The Noank Historical Society was founded in 1966 as a nonprofit corporation by Noankers interested in collecting and preserving Noank's history. Its mission is to collect, preserve and share the history of Noank, and to honor and protect Noank’s rich heritage through preservation, research, and dissemination of knowledge.
Historian Bill Peterson will discuss the revised, expanded and reissued edition of his 1989 book "Mystic Built: Ships and Shipyards of the Mystic, River, Connecticut." For 135 years, from 1784 to 1919, yards along the six-mile tidal stretch of Connecticut's Mystic River launched well over 1,400 vessels. In ports around the world, "Mystic Built" became synonymous with the quality and beauty of Noank and Mystic vessels. Drawing on more than twelve years of research in manuscript archives, period newspapers, and historic photograph collections, Peterson describes the individual shipyards and shipbuilders and places them in their local and national contexts. The revised edition includes in depth discussions of the importance of shipbuilding and the ships built along the Mystic River, a list of all known vessels built in Noank, and updated information on local shipbuilding and related trades in the 20th century.
Sylvan Street Museum
Latham-Chester Store and the Red Shed
The JEFF BROWN
Our Properties
Museum & Research Center, 17 Sylvan Street - The historic 1902 Grace Episcopal Church is now home to the Noank Historical Society’s main offices, library, archives, museum collections and exhibits. Due to limited staff availability, please schedule an appointment for a guided tour or research assistance.
The Sylvan Street Museum draws visitors and researchers interested in Noank people, houses, schools, Palmer Shipyard, boatbuilding, fishing and the artists’ community. People often are researching for family genealogical information to learn more about their Noank connections. Its archives are a great source for the study and enjoyment of New England shore history. Visitors learn of the Museum through the Noank Historical Society’s various social programs, such as quarterly meetings and lectures, quarterly newsletters, and through references from other historical and tourist organizations.
Latham/Chester Store, 108 Main Street - Venue for NHS meetings, programs, special events, summer art exhibits and private rentals.
The “Red Shed” & Park, 108 Main Street - Hosts curated exhibits on a seasonal basis.
