Historic Stonington

Switchel, Grog, & Flip: A Sampling of Revolutionary Refreshments
2021-09-28 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Captain Palmer House
Join us at the Palmer House on September 28th at 6pm for a sampling of revolutionary refreshments!

Were you ever curious about what cocktails were like in colonial times? Want to know what’s in a Syllabub or maybe a Stone Fence? You won’t want to miss this!

Tickets cost $10; members’ tickets cost $5.

Threads of History
2021-09-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Captain Palmer House
“Our quilts were more than useful, they had the faint sentimentality of a pressed flower. And no more beauty. We did not value them for their appearance, but for the memories in them, their good wearing qualities and the thrift they represented.” – Rose Wilder Lane

Calling all Quilters! From September 22nd to October 1st the Palmer House and Woolworth Library will feature a display of stunning quilts from our collection. This exhibit is included with the price of admission to the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House. Learn about the women of Stonington’s past, and marvel over their skill and dedication. You’ll be surprised at how vibrant the colors are, and walk away with a new appreciation of the artform.

Hike to the Venture Smith Homesite
2021-09-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington, Connecticut, 06378
Join us for a hike out to the Venture Smith homesite located in the Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Sunday, September 19th. This walk will be led by Dr. Nancy Steenburg, and is a great opportunity if you were not able to join the first tour we held on June 19th, 2021. Venture Smith was enslaved in Stonington in the years before the American Revolution, and not only purchased his own freedom, but that of his wife and children. Come along and learn about his extraordinary life, and the hidden history of slavery in our town.
This event is limited to members only, and a limited number of spaces are available. To register please email Chelsea Mitchell at library@stoningtonhistory.org.
If you need to inquire about your membership status, please email Maddie Mott at mmott@stoningtonhistory.org or call 860-535-8445 ext. 11
Details: The walk is approximately 1.5 miles in total, and does traverse uneven ground. Bathrooms are not available. The hike will leave from the Stewart Road trail head, where a small parking lot is available. Carpooling is recommended. Please dress appropriately.

From the Vault: In Sickness and In Health
2021-09-17 18:00 - 19:00 | The R. W. Woolworth Library & Research Center, 40 Palmer Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Join us for our next monthly installment of our new Members Event, From the Vault. This month we will be exploring the history of medicine in Stonington. Come to the Woolworth Library anytime between 6 and 7pm on Friday, September 17th and explore artifacts, photographs and archives. This is a please touch event, and we’d love to show you our collections that are rarely displayed for the public. Thumb through Dr. George Stanton’s record of births and deaths, in which he makes not so polite notes about the people of Stonington. Handle small glass bottles containing various medicinal powders and liquids from a 19th century Medicine Chest. Puzzle out the bizarre wire system in the Electrotherapy Machine. There’s so much to learn and explore, we hope to see you there!

The Cannon Ball
2021-09-11 | CT

Yoga at the Lighthouse
2021-09-08 10:30 - 11:30 | The Old Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Back by popular demand! Relax your mind, body and spirit with yoga on the beautiful Lighthouse lawn, taking in beautiful views of Little Narragansett Bay. Join instructor Chelsea Hauck of Bluebird Yoga, Wednesdays at 10:30am on the Lighthouse Lawn. All experience levels are welcome! Classes begin Wednesday September 8th and run to October 27th. If you’d like to drop in, classes are $10 each, or an 8 week pass is available at a 10% discount. Please register at https://chbluebirdyoga.com/the-lighthouse-museum. Parking is available at the point at the end of Water Street.
If you have questions, please email Chelsea Mitchell at cmitchell@stoningtonhistory.org.

History of the Norwich State Hospital
2021-08-24 18:00 | The La Grua Center, 32 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
The Stonington Historical Society presents a discussion with local author and historian Christine Rockledge-Philips about the history of the Norwich State Hospital, and mental illness in Connecticut. Ms. Rockledge-Philips has been researching and documenting the rich history of the NSH for nearly a decade, and has published two books on the subject. She will have limited quantities of her book, Images of America: Norwich State Hospital for sale. Join us at the LaGrua Center on Tuesday, August 24th at 6pm for this fascinating talk!

