Historic Stonington

Hike to Venture Smith's Homesite
2022-09-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for our annual hike to Venture Smith’s homesite in the Barn Island Management Area, led by professor and historian Nancy Steenburg. The walk is about 1 mile and will take place on Sunday, September 18th at 10am, leaving from the Stewart Road parking lot. Please email library@stoningtonhistory.org with your name and number of attendees before September 16th to reserve your place.

Regional History Fair at Westerly Public Library
2022-09-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Westerly Public Library, 44 Broad Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This public event will showcase the numerous historical societies and museums in the region and will allow a unique opportunity for the public to meet and greet members of these various organizations while learning about membership opportunities and viewing some of their favorite treasured artifacts.
Free and open to the public. In the Terrace Room (third floor) of the Westerly Public Library.

Liquor & Temperance in the Borough with Stuart Vyse
2022-09-14 08:00 - 17:00 | The La Grua Center, 32 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Join us at 6pm on Wednesday, October 19th at the LaGrua Center to hear local author Stuart Vyse, discuss his research into the Steamboat Hotel, and liquor and temperance in the Borough of Stonington before Prohibition. Copies of his new publication Stonington’s Steamboat Hotel will be available for purchase and signing. This event is free and open to the public.

The Sewing Girl's Tale with John Wood Sweet
2022-09-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Saltwater Farm Vineyard, 349 Elm Street, Stonington, 06378, United States
Join the Stonington Historical Society and author John Wood Sweet for a discussion of “The Sewing Girl’s Tale,” a work that the New York Times calls “Sweet’s excellent and absorbing work of social and cultural history.” Sweet explores the first known criminal rape trial in America and the first known time a seduction suit was used for redress in New York after a rape trial, and it worked; the jury awarded staggering punitive damages — 1,800 pounds, or $4,500 —. Truly relevant to our times, this case was cited several times by Justice Alito in the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade. This program takes place at the Saltwater Farm Vineyard 349 Elm Street in Stonington. Wine will be available for purchase.

Mystic River Bridge: Past and Present
2022-09-01 18:00 - 19:30
Join us at 6pm at the Harvey Chase VFW in Pawcatuck to learn about one hundred years of history in relation to the Mystic Bascule Bridge, hosted by Jim Streeter. This event is free and open to the public.

Make Your Own Seascapes!
2022-08-21 10:00 - 12:00 | The Old Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Alongside the Mystic Museum of Art, we’re excited to offer a free, Intergenerational family program at the Lighthouse Museum in Stonington on
Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21 – Drop in any time between 10 am – 12 pm!
Artists have used the sea to inspire their creations throughout history. Come participate in this tradition and create your own Seascape based on the spectacular view of Stonington’s harbor, Connecticut’s only port facing the Atlantic. Using collage materials to include decorative papers, and other assorted multi-media for added detail, children with their families will create hand-made postcards inspired by the views from Stonington’s iconic lighthouse.
After the program, families will have the option of exploring the lighthouse and take in Stonington’s rich seafaring history. Families are also invited to picnic on the grassy lighthouse grounds that faces Little Narragansett Bay toward Watch Hill and Napatree Point in Rhode Island.
This site-specific program will take place outside of the Lighthouse Museum in Stonington at 7 Water Street.
The program will be led by artist Mary Farrell from the Mystic Museum of Art.
Program is free. Children of all ages and their families are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a family member or adult for the program.
Space is limited, so we ask families to pre-register using the form below!

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Make Your Own Seascapes!
2022-08-20 10:00 - 12:00 | The Old Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Alongside the Mystic Museum of Art, we’re excited to offer a free, Intergenerational family program at the Lighthouse Museum in Stonington on
Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21 – Drop in any time between 10 am – 12 pm!
Artists have used the sea to inspire their creations throughout history. Come participate in this tradition and create your own Seascape based on the spectacular view of Stonington’s harbor, Connecticut’s only port facing the Atlantic. Using collage materials to include decorative papers, and other assorted multi-media for added detail, children with their families will create hand-made postcards inspired by the views from Stonington’s iconic lighthouse.
After the program, families will have the option of exploring the lighthouse and take in Stonington’s rich seafaring history. Families are also invited to picnic on the grassy lighthouse grounds that faces Little Narragansett Bay toward Watch Hill and Napatree Point in Rhode Island.
This site-specific program will take place outside of the Lighthouse Museum in Stonington at 7 Water Street.Program is free. Children of all ages and their families are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a family member or adult for the program.
Space is limited, so we ask families to pre-register using the form below!

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Helen's African Journey: Book Talk with Judy duPont
2022-08-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Captain Palmer House
Join local author Judith duPont Wednesday, August 10th at 6pm in the Captain Palmer House, to hear about her newest publication Helen’s African Journey. duPont’s mother took a trip to Africa as a single woman, alone, in 1934. This book recounts her adventure from diaries, photographs and personal stories collected by her daughter. Judy is also the author of Murder at Darling Hill.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required but space is limited.

