Historic Stonington

Fields of Gold Flower Show with the Stonington Garden Club
2025-04-11 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Captain Palmer House
Open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm on Friday, April 11th, Fields of Gold is a club flower show presented by members of the Stonington Garden Club, in celebration of the joyful harbinger of spring, the daffodil. The show’s schedule includes several classes each in floral design, horticulture, and photography. Noted gardener Ian Cooke will give a presentation at 2 PM that is open to all. Your visit won’t be complete until you take a walk through the cove side campus where Stonington Garden Club planted more than 3,000 daffodils in 2024.
This event is free and open to the public, but if you’d like to make a donation, please click here.

The Spring Fever of the Daffodil
2025-04-11 14:00 - 16:00 | The R. W. Woolworth Library & Research Center, 40 Palmer Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Join us on Friday, April 11th at 2pm in the RW Woolworth Library & Research Center for a presentation by world renowned English Horticulturalist, Ian Cooke as part of the Fields of Gold flower show, presented by Historic Stonington and the Stonington Garden Club.
Daffodils are the harbinger of spring for many, and their emergence is the sign of nature’s unrelenting optimism. In this presentation, Ian Cooke will explore the genus narcissus from early cultivation by the Romans to modern day cultural practices, and lots of stops along the way to uncover this remarkable plant.
Mr. Cooke’s work has taken from the vast estates of Connecticut’s Gold Coast to the greenhouses of Monrovia nurseries in California. He travels the world as a horticultural lecturer, and his Youtube channel Planted with Ian Cooke, features the world of plants and planting.
This program is free with admission to the Fields of Gold event, and the Captain Palmer House.

Pressed Petals: A Flower Pressing Workshop
2025-04-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Captain Palmer House
Discover the delicate art of preserving nature’s beauty in our Pressed Petals workshop.
Whether you are a nature lover, a crafting enthusiast, or just looking for a fun, relaxing experience at the museum, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, friends, and families in a creative way.
Materials will be included.

Rollie McKenna Community Photo Contest
2025-04-17 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-18 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-19 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-24 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-25 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
In an effort to preserve and celebrate the town’s artistic legacy, we are proud to present a community-wide photography contest. Named for portrait-photographer Rosalie “Rollie” McKenna, this annual photography contest is held to inspire new generations of photographers, as well as to continuously document our changing town by the people who live in it. We also hold this contest in memory of Rollie McKenna, who left a photographic legacy to Stonington and the world through her determination, creativity and passion for photography. May we always remember the path she forged for women in the arts.
The theme for 2025 is “Aging Gracefully”. Rollie was best known for her portrait photography, and her images of Stonington residents are some of our most requested materials in the archives of Historic Stonington. Before her death, Rollie McKenna was working on a project about aging artists called “Gleanings”, and this year’s theme is in honor of her unfinished work. Submitted photographs will be on display at the Lighthouse Museum in Stonington Borough from April 17th to the 27th, 2025. The museum will be open Thursday through Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. Admission is free, and winners are chosen by popular vote.

Historic Stonington and Beer'd Brewing Co. Trivia Night
2025-04-30 18:00 - 20:00 | The Velvet Mill, 22 Bayview Ave, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Historic Stonington and Beer’d Brewing Co. are partnering for a Trivia night! Tickets are $10.00 per person and $15.00 per person at the door. Trivia starts at 6:00 PM at the Velvet Mill! Don’t miss the chance to challenge yourself and have a great time with friends!

Traditional American Food and Its 19th Century New England Influencers
2025-05-08 18:00 - 19:30 | The La Grua Center, 32 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
In the first half of the nineteenth century, New England made a concerted effort to assert cultural leadership in the new American nation. Cookery wasn’t neglected in this campaign. New Englanders sought to encourage refinement of American manners and taste, and New England cookbooks played a big part in that effort. Connecticut had already led the way a few years earlier with Amelia Simmons’s publication in Hartford of American Cookery (1796), the first American cookbook. A number of American recipes and food terms made their print debut in American Cookery: pumpkin pie, squash pudding, cranberry sauce, molasses, Indian pudding, Johny cake, shortening, cookie, and the precursor of baking soda, called pearlash. Many of the dishes that first appeared in American Cookery are still enjoyed today.
In the second half of the nineteenth century, in response to industrialization and the arrival of the immigrant work force that industrialists recruited, regional leaders flipped the cultural coin and began to sentimentalize rustic rather than refined foods, thinking they were more emblematic of the colonial past. Although these “Colonial Revival” dishes were altered from the originals, often with the addition of lots of molasses, sugar, butter and cream, many of them also remain American favorites.
In their illustrated talk at the La Grua Center on May 8, 2025 at 6pm, Keith Stavely and Kathleen Fitzgerald will offer a guided tour of the once-celebrated dishes and culinary ideas that have influenced American cuisine. Their talk will be followed by a sample item from the Colonial Revival.

