The Old Lyme Historical Society, Inc. has entered into a contract to purchase the historic building located at 55 Lyme Street, currently owned by the Old Lyme Grange #162. A capital campaign has been launched and the Society is seeking widespread community support.
Members of the Society’s Board have pledged in excess of $75,000 and the organization needs to raise an additional $150,000 to cover the purchase price and necessary improvements for a climate-controlled archive and handicap access. The generosity of the Society’s board members has played a major role in starting this campaign. With the community’s help the Society will establish a permanent home and distinct presence within the heart of the Historic District of Old Lyme.
A move to this historic building on Lyme Street will mark a major turning point for the Old Lyme Historical Society, an organization that was formed in 2005 to collect, preserve, and interpret the rich history of Old Lyme. Entirely managed by a dedicated group of volunteers, the Society currently rents office space in the Genealogy Room at the Old Lyme – Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, has its archives temporarily stored in the basement of Town Hall, and hosts events in various public and private spaces in Old Lyme.
The Grange’ s 2,600 square foot building will meet the Society’s current needs for exhibits, archives, lectures, meetings, and receptions. The public will have greater access, facilitating the research of local and genealogical histories and the ability to view exhibitions over longer periods of time.
The membership and reach of the Old Lyme Historical Society has grown impressively since 2005. It has produced exhibits and numerous publications, conducted cemetery tours, and held dinner lectures; all in pursuit of its mission to preserve and analyze Old Lyme’s social, civic, economic, and political past. A permanent home in the heart of Old Lyme will enable the Society to fulfill its mission more extensively.
Contributions of any size to this capital campaign are greatly needed and will be deeply appreciated. The Old Lyme Historical Society, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Tax deductible contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 352, Old Lyme, CT 06371.
More information about the Society, its interesting activities and publications, may be found on its web site at www.oldlymehistoricalsociety.org