Historic Stonington

Cannon Ball Online Auction is Live!
2025-06-13 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Offices and Library Closed
2025-07-04 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-13 08:00 - 17:00 | CT

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.

Let's Build It! Historic Stonington
2025-11-08 12:30 - 17:00 | CT
“Let’s Build It!” is a family friendly event where teams use building blocks to construct a 3D map of historic Stonington. Hosted by Historic Stonington and the Stonington Community Center (COMO), it is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the COMO Gym. Participants aged 7 and up work together to recreate landmarks and celebrate the town’s history.

Event details

What: “Let’s Build It! Building Block Workshop”

Who: Hosted by Historic Stonington and the Stonington Community Center (COMO)

When: Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM DOORS OPEN AT 12:30!

Where: COMO Gym, 28 Cutler St, Stonington, CT

What to expect: Teams of up to 4 people will build iconic Stonington landmarks on a giant map, guided by architect Stephen W. Schwartz.

Cost: The event has a nominal fee for teams, with tickets available online.

Registration: the como.org/como-events/

How to participate

Form a team: Teams can have up to four members.

Gather your team: Participants must be age 7 or older.

Get tickets: Visit the COMO website for registration details and to purchase tickets.

Build: Attend the event at the COMO Gym on November 8, 2025, where your team will receive a historic landmark to recreate.

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

Deck the Walls Auction & Open House
2025-12-05 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Captain Palmer House
Deck the Walls Auction and Open House is being held on December 5 and 6 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm! This event is FREE

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.

Let's Build It! Building Blocks Event
2026-03-28 12:00 - 17:00 | Stonington Community Center, 28 Cutler Street, Stonington, Connecticut, 06378
Save the Date!
Join Historic Stonington, the COMO, and Architect Stephen W. Schwartz, AIA as we build 50 iconic buildings on a giant map of Stonington!
This is a family-friendly event for Ages 7+. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
View the final map between 3-5 PM
Doors open at 12:00 PM.

American Ramble: Celebrating 250 years of American music
2026-04-12 15:00 - 16:30 | Westerly Armory, Railroad Avenue, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us on Sunday, April 12th at 3pm at the Westerly Armory for a special America 250 event, American Ramble. Celebrating 250 years of American music, this free public concert will also commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Westerly Armory. The Westerly Band will play a wide selection of American favorites, including traditional folk music, military marches, songs by Elvis Presley, and movie themes by John Williams – to name a few! This event is sure to have you tapping your toes and feeling nostalgic.

Rollie McKenna Community Photo Contest
2026-04-16 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-17 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-18 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-19 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-23 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-24 10:00 - 14:00 | Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Come down to the Lighthouse Museum between 10am and 2pm to vote for this year’s entries in the Rollie McKenna Community Photo Contest! The museum will be open with free admission, Thursday to Sunday, April 16th to the 26th. This year’s theme is “America the Beautiful”, and is sure to be an event you don’t want to miss!
This event is generously sponsored by ABC Photo Lab of Mystic.