Keith Stavely and Kathleen Fitzgerald are the authors of America’s Founding Food (2004), Northern Hospitality (2011), and United Tastes (2017), which have become standard works in the field of food studies. They have contributed to the Proceedings of the Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery, The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets, and the noted British food history journal Petits Propos Culinaires. They have frequently spoken on New England and American foodways at historical societies, museums, libraries, and conferences, here and abroad. They live in Jamestown, Rhode Island.

Printmaking Workshop
2025-05-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Captain Palmer House
Monotype magic is happening at the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House, Saturday, May 24 at 10AM.
Come make one-of-a-kind prints where oops turns into art—no experience needed, just curiosity and a sense of fun.

We bring the ink, paper, and rollers.
You bring yourself (and maybe an apron).
You’ll leave with frame-worthy prints and ink-stained bragging rights.
Warning: Side effects may include sudden bursts of inspiration and a newfound love for rollers.

Limited spots—because even creativity needs a headcount.

Cook the Book at the Palmer House
2025-05-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Captain Palmer House
This month, the group will enjoy simple and delicious meals from celebrity chef Antoni Porowski’s Let’s Do Dinner. The gathering will be hosted by Historic Stonington at the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House in Stonington—40 Palmer Street, Stonington.

Cannon Ball Online Auction is Live!
2025-06-13 08:00 - 17:00 | CT
We got some real hotsy-totsy items in this year’s online auction in support of the 2025 Cannon Ball. From giggle water to a night in Manhattan with a private chauffeur – there’s surely something that will strike you as the cat’s pajamas! No glad rags required – just an internet connection and the will to win. Support Historic Stonington and win something nice for yourself in the process.
Our auction is new live – click the link below to join in on the fun!
cannonball2025.givesmart.com

Please note – the auction will remain live until Monday, June 30th.

Patterned Past: A decorative tile painting workshop
2025-06-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Captain Palmer House
Step into the past and create your own masterpiece! At Patterned Past, you will explore the beauty of historic ceramic designs – then make your own hand-painted tile to take home. You can use it as a coaster, trivet, keepsake, or a mini work of art!

The Cannon Ball!
2025-06-28 17:00 - 22:00 | Captain Palmer House
This year, we are excited to celebrate the 26th anniversary of our Cannon Ball Gala! Our theme, “Let’s Misbehave,” celebrates the roaring 20s, a time in history famous for its architecture, music, fashion, economic prosperity, and optimism. The 1920s saw the emergence of new artistic and cultural movements, leading to innovations in art, film, and music. In addition to advancements in medicine, science, and social work, the 1920s nurtured remarkable talent in the arts, literature, and sports.

For the first time, more Americans lived in cities than on farms. Between 1920 and 1929, the nation’s total wealth more than doubled, and the gross national product (GNP) expanded by 40 percent. This economic growth propelled many Americans into an affluent “consumer culture,” where people across the country were exposed to the same advertisements, purchased the same products, listened to the same music, and danced to the same styles. However, many Americans felt uneasy about this lively urban lifestyle, and the era of Prohibition led to more conflict than celebration. Nonetheless, for some, the Jazz Age of the 1920s was a time of excitement and joy.

In the words of the legendary Cole Porter, Let’s Misbehave!
Click Here for Tickets

Historic Stonington's Annual Meeting with Professor Seth Rockman
2025-07-13 16:00 - 18:00 | The La Grua Center, 32 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States

Captain N.B. Palmer House and Woolworth Library Closed
2025-08-08 00:00 - 23:59 | Captain Palmer House
Due to a private event, the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House and the Woolworth Library will be closed on Friday, August 8th.

Captain N.B. Palmer House closes at 1pm
2025-08-09 13:00 - 17:00 | Captain Palmer House
Due to a private event, the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House will close at 1pm on Saturday, August 9th. We appreciate your understanding. The Lighthouse Museum will remain open for regular operating hours.

What a Glorious Crash They Made: Musick of Connecticut's Revolution
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:00 | The La Grua Center, 32 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Admission is free to all. Come join us!

Dedication of Revolutionary America Plaque at the Lighthouse Museum
2025-08-30 10:00 - 10:30 | Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Please join the Abigail Hinman Chapter, NSDAR and Historic Stonington as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the first British naval attack on the Connecticut shore. On August 30, 1775, HMS Rose sailed into Stonington Harbor in search of cattle to provision the British troops. The Long Point patriots were ready to defend themselves, and with Queen Anne muskets were able to foil a landing party from HMS Rose. In turn, the British ship bombarded the town for many hours, but no white flag came, and Captain Sir James Wallace sailed away empty handed.

A short program will begin at 10am on the Lighthouse lawn. At its conclusion, a commemorative marker will be erected to forever document the bravery, loyalty and resilience of Stonington’s people against the British forces.

