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Welcome!
On September 11, 1958, a handful of interested residents formed the first Old Saybrook Historical Society. Their concern that the oldest town on the shoreline had “many valuable records, diaries, letters that had already been lost, scattered, or destroyed and that there should be no further delay in making a start toward collecting and saving what is still available.”
We are a non-profit, all volunteer, tax-exempt organization with over 350 members from across the USA whose mission is to investigate, preserve and maintain collections in archeology, furniture, genealogy, and historic records of the Town of Old Saybrook while encouraging the study and appreciation of this historical heritage -especially by the young people of the area.
The restored General William Hart House (1767), Frank Stevenson Archives, and the historic gardens comprise a one-acre “campus” in the village that is home to the Society.
Saybrook Document Collection - Helping to Fulfill Our Mission
A large collection (150-160 items) of early Saybrook documents recently became available on eBay. It was spotted by Trustee, Tedd Levy. Tedd recognized an opportunity for the Society to purchase these original documents and immediately contacted the dealer and alerted the Board. The collection includes documents with names from Saybrook’s history, like Shipman, Clark, Buckingham, Ingham, Kirtland, Tully, Denison, Dibble, Bushnell, Hotchkiss, Pratt, etc. There is a booklet that includes the estate of William Lynde. Many are transfer deeds for such as the “common field”, “boggy swamp”, “Bokim”, “Lynde Neck”. Others include statements about the various town paths and roads, e.g. to the burying ground, the path marsh to the Fort, the highway to Potapoug. There is a 1722 document about a Saybrook sailing ship’s Caribbean ports of call and several early postal items. Had this collection been sold as individual items and disbursed it could never be retrieved. The purchase price was $5000. A high dollar value, but for us, these documents are a priceless historic contribution to the Archives. We will spend the winter accessing, transcribing and copying the documents. I hope the publicity surrounding this acquisition will inspire members and friends to share any early Saybrook documents they may have with the Society. Don’t let history be lost.
LK
 June 1 - Antiques Sale & Appraisal Day
Antiques and appraisals highlight the Old Saybrok Historical Society’s first annual Antique Sale and Appraisal Day at the historic Gen. William Hart House, 350 Main Street, Old Saybrook, June 1, 2013, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
More than two dozen quality dealers will be joined by seven appraisers who will be available to provide verbal evaluations of antique and collectible items between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm at one item for $7, three items for $20.
There is no admission charge for the show. Refreshments will be available. The event will be held rain or shine. General chairperson is Karen Emack-Dolson of Saybrook Recycled Furniture, etc. For further information, call 860-388-6180.
Appraisers and Specialties
Norman Legassie, Stepping Stones Antiques, Old Saybrook.
Member of National Association of Professional Appraisers, broad generalist’s knowledge of furniture, tools, postcards, jewelry, glassware, pottery, paintings and prints, and other objects d’art. Experience in handling estate appraisals, estate sale management and liquidations as well as buying and selling antiques.
Linda Legassie, Stepping Stones Antiques, business manager, Old Saybrook.
Strong background in Fine and Decorative Arts. Currently teaches college level art history.
Isaiah Griffith, fourth generation antiques dealer, Florida.
Specializing in military items, vintage toys and collectibles, fine silver, and decorative items. Primarily sells in the east coast of Florida.
Steve Lutar, Guilford Coin Exchange, Guilford.
Long time expert on coins, stamps, and precious metal items.
Carol Brevard, Brevard Appraisal and Estate Services, Westbrook.
Antique generalist long known for her knowledge of the antiques market with extensive experience in estate liquidation and sales management.
Curt Wendler, Curt Wendler Rare Books, Old Saybrook.
Highly respected book collector and dealer has 30+ years of experience in books and ephemera.
Nancy Hoffman, Mason-Dixon Antiques.
Has extensive experience in country antiques, wooden ware, crockery, textiles, quilts, farm items.
Offered by Greg Thompson. If you have taken his beginner course, you want to sign up for this.
All classes held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Frank Stevenson Archives. $65, members; $75, non-members.
Intermediate classes for semi-experienced genealogists.
June 4, 11, 18, 25
Class limited to 10...only 5 openings left.
Recent Acquisitions
Hart Family Chest
Rare six-board blanket chest with "snipe hinges', cut out ends, applied molding, untouched surface from late 17th to mid 18th century.
Found in home of Henry Hart. His name is on the back. Purchased by society from Stephen and Carol Huber September, 2012. Courtesy of the Dorothy Swan Memorial Fund.
Get Lost In Heritage
 Visit six wonderful local historic sites and WIN!
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