Some evenings have a feeling. From the moment guests arrived at the Palmer House on June 27, it was clear the 2026 Cannon Ball was going to be one of them.
The night was warm, the crowd was generous, and somewhere near the entrance, a horse arrived with a message. Channeling the spirit of Paul Revere — one if by land, two if by sea — our four-legged guest set the tone for an evening steeped in the history we love most. We’re not sure anyone actually heard the warning, but the sentiment was noted, and appreciated.
A lone Minuteman stood at the ready throughout the night, flanked by elegantly costumed guests who transported us all — at least for a few hours — to another century. It was exactly the kind of living history that makes Stonington unlike anywhere else.
The signature cocktail of the evening — the Midnight Rider — kept spirits high as 286 guests gathered to celebrate, bid, and give. Thirty-three sponsors made the evening possible.
The auction was fierce in the best possible way. From a dinner for twelve at The Bedford by Martha Stewart at Foxwoods, to four Green Monster seats at Fenway Park, to a sunset sail off Stonington Point — our donors brought their very best, and our guests responded in kind.
When the final numbers came in, the 2026 Cannon Ball had achieved a 26.7% increase in revenue over the prior year — our most successful event in the history of the organization. That result belongs entirely to our sponsors, donors, Benefactors, and guests. You showed up, you gave generously, and you reminded us why this work matters.
The funds raised support everything Historic Stonington does — preserving the Palmer House, running our educational programs, caring for the Lighthouse Museum, and sharing the remarkable history of this community with everyone who wants to know it.
To everyone who came, gave, bid, volunteered, dressed up, and showed up: thank you. We are already looking forward to seeing you at the 2027 Cannon Ball.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or Benefactor for next year? Contact us at development@historicstonington.org.
