Standing proudly at the entrance to Stonington Harbor since 1840, the Old Lighthouse Museum offers visitors a glimpse into Connecticut’s maritime history. This stone structure, which includes both a lighthouse tower and attached dwelling, became the first lighthouse in America to be converted into a museum when the Stonington Historical Society acquired it in 1927. You can climb the 29 circular steps and a short ladder to reach the tower’s top, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views spanning three states.
The museum houses unique collections that tell the story of more than 350 years of Stonington’s rich history. You’ll discover fascinating exhibits about the town’s victory over the British Navy during the Battle of Stonington in 1814, learn about Venture Smith who purchased his freedom from slavery, and see intimate portraits by renowned photographer Rollie McKenna. Your admission also grants you access to the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House, making it a perfect day trip for history enthusiasts.
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The Stonington Lighthouse Museum
The Stonington Lighthouse Museum stands as a stone sentinel at the harbor entrance, offering a glimpse into Connecticut’s rich maritime history. Built in 1840, this charming structure features distinctive stonework with ornamental cornices and granite lintels that make it architecturally unique among lighthouses of its era.
When you visit, you can climb the 29 circular steps to the top of the tower for breathtaking views spanning three states across Long Island Sound. The perspective from above gives you a true sailor’s vantage point of the waters this lighthouse once helped navigate.
The museum holds fascinating artifacts including items brought back by sea captains from China and evidence of the 1814 British attack on Stonington. You’ll find a cannonball lodged in a hearthstone and a rare congreve rocket – tangible connections to the area’s historical moments.
The grassy grounds surrounding the lighthouse are perfect for picnics while enjoying views of Little Narragansett Bay. As America’s first lighthouse museum (opened in 1927), it represents both the practical maritime function these structures served and their symbolic importance to coastal communities.
Rating: 4.6 (450 reviews)
Location: 7 Water St, Stonington, CT 06378
Contact: (860) 535-1440
Website: Visit Website
History of the Old Lighthouse Museum
The Old Lighthouse Museum in Stonington has a rich history dating back to 1840. This iconic structure served as a working lighthouse for nearly 50 years before becoming the nation’s first lighthouse museum in 1927.
Origins of the Lighthouse
Built in 1840, the Old Lighthouse stands at the tip of Stonington Point as a guardian of the harbor. This modest stone structure combines a lighthouse tower with an attached dwelling, creating a distinctive silhouette against the coastline.
For 49 years, it guided ships safely into Stonington’s harbor – Connecticut’s only port facing the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse remained in operation until 1889, when a new keeper’s house was constructed next door.
The lighthouse witnessed significant historical moments in Stonington, including the aftermath of two British Navy attacks on the town (in 1775 and 1814). Though small in size, its architecture reflects the endurance and strength that characterize Stonington’s heritage.
Transformation into a Museum
After being decommissioned in 1889, the lighthouse stood empty for several decades. In 1925, the U.S. government decided to sell the property, and the Stonington Historical Society purchased it for $3,650.
This purchase marked a turning point in the building’s history. In 1927, the Society transformed it into a museum – making it the very first lighthouse museum in the entire nation!
You can now climb the 29 circular steps and a short ladder to reach the tower’s top, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views spanning three states. This vantage point offers a glimpse into why this location was so strategically important.
Since its opening as a museum, it has preserved over 170 years of maritime history for visitors to explore and appreciate Stonington’s seafaring past.
Architectural Features
The Old Lighthouse Museum showcases a distinctive architectural style that has withstood the test of time since 1840. Its modest yet sturdy construction represents the resilience of Stonington and tells a story of maritime heritage.
Design and Structure
The lighthouse is characterized by its stone construction, making it stand out from many wooden or brick lighthouses of the era. The structure consists of a lighthouse tower attached to a dwelling, creating a compact but functional design. This architectural approach was common for lighthouses where keepers needed to live on-site.
You’ll notice the fortress-like quality of the stonework, which reflects the building’s dual purpose of guiding ships and symbolizing strength. The lighthouse stands at the entrance to Stonington Harbor, Connecticut’s only port facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Though small in size, the building’s solid construction has allowed it to survive for more than 170 years through countless storms and two British naval attacks.
Unique Features
What makes this lighthouse special is its status as the first museum lighthouse in the nation. The transformation from working lighthouse to museum preserved not only the structure but its historical importance.
The stone citadel design gives the building its distinctive character. When you visit, you’ll be able to explore both the tower and the attached living quarters, giving you a complete picture of lighthouse keeper life.
The building’s position at the south end of Stonington Point provides spectacular views and explains its historical importance as a navigational aid. Its modest size might surprise you – many lighthouses are taller and more imposing.
Inside, the architecture creates perfect spaces for displaying the museum’s extensive collection of maritime artifacts that tell the story of local sailors, farmers, and explorers.
Visiting Information
Planning a trip to the Old Lighthouse Museum is easy and rewarding. The museum offers a unique glimpse into Stonington’s maritime history in a beautiful coastal setting.
Location and Directions
The Old Lighthouse Museum is located at 7 Water Street, Stonington, Connecticut 06378. The museum sits at the tip of Stonington Point, making it easy to spot as you approach the harbor.
From I-95, take exit 91 and follow Route 234 east toward Stonington Borough. Continue onto Water Street and follow it to the end of the peninsula where you’ll find the lighthouse.
Free parking is available on-site for museum visitors. The location offers stunning views of Long Island Sound and Fisher’s Island, making it worth the drive even before you step inside.
If you’re coming by boat, the Stonington Harbor is nearby with guest moorings available.
Admission and Hours
The Old Lighthouse Museum welcomes visitors throughout the year with seasonal hours.
Admission Fees:
- Adults: $10
- Children (under 12): $5
- Seniors (65+): $8
- Students (with ID): $8
Your admission ticket grants you access to both the Lighthouse Museum and the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House, giving you two historic sites for one price!
The museum typically operates daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during summer months (May through October), with reduced hours in the off-season. It’s always best to check their website or call ahead at (860) 535-1440 to confirm current hours.
Dogs are welcome on the lighthouse grounds, but only service animals are permitted inside the museum building.
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