New London County Historical Society

Ancestry Summer Program Exhibit Opening
2023-08-05 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | New London County Historical Society, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
The New London County Historical Society, in partnership with the New London Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, began a summer program to community youth at the Shaw Mansion. Ed Chmielewski said, “Our executive director Steve Manuel began the program 5 years ago, and it has proven to be a success. Our goal is to engage local children in their history and the history of our county. This year our program is about family and ancestry”. The Ancestry program encourages children ages 4-15 to discuss their families and how they came to be in New London county. Working with our educators, the program youth discover and describe their personal history. Together we learn about their family and how their history is a part of the history of our community. “As we explore the families of our students we learn who it is who cares for them. We recognize that all families are unique and we are not simply focusing on genetics and genealogy. We ask our students to describe their lives on their terms, while we talk about our own personal families,” Mr. Chmielewski explained.
The curriculum is designed to be immersive and encourage students to observe and report their findings in a personal journal. Each student may express themselves in a way which makes them feel comfortable, from writing stories, recording facts, or even drawing pictures. Additionally, the program illustrates how the student’s families and their history is important to the history of New London. Using artifacts, documents, maps, and local history stories, the program draws connections to the student’s present day families, and demonstrates how historical family structures were just as complex as they are today.

Annual Meeting
2023-02-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Shaw Mansion, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
Join us on February 16th at 6PM for our Annual Meeting. Those people who are interested in attending via google meet, email annualmeeting@nlchs.org.

Santa at the Shaw Mansion
2022-12-04 13:00 - 15:00 | New London County Historical Society, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States

Sea Shanty Night
2022-11-12 18:00 - 22:00 | The Barn Groton Connectiut, 13 Forth Hill Road, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
LIMITED SEATING!
To learn more about the event performers and venue follow these links!
The Barn
Craig Edwards The Vox Hunters

13th Annual Thames River Cruise
2022-10-15 12:30 - 15:00 | Cecelia Ann Cross Sound Ferry, 2 Ferry Street, New London, CT, 06230, United States
Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Our Sponsors!
With sincere gratitude we at the NLCHS thank all our Sponsors. History is happening now. Businesses and the business owners of our community help shape the collective history in our county. Please consider partnering with the NLCHS to help us continue our mission of preservation, education, and community service. Begin with a HERE with a sponsorship! Our archive chronicles the story that is New London County. You are part of that story and your sponsorship is only the beginning. Email info@nlchs.org if you are interested in working with us in our mission.

Lafayette Sabine Foster Level
Cross Sound Ferry

Mohegan Sun Casino

Mohegan Tribe

Nathaniel Shaw Jr. Level

Henry P. Haven Level
Governor Buckingham Level
Tobin, Carberry, O’Malley, Riley & Selinger

City of Groton, Connecticut

Janney Mongomery Scott Wealth Management

Frances Manwaring Caulkins Level
R&W Heating Energy Solutions LLC
Joshua Hempstead Level
Conway, Londregan, Sheehan, & Monaco
MJ Sullivan Auto
Waterford Group Charitable Foundation

A Child's Life in the 18th Century through Archaeology
2022-08-13 13:00 - 15:00 | New London County Historical Society, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
On August 13th at 1 pm, the New London County Historical Society partnered with the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of New London is hosting an opening of its newly installed exhibit, A Child’s Life in the 18th Century through Archaeology. The exhibit was designed and constructed during our annual Summer Museum program by nearly forty local youth ages 5-14. In July, students learned about the diverse history of southeastern Connecticut by participating in an archaeological dig in which they collected, cleaned, researched, and identified artifacts from the Shaw Mansion garden. We invite members of the New London community to join us at the Shaw Mansion for a viewing of the exhibit and an opportunity to meet some of the young historians who created it.
The exhibit features various components that reflect the Summer Museum program. This includes artifacts uncovered in the dig and their historical significance, journals authored by students, and photographs. Each artifact exhibits a significant period of the Shaw Mansion’s history. Animal bones represent the historical wildlife of the area and diet of the individuals who lived at the Shaw Mansion. Pottery and ceramic shards reveal the timeline of luxury items. Artifacts such as charcoal and slag indicate that the Shaw Mansion garden was once used for metal working. At the end of each program session, students recorded their observations and reflected on what they learned in journals provided to them by the NLCHS. The quantity and quality of the information contained in each journal demonstrates the level of learning and retention obtained by the student. Photographs were taken to document the journey and progress of our students’ work.
The opening will include a walk through of the exhibit. Additionally, students and interns will be present to speak about their experiences. Tours of the Shaw Mansion can be given upon request. Light snacks and refreshments will be available. There is no specific dress code. The event will begin at approximately 1 pm on August 13th. For more information, please visit www.nlchs.org or contact the NLCHS at info@nlchs.org or (860) 443-1209.

