2024 Annual Appeal
History Matters as does your continued support for the New London County Historical Society. For over 150 years we have preserved our past, educated the public, and served our community. Your support plays a vital role as we strive to fulfill that critical mission.
In 1870, Henry Haven embarked on a journey to safeguard the complex history of New London County. His vision evolved into a remarkable archive containing thousands of historical documents and artifacts housed in the Shaw Mansion. Within our hallowed walls, you’ll find correspondence from George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and Frances Manwaring Caulkins, alongside whaling journals, the Goddard Townsend mahogany tea table and a Flag of the United States made in 1776. The significance of our collection is important not just locally but globally, and stands as a reminder that History Matters.
Our commitment to education extends far and wide, with publications, lectures, and programs designed to reach the diverse community in New London County and beyond. Works like both the Histories of New London and Norwich by Frances Manwaring Caulkins and Black Roots in Southeastern Connecticut stand as valuable resources for historians and genealogists alike. Our family records reach beyond borders, assisting professional and amateur researchers alike in tracing family histories and genealogies. Our lectures delve into key periods of New London history such as whaling, the middle passage, and privateering. Additionally we have just published the third edition of the Joshua Hempstead Diary. A singularly important record of colonial life in New England which is crucial to scholarship regarding the history of New England.
Partnerships form the cornerstone of our mission. Our internship program, drawing students locally and internationally, empowers future leaders with skills in archive management, marketing, and education. The collaboration with the New London Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club fosters a summer program that teaches young minds from low-income backgrounds the importance of their history within New London County. These partnerships underscore the significance of every narrative within our community’s history, reinforcing the fact that History Matters.
In these challenging times, the wisdom of our past guides our future. Now more than ever the public needs to understand our past. The preservation of our archive, along with the restoration of the historic Shaw Mansion, are essential to our continued service to the community. Your contribution to this year’s annual fund will empower us to move forward with strength and purpose. Our goal for the 2024 annual is $30,000. We invite you to help us reach our goal, and join us in our commitment to preserving our story. Your unwavering support is a testament to the history of our community, because, without a doubt, our history matters.
Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.
Donate by clicking on the amount below.