New London – New London native Sally Ryan, the city’s historian since 1988, has been named grand marshal of the New London St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“Ms. Ryan is an excellent choice, with her many years of service to New London she makes an excellent person to best represent and lead the parade as this year’s grand marshal,” said Sean Murray, chair of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

Ryan, who was born and raised in New London, attended St. Joseph’s School and Williams Memorial Institute. She attended the College of New Rochelle and returned to New London where she taught fourth grade at Edgerton School for 27 years. She retired in 1990.

She has volunteered at Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London Landmarks and New London County Historical Society, and leads walking tours of the Pequot Colony and downtown New London. She is the site administrator of the Hempstead House and teaches a six-week course in New London history at the Public Library.

The parade is scheduled for March 17 in downtown New London.