Museums in Mystic, Connecticut range from fine art to American history

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The Florence Griswold Museum

96 Lyme Street Old Lyme, CT 06371 Phone: 860-434-5542

This 11-acre riverfront campus calls itself the Home of American Impressionism, for its service in the 1910s as a summer boarding house to artists of the Lyme Art Colony. The Krieble Gallery hosts changing exhibitions of American art. The permanent collection includes works by Church, Cole, Twachtman, Hassam, and others. The Griswold House contains a remarkable collection of painted panels and doors left in their original places by the artists who stayed at the Florence Griswold House. Museum offers many seasonal events and activities for children.
Visitors today understand immediately the site's appeal to the artists who stayed with Florence Griswold. Her house, gardens and river view were favored subjects of her boarders. Walking the grounds, one is delighted by the same trees and gentle bend in the river. Visitors stand at the site of Childe Hassam's favorite spot, stroll Miss Florence's lovingly restored old-fashioned garden.
Hours: Krieble Gallery and Griswold House open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Chadwick Studio and Rafal Landscape Center open mid-May through October.
Admission: Adults, $9; seniors, $8; students, $7; children age 12 and younger admitted for free.
 
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Lutz Children's Museum

247 S. Main St. (Route 83) Manchester, CT 06040 Phone: 860-643-0949

Open: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Exhibits change frequently and special programs are offered almost daily for children age 2 through 12. Some current exhibits allow kids to climb aboard a plane full of museum artifacts from Africa or race off on a motorcycle; explore the mysteries of the five senses; see rescued animals; and tour a children’s art gallery. Admission: $4.

Lyman Allyn Art Museum

625 Williams St. New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-443-2545

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Closed major holidays.

Eighteenth-, 19th- and 20th-century art and decorative arts, American Impressionist paintings, contemporary American art, changing exhibits. Nearby at the Deshon-Allyn Mansion contains dolls and dollhouses. Outdoor Children's Art Park. Admission: Adults, $5; seniors and students; $4; children age 8 and under, free.

Mansfield Historical Society Museum

954 Storrs Road (Route 195) Storrs, CT 06268 Phone: 860-429-6575

Open: June-September, Thursday and Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; library open year-round by appointment

Collection of furnishings, costumes, photographs and historical artifacts relating to local history, housed in the former town office building and Old Town Hall (1843), changing exhibits, research library. Admission: Adults, $2; children 12 and younger, free.

Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

110 Pequot Trail Mashantucket, CT 06338 Phone: 800) 411-9671

Open: Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., last admission at 3 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving day, December 24 and 25, December 31 and January 1

Permanent exhibits on the Native and natural history of southern New England include a cool descent into a glacial crevasse from 18,000 years ago. Walk through a 1550 Pequot Village. Interactive computer programs, films providing additional information and interpretation of the exhibits. Two research libraries, one for children. Museum store and restaurant. Admission: Adults, $15; seniors, $13; children age 6-15, $10; under 6 free.

Military Historians Museum

N. Main St. Westbrook, CT 06498 Phone: 860-399-9460

Open: Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and by appointment.

The largest collection of American military uniforms in the country. Unit crest insignia, vehicles from World War II Weasel to a Desert Storm truck, music room, research center. Admission: Free.

Museum of the Fife and Drum

Highland Terrace at 63 North Main Street Ivoryton, CT 06442 Phone: 860-767-2237

Open: June 30 through Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; third weekend of July and fourth weekend of August reserved for private activities

Exhibits focus on the fife and drum, not only as an important symbol of American patriotism during the Revolutionary period, but as an integral part of military strategy in the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum is a visual and musical history of America on parade, from the Revolutionary War to the present. Theme displays feature drums, fifes, military swords, music, uniforms, medals, awards and photographs. Admission; Adults, $3; youth age 13-17, $2; seniors, $2; children under age 12, free.

