contributions resonate far beyond her immediate community. As she herself put it, “It was excellent.”