Pioneers Exhibit Opening
2022-06-18 14:00 - 17:00 | New London County Historical Society, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
On June 18 th at 2 pm, the New London County Historical Society is hosting an opening of
its newly installed permanent exhibit Pioneers: Photographs and Oral Histories of Hispanic
Women in New London County, 1989 by Resurrección Espinosa-Frink. Pioneers was given to the
NLCHS by Ms. Espinosa-Frink to incorporate more minority history representation in our
collection. We invite members of the New London community to join us in the Shaw Mansion
Garden for a viewing of the exhibit along with other activities.
Pioneers is a collection of 15 portraits each with personal stories – transcribed in Spanish
and English – of a Hispanic woman as she resided in New London County in 1989. Three
generations of the same family were interviewed. After viewing the exhibit, Norwich Historian
Dale Plummer said “I found the presentation moving… In capturing the very human, universal
experiences of these pioneers, this exhibit is a must-see.” Today, these stories serve as a measure
of the progress that has been made for Hispanic women. As oral histories, the portraits invite
people to engage in dialogues with the Hispanic community. This helps people come to a better
understanding of one another and resolve societal differences in a peaceful manner. Pioneers has
been on exhibit in several prestigious locations including Yale University, The International
Gallery in Providence, Boston, Connecticut College, and the Centro de la Communidad of New
London. This event is symbolic of the exhibit’s journey back home to New London.
The opening will include short talks from Ms. Espinosa-Frink, CT Humanities Executive
Director Jason Mancini, a guest speaker on oral histories, and New London Hospitality Center
Director Cathy Zall. Additionally, there will be tours of the Shaw Mansion. Light snacks and
refreshments will be available. There is no specific dress code, but we respect people who desire
to represent their heritage by means of their attire to do so. The event will begin at approximately
2 pm on June 18th .

Santa at the Shaw Mansion
2021-12-11 10:00 - 12:00 | New London County Historical Society, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
Once again Santa will be visiting the Shaw Mansion. Please bring your kids to see Santa and feel free to take a picture. He will only be with us for 2 hours so plan accordingly. For more information please email info@nlchs.org
We will be handing out free candy canes for all of our visitors. We will not be providing any photographic services.
This event is free and open to the public.

Pirates and Privateers
2021-11-27 14:00 - 16:00 | New London County Historical Society, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
Often privateers are described as legal pirates. This is an oversimplification of a complex system, and does not take into account motivations of the people who engaged in these activities. Learn the difference between a pirate and privateer, and how these groups of individuals impacted the maritime community. Please RSVP to info@nlchs.org if you plan to attend the discussion. for more information please email info@nlchs.org

Vampires, Costumes, and a Concert
2021-10-30 13:00 - 18:00 | Shaw Mansion, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States

12th Annual Thames River Cruise: Witches in Connecticut
2021-10-16 12:30 - 16:00
Purchase Tickets
Member Non Member
Our Speaker

Concert in the Garden
2021-09-25 13:00 - 15:00
Concert is postponed to October 30th! A New Event has been created featuring Vampires and FLEET!

Purchase Tickets at the Door!
Parking available in the Municipal Parking lot adjacent to Green Street, and across the street behind the convenience stores.
For more information email info@nlchs.org or call 860.443.1209

2021 Annual Meeting
2021-01-30 15:00 - 17:00
Join us as we hold our Virtual Annual Meeting on January 30, 2021 at 3pm. Our speaker will be Deborah Donovan who will discuss the Thames River Heritage Park virtual lectures and walking tours. Additionally the Executive Director, Steve Manuel discusses process retaining our corporate status with the Secretary of the State.