From the Vault
2021-08-20 18:00 - 19:00 | The R. W. Woolworth Library & Research Center, 40 Palmer Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Join the Director of the Woolworth Library Chelsea Mitchell for this members event. Drop in to 40 Palmer Street and see the hidden gems in our collection that are rarely, if ever, displayed to the public. This month’s objects are all about family history. Learn about the families and events that shaped Stonington, and get exclusive access to our collection of family photo albums. As an added bonus you can also learn tips and tricks about how to preserve your family photographs so future generations can enjoy your family legacy. Ms. Mitchell will also be giving a brief lesson in the handling of these materials before letting you interact with them. This is a “please touch” event!

This is a members-only event. Please call Maddie Mott, Development Associate, at 860-535-8445 ext. 11 or email her at mmott@stoningtonhistory.org if you have questions about your membership status.

Stonington's Sunken Treasures: Anchors, Cannons, Gold & Other Items We Didn't Find
2021-08-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Captain Palmer House
Join the Stonington Historical Society for a summary overview of our findings during the recent National Historic Battlefield grant project, generously funded by the National Park Service. Beginning in 2018, new historical research and both marine and terrestrial archeology were conducted in Stonington Borough and the harbor to determine if there was anything left to mark the infamous Battle of Stonington. Stonington High School history teacher, author and research team member Matt Binkowski will take us through what we found, and what we didn’t. This presentation will take place at the Palmer House on Tuesday, August 10th at 6pm.

Please direct any questions to Chelsea Mitchell at cmitchell@stoningtonhistory.org.

Yoga at the Lighthouse
2021-07-28 10:30 - 11:30, 2021-07-21 10:30 - 11:30, 2021-07-14 10:30 - 11:30, 2021-06-30 10:30 - 11:30, 2021-06-23 10:30 - 11:30, 2021-06-16 10:30 - 11:30 | The Old Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Join Chelsea Hauck of Bluebird Yoga for a calming start to your day, Wednesdays from June 2nd to July 28th. Classes begin at 10:30 am on the Lighthouse Lawn. Classes are $10 each. Registration is available here: https://chbluebirdyoga.com/the-lighthouse-museum

These classes are outdoors so please bring the following with you:

Your own mat
A towel or blanket to put under your mat (it is great to have extra padding)
A full water bottle
Any other props you personally use and might need
Sunscreen (just in case)
Bug spray (if you tend to be a tasty treat, bring it)
Mask (for walking to and fro)

Movie Night at the Lighthouse
2021-07-23 20:00 - 21:30 | The Old Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Join us for a movie night on the Lighthouse Lawn, Friday, July 23rd. We will be showing the 1945 classic Captain Kidd, starring Charles Broughton, Randolph Scott and Barbara Britton. We recommend bringing a blanket and/or lawn chairs or whatever you need to experience a movie outdoors, including warmer clothes as this program begins after sunset. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the swashbuckling hijinks of the pirate Captain Kidd!
In case of rain the movie will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 24th.

126th Annual Members Meeting
2021-07-18 16:30 - 18:30 | Captain Palmer House
The Board of Directors of the Stonington Historical Society invites you to the 126th Annual Meeting on Sunday, July 18 at 4:30pm at the Capt. Palmer House.

A lecture by Steven Ujifusa, author of Barons of the Sea, will begin at 5pm, following a short business meeting. All are welcome to attend. A reception will follow.

Independence Day Parade
2021-07-04 11:30 - 14:30 | CT

SHS Little League Game
2021-06-26 09:00 - 12:00 | 43 North Anguilla Road in Pawcatuck
Batter up! Come cheer on the Stonington Historical Society’s Penguins at the Little League Field in Pawcatuck this season.
The team will play on the Brown Field on June 26th.

Hike to Venture Smith's Homestead on Barn Island
2021-06-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Barn Island, Stewart Road, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Join Professor Nancy Steenburg and Elizabeth Kading for a hike to the Venture Smith homesite on Barn Island, Saturday, June 19th at 10am. This walk will take place rain or shine, so please come prepared with appropriate shoes and clothing. We will be departing at 10am from the Stewart Road parking lot on Barn Island.
As of Friday, June 11th we are at capacity for this program. Thank you for your interest. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information on upcoming programs.

