The Old Lighthouse Museum is dedicated to sharing the history of the modest stone citadel, which has stood at the entrance to the harbor of Stonington for the past 170 years. Performing the valuable service of guiding ships across treacherous Fishers Island Sound, the beautifully preserved building is now regarded fondly as an enduring symbol of a maritime past and is open to the public as a museum. Built in 1840, the tower boasts fanciful stonework, with ornamental cornices around the tower, heavy granite lintels above the windows and doorways, and a gabled roof. Managed by the Stonington Historical Society, the Old Lighthouse Museum features interesting exhibits of artifacts, objects, and photographs, documenting the maritime and agricultural history of Stonington and the critical role the lighthouse played in it. Visitors may climb the 29 circular steps and a short ladder to reach the top of the tower, which boasts stunning panoramic views across three states and enjoy picnics on the grassy lighthouse grounds.
Stonington Historical Society, Stonington, CT 06378, Phone: 860-535-8445