Holiday Masque: Rum, Rum Runners, and Rapscallions
2020-10-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Shaw Mansion, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
The New London County Historical Society and The Real McCoy invite you to participate in Rum, Rum Runners and Rapscallions. Dress up, learn the history of Pirates, Privateers, and Rum Runners in southeastern Connecticut, and sample fine rums provided by The Real McCoy. In addition there will be a signature rum cocktail available for your enjoyment.

Our executive director will tell the tales of the Pirate Henry Morgan, Privateer Thomas Allen, and the rumrunner the Real McCoy, before the tasting.
The NLCHS will be adhering to Covid-19 guidelines for our event, so we only have 80 tickets available. This is a 21 and older event. Masks are required, costumes are encouraged. We are hoping to bring in a food truck and are discussing our music options. Please keep visiting to see updates, or like us on Facebook.
Purchase Tickets!
Click below to purchase your tickets.
Member Ticket $20 Non Member Ticket$25
Event Parking
New London has several parking garages and lots within walking distance to the Shaw Mansion, in addition to street parking.
Water Street Garage – 160 Water Street
Winthrop Blvd Garage – 38 Governor Winthrop Blvd
Green Street Parking Lot – 126-160 Green Street
Street parking on Bank, Blinman, Brewer, Tilley, Howard and Reed Streets
Event Sponsors
Please visit our SPONSORSHIP PAGE if you wish to sponsor our event.
You can find links to our sponsors HERE

Easter Egg Hunt
2020-03-28 13:00 - 15:00 | New London County Historical Society, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
With a Grant from Chelsea Groton Bank, the NLCHS is pleased to host an Easter Egg Hunt in our Garden on March 28th, from 1pm to 3pm. The event is for children of all ages. They will hunt in our garden for eggs filled with candy. There will be craft making availalable for children who are interested. For More Information, email info@nlchs.org The event is free and open to the public.

Founding of the New London County Historical Society Lecture Series
2020-03-21 14:00 - 16:00 | New London Public Library, 63 Huntington St, New London, 06320, United States
Professor Nancy Steenburg discusses the people who founded the New London County Historical Society 150 years ago at our county libraries. The series is 5 lectures.

Henry Haven, whaling magnate, and Mayor of New London, began the process to found the NLCHS. Join Professor Steenburg as she discusses Haven at the New London Public Library. The event is free and open to the public.

Annual Meeting
2020-01-25 15:00 - 17:00 | Shaw Mansion, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
Join us on January 25th at 3PM for our Annual Meeting. Professor Nancy Steenburg, Associate Director for Advising at The University of Connecticut Avery Point lectures on Henry P. Haven (1815-1876) the founder of the NLCHS. Haven, of Norwichown rose from poverty to become on of New London’s most prominent citizens. At age 18 he became bookkeeper in the Thomas W. Williams Firm, and became a full partner at the age of 23. In addition to his work with the Williams and Haven Whaling Firm, he was involved in banking, railroads, and initiated the Phoenix Guano Company, which shipped fertilizer from the Pacific Islands to New London. Haven served as Mayor of New London from 1853-1856, founded the New London County Historical Society in 1870, and left a bequest to built the New London Public Library.
We’ll also have the unveiling of our new logo in advance of our 2020 sesquicentennial celebration. Our new logo symbolizes NLCHS’s guiding pillars for the next 150 years.

Pictures with Santa
2019-12-14 11:00 - 14:00 | Shaw Mansion, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
Santa will be visiting the Shaw Mansion on December 14th! Bring your camera and get a picture taken with Santa in our Long Parlour from 11AM-2PM. This is a free event!

RumRaiser
2019-10-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Shaw Mansion, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
The New London County Historical Society and The Real McCoy invite you to participate in our first annual signature rum cocktail competition on October 19th in the gardens of the Shaw Mansion in downtown New London.
Sample signature rum cocktails created by local bars using rum graciously provided by The Real McCoy. Once you’ve sampled each contenders creations, pick your favorite cocktail and cast your vote. The winning cocktail will be featured at our 150th celebration in December 2020.
Enjoy music from the Jazz band Fleet throughout the evening as you sample some truly unique drinks at this one-of-a-kind event. If you get hungry we’ve got three food trucks ready to meet your every food craving. Food is not included with admission. For full event details, visit the RumRaiser page.
Note this is a 21 and up event only. All attendees must show their ID upon entry.

