News and Events
East Lyme Becomes Certified Local Government
In December, 2011, East Lyme was approved by the Department of the Interior to become a Certified Local Government. This completed an application process first initiated by the East Lyme Historical Society as it supported a town Historic Properties Study Committee. Once the required local study was completed and approved by the State, the committee dissolved and in March 2010 the town appointed the Historic Properties Commission. In August, 2011, the Commission submitted the East Lyme application for becoming a CLG to the Connecticut Historic Preservation Office. It was approved there, and sent on to the Department of the Interior.
As the review committee for the East Lyme CLG , the Historic Properties Commission thus now has the responsibility to enhance, support and formalize local preservation programs, provide links to the State and Federal preservation offices, and to support local property owners should they seek designations as National Trust properties. It is qualified to represent the town and compete for funds allocated to the State through the Federal Historic Preservation Fund.
Connecticut Humanities Council Grant
The East Lyme Historical Society is honored to announce that it is the recipient of a matching grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council. The grant, in the amount of $4,466, is in support of "Remembering the Nehantics", a long-range project to expand research into the history of the Nehantic people, plan for the preservation of that research, and make that research available to further public understanding of Nehantic history.
Along with events such as our September 17th Opening Ceremonies and upcoming lectures, research is being done on the migration of the Nehantics and on descendants of the tribe. Information is being sought from surrounding communities in support of this research.
This is an exciting new direction for the Society, and we hope you will join us in this journey of discovery.
Winter Lecture Series: Remembering the Nehantics
With support from the Connecticut Humanities Council, our Winter Lecture Series began in November at the East Lyme Community Center. Donna Keith Baron, director of the Lebanon Historical Society, spoke on the topic "Uncovering the Forgotten Stories of the Nehantic People." In the course of the discussion, many in attendance shared the stories of their own ancestors, whether Nehantics or settlers who interacted with them.
Our second lecture took place in January at the East Lyme Police Station, with Donna Keith Baron present to document the remembrances. Local resident Catherine Lavolpicelo shared childhood memories and spoke of Sciota Nonesuch,who died in 1931. Also speaking was Dr. John Pfeiffer, who presented an overview of Nehantic history, from before the arrival of European settlers, through their impressment by the British into service in the French and Indian Wars,the creation of a reserve on Black Point, and the eventual dissolution of the tribe as members joined the Brothertown Indian Nation, now located in Wisconsin. Dr. Pfeiffer also traced several Nehantic family trees, with active participation from those attending.
We still have much to learn, and, as more people come forward to share their knowledge, more stories to tell. Our next lecture will take place at the East Lyme Police Station in March. Please join us!
Fall Pot Luck Supper, October 14, 2011
With the coming of autumn, the East Lyme Historical Society gathered for our annual Fall Pot Luck Supper. We were fortunate once more to be invited to use the Niantic Bay Yacht Club for our meeting. There is little doubt some of the best cooks in East Lyme belong to our Society and continue to prove that fact year after year. The social hour was followed by the pot luck featuring an array of salads, entrees and outstanding desserts. A “well done” to all. Supper was followed by the always popular raffle, with bottles of wine, publications, decorations, and food items including all natural beef from Cranberry Meadow Farm. Many thanks go out to our generous donors.
During a short business meeting, Society President Norm Peck gave a rundown on what's been happening both in front and behind the scenes, and brought the members up to date on the balance of our currently planned events. The evening's program, part of our year of "Remembering the Nehantics", was presented by Society member Dick Waterman. Mr. Waterman discussed the daily lives of the Nehantics at the time of European settlement, moving from the shoreline in summer to the hills and forest in winter. He also described the dispersal of the tribe in the 19th century, as members joined the members of the Oneida nation in central New York, then, eventually, the Brothertown Indian Nation in Wisconsin. A question-and-answer period after the presentation added new perspectives to the discussion, as members contributed more pieces of the story.
Before the close of the evening, it was announced that the first in our winter lecture series would take place on Sunday, November 6th, followed by two more, in January and March. We'll keep you posted on the dates and subjects as they become available!
