Lyme: A Way of Life
Upcoming Events & Programs
Jazz Jam Kicks Off New Season of Live Music at the Public Hall
Sunday April 28, 4:00 — 6:00 pm
As spring approaches, so does the much-anticipated return of our monthly live music Last Sunday evenings at the Public Hall. Mark your calendars now for our first Jazz Jam, coming up on Sunday, April 28 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Plan on joining us to enjoy talented local musicians who will drop by for an informal, entertaining evening to celebrate great music and a great community! It’s BYOB plus any snacks you might be craving, bring your family and friends, sit back, relax and enjoy. All are welcome — musicians who would like to join in, and music lovers of all ages to enjoy the show!
1945-1950: Germany at the end of
World War II with Rolf Wolfswinkel
Sunday, May 5, 4:00 — 6:00 pm
World War II did not end until six years after Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. By the time it concluded on the deck of the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945, the war had claimed the lives of an estimated 75-80 million people, approximately 3 percent of the world’s population. What was happening in Germany in the years immediately following the World War II? Join us for a fascinating talk by Professor Rolf Wolfswinkel to hear about the Nuremburg War Crimes Tribunal and other details about post-war Germany.
Rolf Wolfswinkel was born in Amsterdam, where he studied History and Literature. In 1988 he was appointed at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, where he lectured in Modern European History. His dissertation “Between Treason and Patriotism” analyzed how Dutch literature portrayed Nazi collaboration in The Netherlands. Together with Dick van Galen Last he published “Anne Frank and After: Dutch Holocaust literature in historical perspective.” In 2001 he was appointed at New York University as professor of Holocaust Studies. He is now retired and lives in Lyme.
Live Music Sunday with Shiny Meddle Hiney
May 26, 4:00—6:00 pm
Join us on Sunday, May 26 when we welcome Shiny Meddle Hiney, a progressive bluegrass band from Deep River CT. This four-piece Americana string band delivers an energetic musical experience, with a mixture of original, traditional and unique cover songs carefully woven together for a melodious adventure like no other. The eclectic group is composed of a mandolin (Craig Whaley), harmonica (Eric Nelsen), guitar (Rodney Maxwell) and bass (Joel Volenec). Known for their spontaneous improvisational jams and enchanting harmonies, Shiny Meddle Hiney has achieved a solid fanbase around Connecticut by performing passionate live stage shows. As always, our free Sunday concert runs from 4:00 to 6:00 pm and all are welcome; feel free to BYOB and snacks!
Potluck Celebration, 
Lyme History Contest
and Annual Meeting
Wednesday, June 5 at 6:00-8:00 pm
Please join us the evening of Wednesday, June 5 for our annual meeting celebrating the year’s events and future plans for the Public Hall and Bacdayan Local History Archives, along with a community potluck and fun trivia contest to test your knowledge about the history of Lyme. All are welcome — bring family and friends and a favorite dish to share, and we’ll provide the rest for a lively evening to celebrate our Public Hall and wonderful community of supporters.
Not yet a member, but interested in updates on events at the Public Hall? Sign up for our monthly email here:
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The Latest: Posts from the Archives and Public Hall
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
4th Quarter 2022 Update from the Archives
Our volunteer archivist Julie Hughes and expert community volunteer Ann Brubaker have been busy accessioning and reconciling items in our collection at the Bacdayan Local
LPHLHA receives CT Humanities Grant award
We are so pleased to announce that the Lyme Public Hall & Local History Archives has been awarded a $5600 CT Cultural Fund Operating Support
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