Historic Stonington

Historic Stonington Historic Stonington was founded in 1895. The Capt. Palmer House & the Lighthouse Museum are open seasonally. Our National Historic Site, the Nathaniel B.

The Woolworth Library is open Monday - Thursday 9am to 2pm, and Fridays 1pm to 5pm. The mission of the Stonington Historical Society is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the history of all of Stonington. Our Society is dedicated to illuminating the more than 350 years of history of the Town of Stonington, located in the southeastern corner of Connecticut. We offer here records of the lives and

fortunes of colonial settlers, blockade runners, ship captains, whale hunters, patriots, explorers, artists, and writers. We recall the struggles between Native Americans and Europeans, the repulse of British forces in 1775 and 1814, the exploration of distant oceans by Stonington seafarers. We see Stonington's era as a polyglot seaport, a community of English, Portuguese, Irish, Italians, Germans, and African Americans. There are glimpses too of later years, when Stonington became known as a city-dwellers' refuge from the twentieth century, where village life and community survived. We invite you to explore the resources of this site, and to see Stonington in person as well. When you come, take the time to visit our three historic sites:

The Old Lighthouse Museum, where you can climb into its light tower and look far out toward the Atlantic. Palmer House, home of the Stonington seafarer credited with discovering Antarctica. The Richard W. Woolworth Library, a growing archive of local records, manuscripts, and photographs, serving a national research audience. Please visit us at any or all of our sites. You will find a warm welcome. Wish to support our efforts? You can become a Member and/or make a donation! MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Membership includes a subscription to Historical Footnotes and free admission to our museum sites and research library. Members are notified of coming programs and exhibitions and are entitled to a ten percent discount on our books and most gift shop items. Membership Applications are available at each of our sites and through our website: www.stoningtonhistory.org

HOW TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION
The Stonington Historical Society welcomes financial contributions to support its efforts to preserve and display the rich history of the Town. The organization enjoys the 501 (c) (3) status of a charitable institution. Please make checks payable to The Stonington Historical Society and mail them to:

The Stonington Historical Society
P.O. Box 103
Stonington, CT 06378

Today marks 82 years since the invasion of Normandy. Maurice LaGrua, well known in Stonington as a photographer, served ...
06/06/2026

Today marks 82 years since the invasion of Normandy. Maurice LaGrua, well known in Stonington as a photographer, served in the US Army and was on the beach those fateful days in early June 1944. Maurice was wounded at Normandy on June 8th, but went on to fight. He received numerous medals for his service, including a Purple Heart, and a Bronze Star.

Thousands of young men made the ultimate sacrifice for global freedom and democracy. Take a moment today to thank a veteran, learn a piece of WWII history, or reflect on the peace they fought so hard to secure. We will never forget.

Raising a glass to two of our Gold Sponsors, whose generous support helps make The Cannon Ball possible.When you support...
06/04/2026

Raising a glass to two of our Gold Sponsors, whose generous support helps make The Cannon Ball possible.

When you support our sponsors, you're supporting the preservation of Stonington's story. We're so grateful for partners like Densmore Oil and AP Electric.

The Cannonball • June 27

Don't forget to join us on Saturday from 10am to 12pm in the Robinson Burial Ground on Broad Street in the Borough for o...
06/03/2026

Don't forget to join us on Saturday from 10am to 12pm in the Robinson Burial Ground on Broad Street in the Borough for our next Cemetery Clean Up. All materials provided - you only need work gloves and some water. We can't wait to see you and help restore these beautiful stones to their former glory.

After a career spent protecting Stonington Borough for 35 years, Fire Chief Jeff Hoadley is hanging up his helmet on Jul...
06/01/2026

After a career spent protecting Stonington Borough for 35 years, Fire Chief Jeff Hoadley is hanging up his helmet on July 4th and there's no more fitting send-off than this.