Remembering the Nehantics
The East Lyme Historical Society opened its yearlong study of our area's native people, "Remembering the Nehantics", on a beautiful Saturday, September 17th. Sponsored in part by a grant from the Connecticut Humanties Council, this series of programs is intended to foster a greater understanding of the history of the Nehantic tribe, both in southern Connecticut and in their eventual home in Wisconsin, as part of the Brothertown Indian Nation.
The ceremonies were opened by East Lyme First Selectman Paul Formica, who welcomed our guests, followed by the reading of a proclamation from the General Assembly, by State Representative Ed Jutila. Lore'n Spears, Narragnasett-Nehantic, then offered a Smudge Ceremony and Prayer in the Narragansett language. After Dick Waterman gave a brief outline of the program, visitors had the opportunity to pursue a variety of activities.
Dr. John Pfeiffer and Kathleen Brown-Perez offered lectures on the life of the Nehantics in this area, and on their westward movement, first to the Oneida nation, then eventually to Lake Winnebago. Tours of the Indian burialground at Union Cemetery and sites along Niantic Bay in the Crescent Beach and McCook's Point Park area were offered. Throughout the day, Lore'n Spears kept the children entertained with crafts, games, music, dance and storytelling. We were especially lucky to have Loretta Metoxen, a Nehantic from Wisconsin, join us. Her participation in the lectures and discussions with our guests added a great deal to our understanding of Nehantic history. A number of native vendors were present, as well, offering traditional crafts for sale.
This kick-off event was well attended, and we look forward to more programs on the subject throughout the coming year. We would like to thank all of the people who made this event such a success. Our presenters were entertaining and informative, and we are grateful for their participation. The Niantic Lions Club was present all day to keep everyone fed, and our volunteers kept everything flowing smoothly. We are especially grateful to the Connecticut Humanities Council for their financial support of this effort.
Connecticut Open House Day, June 11, 2011
The Connecticut Department of Culture and Tourism celebrated its seventh annual Open House Day for museums across the state on Saturday, June 11th, and the East Lyme Historical Society enthusiastically took part in the day’s activities once again. Although the weather seemed determined not to cooperate, the rain did hold off until later in the afternoon, and attendance was outstanding.
Upon arrival, children were immediately drawn to the hatchet throwing lessons offered by Dan Pondner, a member of the Quoketaug Rangers, dressed as a colonial era scout. Another reenactor, Michael Fitzgerald, shared news of the French and Indian Wars with visitors. For modern military history, we had David Moorehead explaining the history of Camp Niantic. Vivien McGrary offered spinning and weaving lessons, and Brenda Stone brought sheep, lambs and chickens, much to the delight of our younger visitors. Of course, Rock and Roll, the ox team from Cranberry Meadow Farm, were there to share the day.
The Lee House, Little Boston School House, and Herb Garden were all spruced up for tours, and visitors to the historical displays in the Barn were also treated to our newly refurbished Gift Store in the Barn. Because of the weather, the Lee House became the scene for our Colonial Tea, although some tables remained outdoors, under cover. Fortunately, the rain did not interfere with the chamber music provided by the East Lyme High School String Quartet and String Orchestra.
The hard work of our many volunteers, led by Dick Waterman and Nancy Kalal, made this event a true success. While we haven’t enough space to thank them all individually, we are grateful to each and every one. We would like to take particular notice of “Bubba Bentley”, the hardest working high school student we’ve seen, and our “go to guy” for anything that needed doing, all day long. Open House Day is a fun event, and getting larger every year. We look forward to your participation next year!
To view photos from Open House Day, please click here.
Annual Meeting, June 3, 2011
On Friday, June 3rd, the East Lyme Historical Society held its Annual Meeting on the grounds of the Thomas Lee House. The weather was, once again, outstanding, and we took advantage of it with our outdoor picnic. The tables were covered with tablecloths, and folding chairs were set up for a good part of the group that no longer does well at picnic table benches. (Yes, we do need some younger and more agile members!) Set ups were available, and several members brought appetizers to share. With that, the meeting was off to a great start.
The picnic supper followed, and the variety of entrees matched up well with the three dozen or so members present. Shared desserts followed. The meals were up to our usual high standards: no one cooks like our Society’s members.