Mystic River Historical Society Museum

74 High Street at Old New London Road Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: 860-536-4779

Open: Mid-May-mid-October, Tuesday, 9 a.m.-noon; Wednesday-Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Archives building is open year-round

Visitors to the museum can see two sites, the Portersville Academy (built in 1839) and the William A. Downes Archives Building. The Academy contains a recreated 1840's school room and changing exhibits relating to Mystic history. The Archives Building contains a growing collection of artifacts, printed material, maps and photographs. Admission: free.

New England Air Museum

36 Perimeter Rd. (off Route 75) Windsor Locks, CT 06096 Phone: 860-623-3305

Open: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed January 1, Thanksgiving, December 25.

Largest aviation museum in the Northeastern U.S. 80 aircraft featured in three display buildings, exhibits, films, gift shop. Admission: Adults, $8.50; seniors,$7.50; children age 6-11, $4.50.

New England Center for Contemporary Art

7 Putnam Place Brooklyn, CT 06234 Phone: 860-774-8899

Open: Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Three-story late Colonial converted to museum of 20th-century modern art, contemporary Chinese art. Changing exhibits, gift shop. Admission: Free.

Prudence Crandall Museum

Junction Routes 14 and 169 Canterbury, CT 06331 Phone: 860-546-7800

Open: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed December 15-January 31; open February and March by appointment only

New England's first academy for Black women (1833-34), established by Connecticut's female state hero. Changing exhibits, period furnishings, research library, gift shop. National Historic Landmark; part of the Connecticut Freedom Trail and the Connecticut Women’s Heritage Trail. Gift shop. Admission: Adults, $3; seniors and children, $2; children age 5 and younger, free.
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Slater Memorial Museum and Converse Art Gallery

Norwich Free Academy, 108 Crescent Street Norwich, CT 06360 Phone: 860-887-2506

Open: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Closed holidays.

Housed in a Neo-Romanesque structure built in 1886; collection of Greek, Roman and Renaissance casts; American art and furniture, Native American artifacts; Asian, African and European art; historic gun collection and textiles. Rotating exhibitions in Converse Art Gallery. Admission: Adults, $3; seniors and students, $2; children under age 12, free.

Submarine Force Museum

1 Crystal Lake Road Groton, CT 06349 Phone: 800-343-0079

The only Navy museum dedicated to the science, courage and history of the US Submarine Force.

COME ABOARD…YOU WON’T BE BORED!

Step aboard the Nautilus — the world's first nuclear powered submarine at the only museum dedicated to the science, courage and history of the US Submarine Force. Whether you’re a kid or a history buff, there’s something here of interest for you.

  • Sit in the control room and experience hands-on what submariners had to manage.
  • Explore the memorabilia of historical interest about the submarines rich place in history.
  • Tour the world's first nuclear powered submarine and experience where the crew ate, slept, trained & played.
Live their adventure beneath the ocean’s waves. Our admission is always free. The experience is priceless!

The Florence Griswold Museum

96 Lyme Street Old Lyme, CT 06371 Phone: 860-434-5542

This 11-acre riverfront campus calls itself the Home of American Impressionism, for its service in the 1910s as a summer boarding house to artists of the Lyme Art Colony. The Krieble Gallery hosts changing exhibitions of American art. The permanent collection includes works by Church, Cole, Twachtman, Hassam, and others. The Griswold House contains a remarkable collection of painted panels and doors left in their original places by the artists who stayed at the Florence Griswold House. Museum offers many seasonal events and activities for children.
Visitors today understand immediately the site's appeal to the artists who stayed with Florence Griswold. Her house, gardens and river view were favored subjects of her boarders. Walking the grounds, one is delighted by the same trees and gentle bend in the river. Visitors stand at the site of Childe Hassam's favorite spot, stroll Miss Florence's lovingly restored old-fashioned garden.
Hours: Krieble Gallery and Griswold House open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Chadwick Studio and Rafal Landscape Center open mid-May through October.
Admission: Adults, $9; seniors, $8; students, $7; children age 12 and younger admitted for free.

Vintage Radio & Communications Museum

115 Pierson Lane Windsor, CT 06095 Phone: 860-683-2903

Open: Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

History of electronic communications from telegraphs of the late 1800s to radio to television. Over 750 rare radios and televisions on display, reference library. Admission: Adults, $7; children age 6-11, $4.

