New Canaan Preservation Alliance

Directions Website Contact the organization

New Canaan Preservation Alliance Preservation and Conservation for a Sustainable New Canaan. The New Canaan Preservation Alliance Inc.

was founded in 2007 in response to rising concerns over the rapid disappearance of the town's historic built and natural environments.

ESAF has arranged a private, archaeological focused tour of several archaeological sites in Western Connecticut, includi...
10/23/2026

ESAF has arranged a private, archaeological focused tour of several archaeological sites in Western Connecticut, including a visit to the Institute for American Indian Studies Museum and Research Center on Thursday, November 12th. Space is limited. Sign up for the event below!

The Eastern States Archeological Federation (ESAF) holds an annual meeting of state archeological societies representing much of the Eastern United States and Canada fostering international cooperation and information exchange within the archeological community, as well as supporting public outreach...

Sign up for a tour of Norwalk's Stone Homes!
10/23/2026

Sign up for a tour of Norwalk's Stone Homes!

Step inside history on Sunday, October 25 at 12:30 PM for a special event: A Tour of Norwalk’s Stone Homes!

Sign up soon for a tour of the Capitol!
10/23/2026

Sign up soon for a tour of the Capitol!

Connecticut Capitol Tour: Interior Finishes & Restoration by Preservation CT | Oct 16, 2026 | Event Register here Join us on Saturday, November 21st from 1:00PM-3:00PM for a unique tour of the Connecticut State Capitol building by decorative painting and interior finishes expert, John Canning. Mr. C...

On the night of April 7, 1814, British raiders rowed six miles up the Connecticut River to Essex and burned 27 ships in ...
10/22/2026

On the night of April 7, 1814, British raiders rowed six miles up the Connecticut River to Essex and burned 27 ships in the harbor, the largest single loss of American shipping in the War of 1812. For roughly a day, they also commandeered the town's tavern as their headquarters, and the inn says they demanded a proper British hunt breakfast.

Essex locals know the place simply as the Gris. Officially, it's The Griswold Inn; it's been welcoming guests on Main Street since 1776, and it's considered the oldest inn in Connecticut. In 2026, it's celebrating 250 years right alongside America itself.

The Gris, as fans affectionately call it, has been in the care of only six families. It survived British occupation, Prohibition (with a little help from Connecticut River rumrunners), the Great Depression, and the pandemic, and it's still pouring.

The Griswold Inn in Essex opened in 1776 and turns 250 in 2026. See its 1735 Tap Room, sea shanty nights, maritime art, and the Hunt Brunch the British inspired.

Along the Mississippi River in modern New Orleans is the 85-square-block original footprint of the city now known as Vie...
10/15/2026

Along the Mississippi River in modern New Orleans is the 85-square-block original footprint of the city now known as Vieux Carré, or the French Quarter. Known for its music, food, and mix of Spanish, French, Creole, and American architectural styles, it sits at the confluence of Indigenous, colonial, and American history. Today, many would be surprised to realize that this vibrant historic district was nearly cut off from the river by a proposed expressway, a severing that would have changed the heart of the district forever.

What saved it? A determined public and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, this law, and the voices of those in communities large and small, are facing enormous pressure. It’s up to us to speak up.

Defense of Preservation is important locally as well as nationally.  Please consider a contribution to this fund.
10/01/2026

Defense of Preservation is important locally as well as nationally. Please consider a contribution to this fund.

Through the Historic Preservation Defense Fund, the National Trust will work alongside new and existing partners to provide foundational investment and support for a united preservation movement and a shared defense against current and emerging threats.

Fountains serve as architectural celebrations of water and its life-giving, shape-shifting power. Many early examples we...
09/03/2026

Fountains serve as architectural celebrations of water and its life-giving, shape-shifting power. Many early examples were largely functional, providing drinking water, while others served spiritual and ritualistic purposes. The fountains gracing historic places across the United States still sustain us, if not as directly, through their soothing sounds, cooling mists, and mesmerizing flow.

A look at local efforts to preserve fountains across the country.

Very concerning news about this historic property!
08/24/2026

Very concerning news about this historic property!

Stop private development in Waveny Park, a public asset that is one of the crown jewels of New Canaan

08/23/2026

Here's what the new view of the great lawn could look like if the town agrees to provide Waveny Lifecare with Parcel E of Waveny Park. Imagine seeing this while enjoying a summer concert, fireworks, or even your wedding on the veranda? Is this how park land should be used? This is our park! Spread the word, there is a non-publicized plan to lease the property to Waveny Lifecare for the building of a CCRC plus 135 luxury condos and 16 apartments. We need to speak up NOW!

Email the Town Council today!
[email protected]

New Canaan Moms THE REAL’R NEW CANAAN MOMS (2.0) New Canaan Moms

08/23/2026

Time is of the essence! Waveny Lifecare will be asking for the Town Council to vote on a Memorandum of Understanding at the Town Council Meeting on September 16th to give away our park land! This should not even be on the agenda before public input is sought!

Email the Town Council today!
[email protected]

Email Waveny today by contacting Bob Doran at [email protected]

New Canaan Moms New Canaan Moms THE REAL’R NEW CANAAN MOMS (2.0) Ellen Cummings | Connecticut Real Estate

Address

P. O. Box 924
New Canaan, CT
06840

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when New Canaan Preservation Alliance posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to New Canaan Preservation Alliance:

Shortcuts

Share