We are proud to announce that Chief Hoadley will receive the Hero Award at the 27th annual Cannon Ball on June 27, 2026. It's a small token of the enormous gratitude this community owes him.

Join us in honoring a true Stonington hero. Tickets at the link in bio.
📷 Photograph by Bergin O’Malley

Private First Class John Roderick was born in 1919 to Manuel Roderick and Rose Gils. He attended Stonington High School ...
05/30/2026

Private First Class John Roderick was born in 1919 to Manuel Roderick and Rose Gils. He attended Stonington High School for one year, and was drafted into the US Army. As a part of Hodges 1st Army, he took part in the invasion of Normandy and fought in the battles of France, Belgium and Germany. After the battle of Aachen, he was moved to the 9th Army and took part in the Battles of Holland, the Rhine and Elbe. He was promoted to Corporal in June 1945, and was discharged in September the same year.

Join us Saturday, June 27th 2026 for the 27th annual Cannonball!Have you purchased your tickets yet? This isn't just an ...
05/28/2026

Join us Saturday, June 27th 2026 for the 27th annual Cannonball!

Have you purchased your tickets yet?

This isn't just an event - it's the reason we can keep restoring, teaching and sharing the history of Stonington. Every seat at the table makes that work possible. Not to mention the Cannon Ball is one of the best events of the year!

Tickets and tables available now at cannonball2026.givesmart.com and in the link in bio
Where: Nathaniel B. Palmer House at 40 Palmer Street in Stonington
Time: 5 - 10 pm

05/27/2026
Historic Stonington presents the 28th Annual CannonBall.One if by Land, Two if by Sea 🌊 A Most Splendid & Revolutionary ...
05/26/2026

Historic Stonington presents the 28th Annual CannonBall.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea 🌊

A Most Splendid & Revolutionary Gala!
Powder thy wigs, polish thy dancing slippers, and mark well thy calendar for the Cannon Ball!

🍸Cocktails begin at 5:00pm.
🍽Dinner and Live Auction at 6:00pm
🎵Dancing with The Silver Arrow Band
💃18th Century attire optional, yet encouraged

*HERO AWARD 2026: Stonington Borough Fire Department CHIEF JEFF HOADLEY*

Saturday
June 27, 2026
5:00pm
Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House
40 Palmer st.
Stonington, CT

For tickets and more information:
historicstonington.org/programs-events/gala/

STONINGTON CELEBRATES AMERICA 250 🇺🇸 MERCH ALERT! Come celebrate in style with the new merchandise available for purchas...
05/26/2026

STONINGTON CELEBRATES AMERICA 250 🇺🇸 MERCH ALERT!

Come celebrate in style with the new merchandise available for purchase, now!
Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce in Downtown Mystic CT and Historic Stonington in Stonington Borough, CT will have the items available during their regular business hours.

🇺🇸 Stonington Celebrates America 250 HAT- $20.00
🇺🇸Stonington Celebrates America 250 TOWEL- $25.00
🇺🇸Stonington Celebrates America 250 GARDEN FLAG- $34.00
🇺🇸 Stonington Celebrates America 250 CANVAS TOTE- $30.00

Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
14 Holmes st. 1st Floor
Downtown Mystic CT
(860)572-9578

Historic Stonington
40 Palmer st.
Stonington, CT
(860)535-8445

Design by Abbie Art / AP Art & Design

Our next America 250 event is coming up on Saturday, June 6th. Meet us at the Robinson Burial Ground on Broad Street in ...
05/26/2026

Our next America 250 event is coming up on Saturday, June 6th. Meet us at the Robinson Burial Ground on Broad Street in Stonington Borough between 10am and 12pm for a cemetery clean up! Members of the Stonington Cemetery Commission and Abigail Hinman Chapter DAR will be there to show you how to properly clean the stones - all materials provided. Please bring your own water and work gloves. Parking is available at the Town Docks, a short walk from the burial ground.

Address

40 Palmer Street
Stonington, CT
06378

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