Lyme: A Way of Life
Upcoming Events & Programs
Save the date for our traditional Chowder Dinner
Saturday, November 9 — 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Mark your calendars now to 
enjoy this annual Lyme Public Hall tradition, served up in our lovely historic setting. The dinner features hearty homemade clam and corn chowders (free refills and vegetarian option available), special recipe coleslaw, breads, and homemade apple crisp, all made with love right here in Lyme from our time-tested recipes.
If you would like to help our expert Chowder Chef Bill Denow and his all-volunteer team with preparations on Friday, November 8 (chopping and chopping and some sautéing), or to assist on our serving line on Saturday, or to join our Apple Crisp Baking Brigade (baking and donating homemade apple crisps), please email info@LymePublicHall.org
Lyme Land Trust Event:
Nehantic Native Nation Talk
Wednesday, November 13 at 7:00 pm
The Lyme Land Conservation Trust presents a talk by John Pfeiffer, archaeologist and honorary member of Nehantic Native Nation. Dr. Pfeiffer will speak about the Nehantics, indigenous people who have inhabited this land for thousands of years.
As Europeans moved into the lower Connecticut Valley in the 1630s, the Nehantics resided in the region. By the 1870s, the State of Connecticut declared them “extinct” and their reservation was sold. Yet their history was never over.
Dr. John Pfeiffer received his Ph.D. in anthropology from the SUNY Albany and has worked in southeastern New England as an anthropologist, historian, and archaeologist for more than 50 years. He has aided local Native American groups (Schaghticoke, Mohegan, and Nehantic) in better understanding their cultural identity and unique histories.
To register for this event at the Lyme Public Hall, please contact education@lymelandtrust.org
Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop
Saturday, December 7
11:00 am-1:00 pm or 2:00-4:00 pm
The Lyme Public Hall and the Lyme Garden Club will present our popular Holiday Wreath-
Making Workshops on Saturday, December 7, at the Lyme Public Hall. Fresh greens and basic trimming materials as well as crafting guidance will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own special trimmings to customize your creation if desired. Bring a friend or family member to double your fun — it’s kind of a tradition at this festive event, but space is limited so be sure to reserve your place at the morning or afternoon session!
$20 per person includes a donation to the Lyme Garden Club to support its projects including Lyme town holiday decorations, daffodil plantings and maintenance of garden spaces at town buildings (Town Hall, Library, Hamburg Firehouse and Lymewood). To reserve your place and preferred workshop time, please send us a note here.
Not yet a member, but interested in updates on events at the Public Hall? Sign up for our monthly email here:
(better yet, become a member!)
The Latest: Posts from the Archives and Public Hall
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Thank you to Essex Bank Members for 2024 Voting in Community Investment Program!
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Artist Thomas W. Nason’s home on Joshuatown Road in Lyme
One of the advantages of living in a former artists’ colony is that these creatives have left their stamp on a number of local houses.
Wishing you had saved that old Lyme-Old Lyme High School Yearbook? We can help.
The Lyme Local History Archive now has Lyme-Old Lyme High School yearbooks from 1958 through 1998! Gloria M. Maddocks, the Principal’s secretary for 42 years,
Tiffany Farm photo features Leon Tiffany using latest technology
Archives don’t just store physical documents; they also take responsibility for digital items like this fabulous scan given by the Tiffany family. In this striking
Gravestone Images Unique to Lyme
The grave of Captain Samuel Selden (who died in 1745 at age 50) is in Marvin Cemetery on Hamburg Road, a little south of Mt.
Thank you for a successful 2023 George House Tag Sale!
The 2023 George House Tag Sale was held at the Public Hall on Saturday, September 16 from 9 am to 1 pm. Thanks to the
2023 News from the Bacdayan Local History Archives
Archivist Julie Hughes has been busy as always in the Archives Room at the Lyme Public Library. She is in residence on Thursdays from 11:00
Thank you for Voting LPHLHA, Essex Savings Bank Members!
Every year, Essex Savings Bank gives thousands of dollars to help aid the efforts of local non-profit organizations. This year, the bank collected member votes
Lyme runs on the heart, intelligence, and good nature of community participation.
The Lyme Public Hall, originally built in 1887, is a community gathering place dedicated to the appreciation of Lyme’s history, culture and people. With the help of volunteers and community participation, we host events throughout the year including musical programs, history programs and exhibits, lectures, workshops, walks and more. These are open to everyone: members and non-members, Lyme residents and visitors to our area. The Lyme Public Hall is also available to rent for local community activities and private functions.
Renew your membership!
The Lyme Public Hall and Local History Archives has been a community-supported organization since its founding. Please help us continue our mission by becoming a member or renewing your membership today. Click here for more information. Thank you to the many friends and neighbors who have recently renewed their membership support!
Unsure if you’re a member or just want to receive regular Public Hall news? Send us an email.
For more participatory ideas in Lyme and to find other local activities, visit our Local Links page.
Volunteer opportunities can also be found on the Town of Lyme’s Lyme Town Hall Newsfeed.
Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd. (Route 156), Lyme CT 06371