SHS Little League Game
2021-06-19 09:00 - 12:00 | 43 North Anguilla Road in Pawcatuck
Batter up! Come cheer on the Stonington Historical Society’s Penguins at the Little League Field in Pawcatuck this season.
The team will play on the Gray Field on June 19th.

Historic Stonington Walking Tour
2021-06-18 17:00 - 18:00 | The Old Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
This fascinating Historic Walking Tour through the narrow streets of Stonington Borough depart on Fridays and Saturdays at 5pm from the Lighthouse Museum. The tour lasts about an hour. Experienced guides will share the stories of historic homes, sites, battles, the railroad and people that reflect Stonington’s rich 350 year history.
Once home to the Pequot Tribe of Southeastern Connecticut, Stonington’s first European settlement dates to 1649 when Thomas Stanton settled on the banks of the Pawcatuck River. The Stonington Borough settlement began about 1750 when the advantages of Stonington’s harbor were first realized. Initially fishing and farming were the primary industries, which eventually led to shipbuilding, a vibrant coastal trade, a West Indies trade, and further exploration. Stonington’s sea captains sailed the world and built fantastic homes that survive today in this perfectly preserved peninsula. Explorers included Edmund Fanning, who was also known as Pathfinder of the Pacific, and Nathaniel Palmer, credited with the discovery of Antarctica. Stonington has successfully defended her shores through two bombardments by British forces during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Today, Stonington is still home to Connecticut’s last commercial fishing fleet.

Connecticut Open House Day 2021
2021-06-12 10:00 - 16:00 | CT
Connecticut Open House Day is Saturday, June 12th! Stop by the Captain Palmer House to churn butter and learn other historical trades or play some Victorian lawn games outside at the Lighthouse Museum.

Admission to both museums is free for everyone!

SHS Little League Game
2021-06-12 09:00 - 12:00 | 43 North Anguilla Road in Pawcatuck
Batter up! Come cheer on the Stonington Historical Society’s Penguins at the Little League Field in Pawcatuck this season.
The team will play on the Gray Field on June 12th.

Yoga at the Lighthouse
2021-06-09 10:30 - 11:30, 2021-06-02 10:30 - 11:30 | The Old Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Join Chelsea Hauck of Bluebird Yoga for a calming start to your day, Wednesdays from June 2nd to July 28th. Classes begin at 10:30 am on the Lighthouse Lawn. Drop in classes are $10 each, or register for the full eight weeks for $72. Registration is available here: https://chbluebirdyoga.com/the-lighthouse-museum

These classes are outdoors so please bring the following with you:

Your own mat
A towel or blanket to put under your mat (it is great to have extra padding)
A full water bottle
Any other props you personally use and might need
Sunscreen (just in case)
Bug spray (if you tend to be a tasty treat, bring it)
Mask (for walking to and fro)

Woolworth Library Closed
2021-06-09 09:00 - 14:00 | The R. W. Woolworth Library & Research Center, 40 Palmer Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
The Woolworth Library will be closed from 9-2 on Wednesday, June 9th for staff professional development. We apologize for any inconvenience and will return to regular hours on Friday.

SHS Little League Game
2021-06-05 09:00 - 12:00 | 43 North Anguilla Road in Pawcatuck
Batter up! Come cheer on the Stonington Historical Society’s Penguins at the Little League Field in Pawcatuck this season.
The team will play on the Red Field on June 5th.

Lighthouse Museum Open
2021-06-03 10:00 - 16:00 | The Old Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Stop by the newly refurbished Lighthouse Museum!
All residents of Stonington will receive free admission to the Lighthouse Museum in 2021, with proof of residency.

Tag Sale
2021-05-29 09:00 - 15:00 | Captain Palmer House
Come down to the grounds of the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House at 40 Palmer Street in Stonington and bring home your own piece of history at our tag sale! Enjoy deep discounts and special sales throughout Friday, May 28th and Saturday, May 29th from 9 am to 2 pm.
Are you interested in setting up a table or booth to sell your crafts, or some of the clutter that you cleared out of your house during the pandemic? We’d love to have you participate. For $25 you are welcome to set up on the lawn with us. If you are interested, please reach out to Maddie Mott at development@stoningtonhistory.org.
