East Lyme Historical Society

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East Lyme Historical Society Helps to preserve and maintain the Thomas Lee House, Little Boston School House, and other historical resources of the Town of East Lyme.

10/07/2026

Don't forget next Friday October 16th is our Fall Potluck dinner.

East Lyme Historical Society
Fall Potluck Dinner
Friday October 16th
Niantic Bay Yacht Club
8 Shore Rd, Niantic
Social Hour starts at 6pm

We are pleased to have John Steward as our special guest for the evening's presentation “Revolution and Tragedy: The Life of Anne Williams Ledyard (1744-1790)” In honor of our 250th John will bring the story of Anne to life and to remind us of the women that lived during the Revolutionary War and after and the effects on them. Anne was married to Col.Ledyard and became a widow after his death at the Battle of Groton Heights in 1781. John will explore her life after the Colonials death, the death of three children and then her own death along with her 8 year old son as they both lay dying of the same disease. The spotlight on the women of the Revolutionary War times are not as well known as the men and John has taken up the challenge and has delved into the life of one of those women.
John Steward is a writer and historian with a vested interest in the life and death of Colonial Ledyard, the Battle of Groton Heights and the Revolutionary War as it pertains to our area.
This event is free and open to the public. Please bring a dish to share: entree, appetizer or dessert for the table. Coffee, water and a non-alcoholic beverage will be available. Feel free to bring your own beverage. This program is made possible by the East Lyme Historical Society and our members.

09/27/2026

East Lyme Historical Society
Fall Potluck Dinner
Friday October 16th
Niantic Bay Yacht Club
8 Shore Rd, Niantic
Social Hour starts at 6pm

We are pleased to have John Steward as our special guest for the evening's presentation “Revolution and Tragedy: The Life of Anne Williams Ledyard (1744-1790)” In honor of our 250th John will bring the story of Anne to life and to remind us of the women that lived during the Revolutionary War and after and the effects on them. Anne was married to Col.Ledyard and became a widow after his death at the Battle of Groton Heights in 1781. John will explore her life after the Colonials death, the death of three children and then her own death along with her 8 year old son as they both lay dying of the same disease. The spotlight on the women of the Revolutionary War times are not as well known as the men and John has taken up the challenge and has delved into the life of one of those women.
John Steward is a writer and historian with a vested interest in the life and death of Colonial Ledyard, the Battle of Groton Heights and the Revolutionary War as it pertains to our area.
This event is free and open to the public. Please bring a dish to share: entree, appetizer or dessert for the table. Coffee, water and a non-alcoholic beverage will be available. Feel free to bring your own beverage. This program is made possible by the East Lyme Historical Society and our members.

This coming Saturday October 3rd. Hope you can join us a we celebrate Nehantic Heritage.
09/27/2026

This coming Saturday October 3rd. Hope you can join us a we celebrate Nehantic Heritage.

09/06/2026

🌿 One month from today: Experience the Nehantic Homeland. 🌿
On Saturday, October 3, join the Nehantic Native Nation and the East Lyme Historical Society at McCook Park for Nehantic Heritage Day 2026.
This year's gathering explores an important chapter in Nehantic history—the participation of Nehantic men in the American Revolution—as part of the commemoration of America's 250th anniversary.
Come experience a day of:
🔥 Ceremony overlooking Wigwam Rock
🥁 Stoney Creek Fife & Drum
🪶 Indigenous artists and cultural participants
📖 History and archaeology
🎶 Native flute and traditional storytelling
🎨 Local artists and artisans
🌱 Stewards of the Land
👧 Young Stewards activities
🍴 Local food
Saturday, October 3 | 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
McCook Park, Niantic
Free and open to all
Experience the Nehantic Homeland.

09/03/2026

Labor Day Weekend is upon us and that means our last Flea Market of the year is happening this Saturday and Sunday September 5th and 6th. Free parking and Free admisssion. 9-4 daily. Our vendors have something for everyone, come find your next treasure! The East Lyme Historical Society will be setting up in the Barn for their White Elephant sale starting at 10 am. Proceeds from the White Elephant will benefit the society's maintenance of the Thomas Lee house. 228 West Main Street, Niantic

Our playground equipment at McCooks Park in 1961. The slide was quite warm in the summertime.
08/22/2026

Our playground equipment at McCooks Park in 1961. The slide was quite warm in the summertime.

06/28/2026

Don't forget this coming up 4th of July weekend is our second Flea Market of the season. Held on the grounds of the historic Thomas Lee house vendors will be setting up their booths. Antiques, collectables and hand craft items will be on sale. Come and find your next treasure.
We will be hosting our annual White Elephant Sale in the Barn starting at 10am. Proceeds from the White Elephant sale will benefit in the preservation of the Thomas Lee house.
Saturday and Sunday July 4th and 5th
9 to 4 daily
Free admission and parking
228 West Main Street, Niantic

The McCook mansion as seen from the Hole In The Wall Beach and up close in 1958.
06/17/2026

The McCook mansion as seen from the Hole In The Wall Beach and up close in 1958.

06/15/2026

The Thomas Lee House 2026 Season
228 West Main Street, Niantic
Wednesday thru Sunday
Starting July 4th through September 6th
1:00 till 4:00
Plan on visiting this summer in celebration of our country’s semiquincentennial. Built in the late 1600s and already 100 years old during the Revolution. The Lee family called this area home and lived here through the late 1800s when its history was almost lost. Already out of the hands of the family, in 1914 the ladies of the East Lyme Historical Society (founded 1897) saw its historical value and saved it from destruction. In 1915 after minimal renovations the Thomas Lee house was opened to the public. Their vision is preserved to this day, with minimal or necessary preservations done over the years.
Docents bring their own unique interpretations as they guide you back through time before we were the town of East Lyme and before the establishment of the USA.
The Society is an all volunteer organization including the Board Members and rely on the generosity of donations in order to maintain this piece of our town's history.
We look forward to your visit. Questions and inquiries please contact us at: [email protected]

Address

Niantic, CT
06357

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

860.739.6070

Website

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