Windham Textile and History Museum

411 Main Street Willimantic, CT 06226 Phone: 860-456-2178

Open: Memorial Day-Columbus Day, Friday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; closed January and major holidays.

Museum preserves the textile industry of southern New England at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Exhibits include thread factory floor, rooms from a workers rowhouse and owner’s mansion. Admission: Adults, $5; seniors and students, $3.50; children under age 6, free.
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Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry

Weaver Road (off Route 44) Storrs, CT 06269 Phone: 860-486-4605

Open: Late April-early November,Friday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Collection of more than 2,000 puppets from the world over. Each exhibition features a different view of the variety of styles and periods in puppetry. Admission: Free; donations accepted.

Brayton Grist Mill and Marcy Blacksmith Museum

Route 44 Pomfret, CT 06258 Phone: 860-928-0304

Open: Memorial Day to Labor Day, Sundays 2-5 p.m.

This fine example of a one-man mill operation of the 1890's has original milling equipment. The tool exhibit represents the craft of three generations of blacksmiths. Maintained by the Pomfret Historical Society. Admission: Free; donations welcome.

Chaplin Museum

1 Chaplin Street Chaplin, CT 06235 Phone: 860-455-9209

Open: Mid-July–September 30, Sundays, 1-4 p.m.

This one room museum features historic memorabilia and local artifacts. Themed exhibits are changed every year. Admission: free.

Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut

409 Main Street Niantic, CT 06357 Phone: 860-691-1111

Interactive hands-on exhibits for the entire family. Don’t miss our Long Island Sound Marinelife Tank, Parent Pockets, a self guided tour of the Museum and Kidsville, an entire kid-sized town. Themes include arts and science, health and history. Have fun while learning. Explore the Discovery Room, see live animals and say hello to Richter the Red Tailed Boa Constrictor.

Summer Hours (Mid-June - Labor Day): Monday-Saturday, 9:30am-5pm ; Sundays Noon-5pm
Winter Hours: Tuesday-Thursdays 9:30am-4:30pm ; Friday 9:30am-6pm ; Saturdays 9:30am-5pm ; Sunday Noon-5pm

Connecticut River Museum

67 Main St., Steamboat Dock Essex, CT 06426 Phone: 860-767-8269

Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Housed in an 1878 Steamboat Dock warehouse located on the waterfront, the museum tells the Connecticut River Valley story in four galleries, with a working reproduction of the American Turtle, America’s first submarine. Gift shop. Admission: Adults, $6; seniors and students, $5; children age 6-12, $3; 5 and under free.
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Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

109 Pequotsepos Road Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: 860-536-1216

Open: Year-round, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed January 1, Easter, Christmas

The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center welcomes visitors into a typical Southeastern Connecticut woodland setting to discover and enjoy nature throughout the seasons. Originally founded as a nonprofit organization in 1946, the Center maintains a commitment to promoting environmental awareness. We believe local understanding and firsthand experiences with the natural world lead to global concern and respect toward nature. DPNC offers a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages. From birding and wildflower walks to special evening lectures, school programs and field trips, visitors have opportunities to experience many aspects of our natural world. The Nature Center provides a year-round haven for wildlife and a peaceful respite for local citizens, tourists, nature enthusiasts, hikers and students. We invite you to discover our sanctuary, trail-side museum and the natural beauty of southeastern Connecticut. Admission: Adults, $6; seniors and children age 121 and under, $4.
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Jillson House Museum

627 Main Street Willimantic, CT 06226 Phone: 860-456-2316

Open: Call for hours of operation

This home was built in 1825 for a mill owner. The structure is made from stone taken locally from the banks of the Willimantic River. Exhibits include artifacts, antique furniture and local memorabilia.

Kidcity Children's Museum

119 Washington St. Middletown, CT 06457 Phone: 860-347-0495

Open: Sunday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call for holiday schedule.

Whimsical, one-of-a-kind rooms filled with hands-on play and learning, for kids ages 1 to 8 and their grown-ups. Admission: $6 per person.
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