Dig Into Colonial Roots of Lyme, Old Lyme and Neighboring Towns with Historian Bruce Stark, April 23

OLD LYME, CT – A book launch and lecture Thursday at the Old Lyme Historical Society offers a look at the origins of Lyme – once encompassing the present-day town of the same name as well as Old Lyme, East Lyme and parts of Salem – in celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.

The historical society, 55 Lyme St., will commemorate its 50th anniversary reprint of “Lyme, Connecticut: From Founding to Independence” by historian Bruce P. Stark at 7 p.m. on April 23.

Stark will discuss the sources and research methods behind his study of the region’s early history. The event highlights the newly expanded second edition of the book, first published in 1976.

Historical society co-chair Mark Terwilliger said he will share the podium with Stark to discuss the creation of the new edition and “the experience of life during the Revolution in ‘the Lymes.’” 

Stark’s book chronicles Lyme’s first 150 years, examining the town’s founding and development, the impact of the Great Awakening, life in the mid-18th century and the disruptions of the American Revolution in a community closely tied to colonial leadership and vulnerable to British forces based on Long Island.

The updated edition adds a new map, expanded bibliography, detailed indexes, an appendix recounting Revolutionary War experiences of Moses Warren Jr. of the East Society and a comprehensive index of names. 

Admission is free for Old Lyme Historical Society members, with a voluntary donation of $10 for non-members.