History of Portuguese Fishing in Stonington
2022-07-27 18:00 - 19:30
Join us for Fred Calabretta’s presentation, Stonington’s Portuguese Fishermen, on July 27th at 6pm at the La Grua Center! This project draws extensively from Mystic Seaport’s 1990s Stonington Fishing oral history project. Sharing details mined from interviews with fishermen and their family members, Fred will describe the extensive involvement of Portuguese families in the town’s fishing industry. He will also share details about fishing, family life, and traditions. Let’s get hooked on history!
Event is free to attend.
About the Speaker

Fred Calabretta retired last year from his position as Director of Collections Management and Senior Curator at Mystic Seaport Museum.

For 40 years he worked closely with the Museum’s remarkable collections of artifacts, art, and photographs. Fred is also an oral historian and has conducted hundreds of oral history interviews and taught oral history workshops in 20 states.

In the early 1990s he developed and managed Mystic Seaport’s Stonington Fishing Oral History Project, which will provide the foundation for his July 27th presentation focusing on the Portuguese fishermen of Stonington.

127th Annual Meeting
2022-07-17 16:00 - 18:00 | The La Grua Center, 32 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
The Board of Directors of the Stonington Historical Society invites you to the 127th Annual Meeting on Sunday, July 17 at 4pm at the La Grua Center in Stonington.

A lecture by Nathaniel Philbrick, a prolific author of history books and a winner of the National Book Award, will begin at 4pm, following a short, members business meeting. A reception will follow.

REGISTRATION HAS ENDED. Thanks so much!

Music at the Lighthouse with Salt Marsh Opera
2022-07-10 18:00 - 21:00

Independence Day Parade
2022-07-04 09:45 - 12:00

The Cannon Ball
2022-06-25 17:00 - 22:00
Join us on June 25th, 2022 for the Cannon Ball!
Celebrating from River to River
The Mystic and the Pawcatuck are what defines the boundaries and the legacy of Stonington.
Join us at the Cannon Ball to celebrate these rivers and all that lies between!
Tickets are available now at thecannonball.givesmart.com!
Can’t attend? No worries! Stay tuned for more information about bidding in our virtual silent auction.

History of the Stonington COMO
2022-06-16 18:30 - 20:00

MEMBERS ONLY: Stonington Battle Flag Viewing
2022-06-14 | The R. W. Woolworth Library & Research Center, 40 Palmer Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Come celebrate Flag Day with SHS!

Stop by the R. W. Woolworth Library and Research Center anytime between 5 and 7pm on Flag Day to view the Battle of Stonington flag. The flag is only brought out once every few years, so this is truly a special opportunity!

Event is free and for members only. Not a member but want to come see the flag? Support SHS and become a member online today!

CT Museum Open House Day
2022-06-11 10:00 - 16:00

Yoga at the Palmer House
2022-06-02 08:00 - 09:00
Join Chelsea Hauck of Bluebird Yoga for classes at the Captain Palmer House this summer. Relax Thursday mornings at 8am. For more information and to register, click here: https://chbluebirdyoga.com/palmer-house

Yoga at the Lighthouse
2022-06-01 10:30 - 11:30 | The Old Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States

The Bee's Knees
2022-05-26 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the third in our series of historic drink programs, this time at the Lighthouse. Chelsea Mitchell, the Librarian with a Liquor License will be pouring a selection of cocktails with a prohibition theme from 6-8pm. In addition to fun and interesting drinks, you’ll also have the chance to try some 1920s snacks and bites. Tickets are $35 for non-members and $25 for members and will be available May 1st.

Museums Open
2022-05-13 10:00 - 16:00 | The Old Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States

MEMBERS ONLY: Stonington's Literary Legacy Walking Tour
2022-04-23 10:00 - 12:00
Join SHS staff for a walking tour highlighting Stonington’s literary legacy!

2nd Annual Rosalie Thorne McKenna Community Photography Exhibition
2022-04-16 13:00 - 17:00
We are proud to announce our second annual photography exhibition, sponsored by ABC PhotoLab!

Named for portrait-photographer Rosalie “Rollie” McKenna, this annual exhibition is held to inspire new generations of photographers, as well as to continuously document our changing town by the people who live in it.

This year’s theme is “Neighbors.” All ages and skill levels are welcome to enter. Photos will be displayed at the Lighthouse Museum in the spring and the winners will be selected by the community.

Submit your photos to library@stoningtonhistory.org before April 1st to enter!

CT and the Pandemic of 1918
2022-04-06 18:00 - 19:30 | The La Grua Center, 32 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Join the Stonington Historical at the La Grua Center for a presentation by the Connecticut Historical Society on Connecticut, Stonington, and the Pandemic of 1918!

Event is free. Space is limited; guests are asked to wear a mask during the event.
Event will be livestreamed on our Facebook page.

Rosalie Thorne McKenna Community Photo Contest Entry Deadline
2022-04-01 08:00 - 17:00
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!