When the social hour and dinner were done, it was time for the business of the Annual Meeting. President Norm Peck III went over past events, calling attention in particular to the success of last September’s 350th Anniversary and Lee Family Gathering. Upcoming events were highlighted, including this coming September’s Indian Program. This event is expected to be the outstanding educational program of this calendar year. The slate of Officers and Board Members were then presented, voted on, and approved.
Norm also called attention to the success of our website and enewsletter, both of which are serving an ever-growing audience, generating interest in the history of our community and the activities of the Society.
The annual budget and Treasurer’s report were presented. After a few questions, both were approved. A wish list of items the Preservation Committee would like to have done in the near future, for both the Lee House and the Dr. Lee Cottage, were explained. A motion to have the Committee proceed as they thought best was then passed.
As the evening wound down, members continued to socialize. Many of us, who would be involved in various upcoming events, took advantage of the time to network. We had hoped to increase attendance this year, but remained at the same number as the last two years. Maybe next year we’ll have an increase, when you join us?
4th Grade Colonial Hands On Program, May 2011
Over a period of five days in May, 4th grade students from East Lyme’s Flanders, Lillie B. Haynes and Niantic Center Schools visited the Thomas Lee House for our 11th Annual Colonial Hands on Program. This will be the final year for this program. Next year, we will offer a program on the Nehantic Indians for 4th graders, and the Colonial Program will return the following year, this time for 5th grade students.
The forty or so students who arrived each day were divided into five groups. Each group attended a forty minute session in one of several learning activities, which varied somewhat from one day to another. The “Lee House Players” put on a play, with details taken from the Journal of Joshua Hempstead, demonstrating the differences between the law in 1743 Connecticut and that of modern times. Following the drama, the “Judge” of the “trial” spoke to the children about colonial law, inviting questions and thoughts. The students were then treated to a tour of the Lee House.
Other activities were candle making, butter churning, wood working and spinning. Not far from the spinning wheel in the barn, the animal pen housed some very popular sheep. We all were treated one day with a visit from Rock and Roll, an ox team from Cranberry Meadow Farm. The Quoketaug Rangers, colonial re-enactors, discussed the French and Indian War, and demonstrated tomahawk throwing and musket firing. A colonial blacksmith visited one day, with a portable smithy shop set up and running. On another couple of days a colonial vendor invited the students to model his offerings of children’s’ clothing.
In the barn, the students had the opportunity to study displays concerning the Nehantic Indians and Ezra Lee and the submarine The Turtle. During the lunch break they checked out the Little Boston School House, and had a chance to play colonial games.
Our thanks go out this year to all who have participated and volunteered over the past eleven years, and to the 4th graders who readily got involved in all the activities. Let’s give a tip of the tri-corn hat to Dick Waterman, who even prepares a lesson plan on the program that the teachers can use before and after their class attends. And of course his team, the Quoketaug Rangers, the Lee House Judgment Room Repertory Players, the colonial crafts instructors and all who made this very special event what it was. Both a wonderful learning experience, and a good time were certainly had by all.
To view photos from the 4th Grade program, please click here.
Spring Pot Luck Supper, April 15, 2011
A sure sign of spring each year is our Spring Pot Luck Supper. We were fortunate once more this year, thanks to Terry Mitchell, to be able to hold this in a very comfortable meeting room at AHEPA, on Roxbury Road. The evening began with the ever popular social hour with libation and appetizers. The pot luck offerings followed, and our cooks once again all impressed each other. With everyone well fed and finishing desserts and coffee, along with table conversation, it was then time for a short business meeting. After having not had an increase in many years, it was brought to a vote to increase dues by a modest amount. This was overwhelmingly passed. Following the vote, a table full of door prizes soon found new homes.
The highlight of the evening was our speaker, Jim Littlefield, history teacher, archeologist extraordinaire and author of those wonderful articles each month in the Post Road Review, “History Matters”. Jim took us behind the scenes of many of his recent articles, elaborating on them and, in doing so, piqued our interest even more. He also discussed several of the digs he has done with his classes over the years. Questions and answers followed and Jim patiently satisfied us all.
The evening wrapped up, and as always, a good time was had by all. We’re sure no one went away hungry or having not been entertained and educated by our speaker.