Annual Meeting of the New England Hebrew Farmers of the Emanuel Society
2019-06-09 13:00 - 16:00
Schedule

1:00 p.m. – Andrew Stout “ TAC’s Archaeological Holdings and the Acquisition of the NEHFES Site in Chesterfield, Connecticut.”
Guest speaker: Andrew Stout, Eastern Regional Director, TAC – The Archaeological Conservancy of America
2:00p.m. – Reception
3:00 p.m. – NEHFES Annual Members’ Meeting

Reservations required via email to NEHFES Treasurer Nancy Butler at nbutler@aboveallelse.org

CT Open House Day
2019-06-08 10:00 - 13:00
On Saturday June 8th from 10:00am– 1:00pm, NLCHS will offer free tours of the Shaw Mansion in honor of CT Open House Day.
At 2:00 p.m., we’ll host a lecture titled: Local Connections: Finding the H.M.S. Resolute. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Flock Theatre presents Pride and Prejudice
2019-05-26 14:00 - 16:00
This year Flock Theatre presents Pride and Prejudice, an adaptation of the Jane Austen novel in our Long Parlor. Pride and Prejudice, adapted by Jon Jory, is a play adaptation of Jane Austen’s Regency era-set romance novel. Pride and Prejudice explores the importance of marrying for love at a time when society is pressuring young women to find profitable suitors. The story follows Mr. Bennet and his five unmarried daughters, focusing specifically on Elizabeth as she and the wealthy Mr. Darcy navigate their attraction.Enjoy the play amid this historic setting. The play runs for three weeks and the show times are as follows:
Saturday, May 11th 7PM
Sunday, May 12th, 2PM
Friday, May 17th, 7PM
Saturday, May 18th, 2 Shows 2Pm and 7PM
Friday, May 24th, 7PM
Saturday, May 25th, 2 Shows 2PM and 7PM
Sunday, May 26th 2PM

To purchase tickets, visit Flock Theatre.

Flock Theatre presents Pride and Prejudice
2019-05-25 19:00 - 21:00, 2019-05-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2019-05-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2019-05-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2019-05-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2019-05-12 14:00 - 16:00
This year Flock Theatre presents Pride and Prejudice, an adaptation of the Jane Austen novel in our Long Parlor. Pride and Prejudice, adapted by Jon Jory, is a play adaptation of Jane Austen’s Regency era-set romance novel. Pride and Prejudice explores the importance of marrying for love at a time when society is pressuring young women to find profitable suitors. The story follows Mr. Bennet and his five unmarried daughters, focusing specifically on Elizabeth as she and the wealthy Mr. Darcy navigate their attraction.Enjoy the play amid this historic setting. The play runs for three weeks May 11-26, Friday and Saturday evenings, with a Sunday Matinee. To purchase tickets, visit Flock Theatre.

Flock Theatre's Production of Pride & Prejudice
2019-05-11 19:00 - 21:00
This year Flock Theatre presents Pride and Prejudice, an adaptation of the Jane Austen novel in our Long Parlor.
Pride and Prejudice, adapted by Jon Jory, is a play adaptation of Jane Austen’s Regency era-set romance novel. Pride and Prejudice explores the importance of marrying for love at a time when society is pressuring young women to find profitable suitors. The story follows Mr. Bennet and his five unmarried daughters, focusing specifically on Elizabeth as she and the wealthy Mr. Darcy navigate their attraction.
Enjoy the play amid this historic setting. The play runs for three weeks May 11-26, Friday and Saturday evenings, with a Sunday Matinee.
To purchase tickets, visit Flock Theatre.

Walk to end Homelessness
2019-04-28 13:00 - 14:00
The Shaw Mansion is a scheduled stop on the Homeless Hospitality Center’s Walk to end Homelessness.
The Walk raises awareness about homelessness in southeastern Connecticut and also raises support for the programs of the Homeless Hospitality Center in New London.
​
It is organized by HHC and students from Connecticut College’s Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy. Proceeds benefit HHC.
To register for the event or to learn more, please click here.
