Stonington Things to Do Tips by airkarat

Lighthouse museum - the view

The Lighthouse Museum is at the end of the main street of the part of Stonington known as Stonington Borough / Boro. The street is like a less busy Mystic, with boutiques and restaurants and historic homes.

As part of your $5 admission one may also visit the Nathaniel Palmer house - reportedly the first 'person' in the world to set eyes on Antarctica (often reported as the discoverer of Antarctica in 1801 or so, though he was not on an exploratory expedition). The two museums offer a good overview of maritime history - whaling, sealing and shipbuilding.

Address: Stonington Borough (across a bridge by the point)

Directions: Hwy 1 runs through Mystic. Take 1A and follow signs for Stonington Borough, crossing a metal bridge. The Lighthouse Museum is at the end of the narrow Water St. The Nathanial Palmer house is in Stonington, back across the bridge near the village green.

Nathanial Palmer House

Nathaniel Palmer was reportedly the first 'person' in the world to set eyes on Antarctica (often reported as the discoverer of Antarctica in 1820 or so, though he was not on an exploratory expedition). The two museums offer a good overview of maritime history - whaling, sealing and shipbuilding and the first America's Cup race. Nathaniel Palmer's records helped future explorers to plan their missions - here can be found some artifacts relating to Shakleton and Byrd.

This museum is a good example of the most progressive architecture and residential amenities of the time. This seems to be its focus, but while we were there, we joined a family with school-aged children and the curator made a very interesting presentation to interest the children.

As part of your $5 admission one may also visit the Lighthouse Museum in Stonington Borough.

Address: 40 Palmer St., Stonington, CT

Directions: Hwy 1 runs through Mystic. Take 1A and follow signs for Stonington. The Nathaniel Palmer house is in Stonington, near the village green. When you cross a metal bridge, you are in Stonington Borough (too far) but this is where the lighthouse museum is.

Website: http://www.stoningtonhistory.org/palmer.htm