History is the fabric upon which the present is being stitched – attracting visitors and providing the common inheritance of our residents. The New London County Historical Society got an early start in collecting and preserving some of the documents, objects, and treasures that tell the story of our community. Founded in 1870, it is the oldest historical organization in eastern Connecticut and one of the oldest in the country. The historic site that is our headquarters – the Shaw Mansion, built by Captain Nathaniel Shaw in 1756, and war office for Connecticut’s navy during the Revolution – was sold to us by the family in 1907, a very early example of historic preservation. We invite you to explore the past and learn about how we have become who we are – and how you have become who you are.