Rules :

All ages are welcome to participate

Photographs entered must be original work of the contestant

Photographs may be shot digitally or on film

Contestants must be a current resident of Stonington, Westerly or Mystic

Photographs must have been shot within the past year (2021)

Photographs must be entered with a caption that includes the following information: title of the image, date and location where it was taken, contestant’s name, and a brief explanation of how the image relates to this year’s theme. If the image features people, please identify them.

The theme for the contest is “Neighbors.” What does living in the town of Stonington mean to you? How do you interpret neighbors or neighborhoods?

All photographs entered will be retained in the archives of the Stonington Historical Society. The Stonington Historical Society reserves the right to use these photographs with a credit line to the photographer in advertising or promotional materials.

Winners will be selected by the community by popular vote.

First place wins a Family Membership to the Stonington Historical Society. In addition, the first prize winner will have access to the Maurice LaGrua darkroom at the Woolworth Library, and act as an honorary photography fellow. Second place wins a Family Membership. Third place wins an Individual Membership. The three winning images will be displayed at the Lighthouse Museum for the 2022 season.

McKenna Honorary Photography Fellow has access during Library open hours to the Maurice LaGrua darkroom for one year. Chemistry materials are provided by the Historical Society, but film and paper must be supplied by the fellow. If the winner has no experience in dark room techniques, lessons can be arranged. Two copies of Any images produced in the darkroom will be donated to the Stonington Historical Society, and serve to increase our modern documentation of the town for posterity.

MEMBERS ONLY: Tour of the Robinson Burying Ground
2022-03-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Robinson Burying Groud, Broad St, Stoington, CT, 06378
Members get an exclusive tour of the Stonington Borough’s Robinson Burying Ground with our Executive Director, Liz Wood.

Meet us at 1 Wheeler Court. Space is limited, so please register below!

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfibv2y6f0…/viewform…

This event is for members only. Not a member? You can become one today at stoningtonhistory.org!

The History of the Steamboat Hotel
2022-03-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Stonington Free Library, 20 High St, Stonington, CT, United States
Join the Stonington Free Library and the Stonington Historical Society on
Sunday, March 13 th at 5 p.m. for a free presentation on the history of the Steamboat Hotel. Stuart Vyse, a
a retired psychology professor who taught at Connecticut College, Providence College, and the University
of Rhode Island, will present the talk.
Vyse, an accomplished writer and an expert on superstition and irrational behavior, began researching
the building he lives in, the former Steamboat Hotel, as “something of a pandemic side gig.” Built by
Gilbert Wheeler before 1840, the Steamboat Hotel has witnessed almost 200 years of Stonington's
history. From the early days of the railroad and steamship lines, it has hosted intemperate railroad
workers, immigrants, businessmen, dignitaries, families, and war veterans.
Vyse calls his research “a labor of love and a gift to the village that has been my home for over 20
years.” He is working on a manuscript of the history of the Steamboat Hotel and guests will be able to
pre-order copies of his forthcoming book.
The presentation is free for all and is a hybrid event – guests can join in person at the Stonington Free
Library (20 High St, Stonington, CT 06378). Presentation begins promptly at 5 p.m. Space is limited;
guests attending in-person are asked to wear a mask. The presentation will also be live-streamed on the
Stonington Historical Society’s Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/stoningtonhistoricalsociety)

Fur-miliar Friends: Pets of Stonington, Past and Present
2022-03-02 09:00 - 17:00 | The R. W. Woolworth Library & Research Center, 40 Palmer Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Stop by the R.W. Woolworth Library and Research Center to see our newest exhibition, featuring photos of Stonington’s pets, past and present.

Exhibit is free to view. The Woolworth Library is open Mondays and Fridays from 1 – 5pm and Wednesdays from 9am – 5pm.

Special Hours for “My Freedom is a Privilege that Nothing Else Can Equal”
2022-02-04 10:00 - 16:00 | The Old Lighthouse Museum, 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Join us at the Lighthouse Museum for special hours to view our newest exhibition: “My Freedom is a Privilege that Nothing Else Can Equal:” The Story of Venture Smith and Slavery in Stonington.
Admission is free for all.
The project received financial support from the State of Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development.

MEMBERS ONLY: First Look at “My Freedom is a Privilege that Nothing Else Can Equal”
2022-02-03 13:00 - 20:00
Members get a first look at our newest exhibition: ““My Freedom is a Privilege that Nothing Else Can Equal” The Story of Venture Smith and Slavery in Stonington.
Stop by the Lighthouse Museum anytime between 1 – 8pm on Thursday, February 3rd to see the exhibit before it opens to the public!

MEMBERS ONLY: If Walls Could Talk
2022-01-25 19:00 - 20:30
Join Director of the Woolworth Library, Chelsea Mitchell, at this virtual program on how to research your historic home.
Registration is required – please register here!
Event will be recorded and distributed to members after the event.
