Who We Are

Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc. (FOCS)

The Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc. (FOCS) was established more than 30 years ago to support the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. We are an all-volunteer organization led by a Board of Directors whose members bring diverse careers, talents, and interests. What unites us is a deep respect for Carl Sandburg’s legacy and pride in his family’s home at Connemara.

Our Mission

“To support and promote directly the historical, scientific, literary, educational, and interpretive activities of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site.“

We welcome all who want to join us in preserving and celebrating this local treasure.

Our Leadership Team

2025 Board of Directors

Elizabeth Christenbury

Beth Cook

Sandra Lyth

Karen Moore

Marcia Shaffer

Ellen Sugarman

Terri Wallace

John Wilkerson

Diane Smock

Officers

President, Ellen Sugarman

Vice President, Sandra Lyth

Secretary, Marcia Shaffer

Treasurer, John Wilkerson

What We Do

The Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc. helps to:

PROMOTE education initiatives and free children’s programming, plus enhanced park site visitor services, family-friendly special events, as well as unique historical, literary, and cultural education programs and traveling resource materials for teachers, students, and the visiting public.
PROTECT the Park’s unique cultural and literary artifacts, landscapes, and trails for all to access, share, and for future generations to enjoy.
PRESERVE the beautiful land, buildings, goat herd breeding program, botanical and horticultural assets of the Park for all to enjoy and for future generations.

Contact us

Who We Are

Our Leadership Team

What We Do

The Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc. helps to:

Keep in touch!