Special thanks to the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Great Hurricane of 1938 with Cherie Burns
2025-09-10 18:00 - 19:00 | The La Grua Center, 32 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
The Hurricane of 1938 was one of the most devastating storms to strike southern New England, arriving without warning in September. In The Great Hurricane: 1938, Cherie Burns traces the storm’s impact by interviewing survivors and collecting stories passed down through generations. Burns has been a feature journalist since 1975. Her work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, People, Glamour, New York, Sports Illustrated, Constitution and other publications. She now lives primarily in Taos, New Mexico and has spent summers in Nantucket for many years. In addition to her book, The Great Hurricane: 1938, she has also authored Diving for Starfish–The Jeweler, The Actress, The Heiress and One of the World’s Most Alluring Pieces of Jewelry; Searching for Beauty—The Life of Millicent Rogers, the American Heiress Who Taught the World About Style; Stepmotherhood—How to Survive Without Feeling Frustrated, Left Out or Wicked (Times Books).
Admission is Free.
Wednesday, September 10th at 6:00 PM.
This program will be held at the La Grua Center in Stonington.

Petal Pusher Greeting Card Workshop Linocut & Watercolor Art
2025-09-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Hosted by the Petal Pusher at the Lighthouse Museum
Greeting Card Workshop featuring Linocut & Watercolor Art
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 24, 6–8 PM
What’s Included:
Each participant will create 4 custom greeting cards with envelopes, using watercolor and linocut printing techniques. They get to take home their linoleum blocks & their cards.
We’ll provide all materials, samples, instructions, and guidance.
Gifts from us: 4 quarters to use in the vending machine + 1 limited-edition postcard per attendee.

Behind Stonington's Doors: Step Inside - A Walking Tour of Historic Homes Preview Party
2025-10-10 18:00 - 20:00 | TBA
Preview Party: Friday, October 10th, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Includes Tour Ticket)
Walking Tour: Saturday, October 11, 2025. Rain or Shine 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Behind Stonington's Door: Step Inside - A Walking Tour of Historic Homes
2025-10-11 10:00 - 16:00 | CT
Tickets are $40.00 in advance, $50.00 at the door.
Walking Tour: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Rain or Shine.

Deck the Walls Preview Party
2025-12-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Captain Palmer House
A kick-off to the holidays preview party for Deck the Walls, where you will have the exclusive opportunity to preview and purchase wreaths before the auction opens!
Captain N.B. Palmer House on December 4, 2025 6pm – 8pm

The Nightcap Before Christmas
2025-12-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Captain Palmer House
Join us for our annual holiday cocktail tasting – the Nightcap Before Christmas! On Wednesday, December 17th from 5pm to 7pm, at the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House.
Our Librarian Chelsea Mitchell will guide you through a tasting of drinks popular during the American Revolution.
Tickets are $25 each and are available on our website. Let’s party like its 1775!
Please note this event is 21+.
There are only 30 spots available for this very popular event, so be sure to reserve your tickets now!

Changing Course with author Peter J. Emanuel Jr.
2026-01-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Captain Palmer House
Looking for something to break up the dreary winter nights? Come join us for a fascinating talk with local author and historian, Peter J. Emanuel Jr. Some of you might recognize him as a former music and history teacher at the Williams School. Emanuel’s book, “Course Change” explores the role of the New London whaleship, Stonington, as it unwittingly becomes embroiled in an international conflict.
The Stonington, a whaleship from New London, Connecticut, is sailing a course for home after being at sea for more than three years. When it pulls into San Diego, California in September 1846 for food and supplies, the crew learns that war has broken out between the United States and Mexico. The town is under siege by Mexican forces, leaving the US inhabitants no escape route but the sea. In response to their desperate situation, the Stonington’s captain allows them to take refuge aboard his ship. Thus begins the first step in what would become the Stonington’s months-long tour of duty as a member of the US Navy’s Pacific Squadron.
Using the logbook of the whaleship Stonington together with other primary and secondary sources, historian Peter J. Emanuel, Jr. tells the story of a whaleship unlike any other in the annals of whaling. Sail along with the Stonington as it assists in the retaking of San Diego, then serves as a supply ship, a troop ship, and even a gun ship for the US Navy.
This program is free and open to the public. It takes place Thursday, January 22nd at 6pm at the Captain N.B. Palmer House.

Blood Chits, Short Snorters, and Nose Art: Robert Bindo Fain in the South Pacific
2026-03-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Mystic VFW, 60 Stonington Rd., Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
Join brothers John and Scott Fain on Wednesday, March 4th at 6pm at the Mystic VFW, for a presentation about their father, Robert Bindo Fain (1923-1991), and his experiences in the South Pacific during World War II. A Mystic native, Fain was drafted into the Army Air Forces and served on board a B-25 bomber. He flew in 57 missions and collected dozens of photographs, military records, and artifacts that tell the story of his experiences as a gunner in the South Pacific theater from 1943 until 1945. Many of these photographs depict “nose art”, decorative painting usually on the fuselage of World War II era airplanes, depicting women from popular culture. Fain was shot down twice and awarded the Purple Heart. He later worked for the Cottrell Company and as a machinist at Electric Boat.
Due to the graphic nature of the artwork shown and discussed in this program, we recommend this program for mature audiences only. You have been warned!

This event is free and open to the public, and is generously co-hosted by the Mystic VFW.
