Stories from the Park Lecture Series
by Stephen Manuel, New London County Historical Society

Come mingle with friends and other guests in Lyman Allyn Art Museum’s elegant Hendle Library during a reception with wine and light hors d’oeuvres, visit the museum’s exhibits, and hear stories about Island Affairs of the Thames during this 5-part series.

New London, the “Whaling City” was the third largest whaling port in the country during the height of whaling in the United States and for a short time, the second largest whaling port in the world. In 1850 alone over one million dollars in whale goods passed over the docks at New London. Used by New London and whalers from throughout New England for re-supplying their ships, Lahaina was one of the most significant whaling ports in the Pacific. Hear fascinating stories about New London’s Elias Perkins II, a partner in the Perkins and Smith whaling firm who resided in Lahaina; the conflict between New England whalers and missionaries; and the influence of whaling on New London County. Artifacts gifted to the Perkins family from the royal family of Hawaii will be on display.

This series will be held on the first Wednesday of the month through May 2024 at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum and begins with a reception at 6 PM featuring wine and light hors d’oeuvres immediately followed by the monthly lecture at 7 PM.

Rates:

Regular Pricing
TRHP + LAAM Members – $15
Non-members – $20

Early Bird
TRHP + LAAM Members Early Bird* – $10
Non-member Early Bird* – $15

*Early bird rate is valid through April 24, 2024.

Purchase Today: https://bit.ly/LectureSeriesTRHP

Thames River Heritage Park Foundation is pleased to present its 2024 lecture series: Stories from the Park: Island Affairs of the Thames. Probing the historical impact and influence of the connections with islands near and far to the Thames River, the 5-part series will explore the “power of place” from social, cultural, political, economic and ecological perspectives along with its impact and influence on life on the Thames – historically and up to the present time.

This program is made possible thanks to grants from Connecticut Humanities and Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

Author Bio
Steve Manuel, executive director of New London County Historical Society, loves maritime history. His 30-year love affair with history began while serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Constitution. He has B.S. in wildlife biology and B.A. in history from UMass along with a M.A. in world history and a certificate in public history from Northeastern University. Steve’s academic research explored the expedition and the impact of the maritime community on the professionalization of science. His professional work during this period included the Special Collections and Archives Department at the W.E.B Dubois Library and the archives at Saint Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, MA. In addition, Steve curated the Seward Natural History Collection at Connecticut’s Old State House and created digital programing for three outdoor trails at Old Sturbridge Village. Under Steve’s leadership at the New London County Historical Society, the organization pioneered a new summer education program for the low-income families of New London County, organized its collection of historical artifacts, and initiated an internship program which attracts students from across the country. A sought-after speaker and author, Steve has presented numerous lectures and written articles on topics such as Benedict Arnold, the HMS Resolute, Henry Burbeck, the Privateer General Israel Putnam.