New Haven – The Connecticut Chapter of the Mills Family Committee hosted its 41st annual reunion Sunday, drawing over 150 descendants from New Haven and beyond to celebrate a shared heritage that stretches back to a free mulatto farmer in Greenville, N.C.
Gathering in Faith and History
The day began with a service at St. Matthew’s UFWB Church on Dixwell Avenue, led by Pastor Kevin C. Hardy, a committee member and family relative. After the service, the skies cleared and the celebration moved to the backyard of David Moye Sr., where a festive meal of pineapple cake, collard greens, and hush puppies was shared.
Honoring Ancestors
Family members traced their lineage to Roland Mills, who owned a farm at Haddocks Crossroads in Greenville, North Carolina. Roland’s descendants, including the late Arnold Mills Sr., a farmer and landowner who donated land for a school in Pitt County, have long contributed to their communities as teachers, factory workers, police officers, and entrepreneurs.
Sean Hardy, a 29‑year veteran educator at Mauro‑Sheridan School and a central figure in the volunteer‑run committee, spoke on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven.” He highlighted new genealogical discoveries that helped relatives connect the dots of their family tree and shared personal reflections on feeling Arnold’s presence at the reunion.
Family Traditions and Community Impact
Hardy emphasized the importance of knowing one’s roots: “It’s very exciting to know where you come from, how you’re connected, and what our ancestors did to make us who we are today. Many were farmers, merchants, entrepreneurs, and teachers. Their hard work and values are passed down through each generation.”
The reunion also underscored the broader Mills family network, which periodically gathers in North Carolina with busloads of New Haveners, reinforcing ties across state lines and celebrating the contributions of a family that has helped shape the local workforce and civic life.
Looking Forward
As the Mills family continues to grow, the committee plans future reunions that will further strengthen bonds among descendants and preserve the stories of those who built the foundations of New Haven’s neighborhoods. The event serves as a reminder that family heritage and community service remain intertwined, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose for generations to come.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
