The Frank Stevenson Archives
The Stevenson Archive and Library contains books, maps, ledgers, diaries, documents, photographs, mid-20th century newsreels, genealogical material, architectural histories and Native American material. There are also cemetery records, family papers and histories, log books and children’s books on history and Native Americas.
Included in the Collections are papers of many notable Saybrook people, including Lion Gardiner, builder of Saybrook Fort; General William Hart, entrepreneur involved in shipping and commerce in the lower Connecticut River Valley, and David Bushnell, inventor of the submarine.
Collections of family papers include diaries, correspondence, and personal papers that highlight the lives of both men and women of Old Saybrook. Among others, the Stevenson Archive has papers for the Bushnell, Chalker, Clark, Hart, Ingham, and Whittlesey families.
On subjects relating to Saybrook business some references cover such companies as James Drug, Wildfowler Decoy Shop, Seth Perrson Boat Builders and Connecticut Valley Railroad.
For scholars of women’s history, there are cookbooks, diaries, manuscripts all produced by women in Old Saybrook. Included in the collection are copies of “Saybrook Sez”, a newspaper created by local women to send to the troops during WWII. Anna Louise James, the first female pharmacist licensed in Connecticut is one of the women featured in the collection.
The Archive is also the deposit for some of the records of the First Church of Christ. Of particular note is an original copy of “The Saybrook Platform”, printed in 1710 by Thomas Short of New London. One of the earliest books printed in the colonies, this volume served as a guide or code of conduct for all future congregations in the colonies.
Native American material includes an authentic ledger recording the trade of deer hides to merchants, among them Wm. Tully.
Genealogical and historical research
If you are unable to do in-person research, we offer genealogical and historical research by our dedicated volunteers. We have records pertaining to Saybrook families from the beginnings of the colony to modern times. We have a large library containing genealogical records and many family records, maps, homes, businesses, early vital records and much more in our vault.Our charges are $10 per hour plus 25 cents each for copies of materials. There is a handling charge and postage is reimbursed at cost.
There are thousand of interesting tidbits about the Colony from its founding through present day. Records pertaining to church, farming, fishing, trade, hundreds of families, wars – things that were of importance to those living here. We will highlight an interesting piece of information is this section that we think will be of interest to you.The Division of Saybrook Colony into Seven Towns
1635 Settlement at Saybrook Point by Lt. Gibbons and Sgt. Willard as the advance party for Governor John Winthrop, Jr.
1636 First use of name Saybrook in letter from Lion Gardiner to John Winthrop.
1648 Saybrook divided into quarters – east side of Connecticut River, later Lyme; Oyster River, later Westbrook; and Eight Mile Meadow, Potopaug, later Essex, Deep River and Chester.
1659 The General Court approved a petition from a group (20 families) from Saybrook to establish a “plantation” at Norwich.
1665 Lyme separated from Saybrook as a “loving partner”.
1678 New Meeting House (for First Ecclesiastical Society) voted in Saybrook.
1722 Second Ecclesiastical Society formed in Centerbrook.
1723 Oyster River Quarter (now Westbrook) formed the Third Society.
1740 Fourth Ecclesiastical Society authorized for Chester.
1836 Incorporation of Chester as a separate town.
1840 Incorporation of Westbrook as a separate town.
1852 Essex and Old Saybrook set off from Saybrook (the area later named Deep River) and incorporated as a new town under the name of Old Saybrook.
1854 Old Saybrook incorporated as a separate town from Essex.
1855 Old Lyme incorporated from Lyme.
1945 Name of remaining lands still claiming the original 1635 settlement date changed from Saybrook to Deep River.Probate record locations for genealogical research:
1635 – 1644: Unknown
1644 – May, 1666: All Saybrook towns were under jurisdiction of the Particular Courts.
May, 1666 – October, 1719: New London Probate District.
October, 1719 – May, 1780: Guilford Probate Court
May, 1780 – July 4, 1853: Saybrook (Deep River) Probate DistrictAfter 1780:
- Chester and Deep River remain in Saybrook (Deep River) Probate District.
- Westbrook was in Saybrook (Deep River) Probate District until July 4, 1853, then Old Saybrook Probate District until July 4, 1854, and since then in Westbrook Probate District.
- Essex was in Saybrook (Deep River) Probate District until July 4, 1853, then in Old Saybrook Probate District until July 4, 1859, and since then in Essex Probate District.
- Old Saybrook was in Saybrook (Deep River) Probate District until July 4, 1853 and since then in the Old Saybrook Probate District.
Gifts of Research Material
The Stevenson Archive is appreciative of donations of historic photographs, personal papers, businesses and organizational records, ephemera, maps, works of art, and books relating to Old Saybrook. All contributions and gifts are tax deductible under section 501-(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Deposits of records from other non-profit organizations, to provide proper care and public access for research will be considered.Photographic Reproduction and Use Policy
As a private, non-profit library, the Old Saybrook Historical Society relies on the financial support of our membership, as well as those who use our collection .The fees assessed for photographic reproduction and use fund the administration, care, preservation, and processing of the materials in our collection. A great deal of staff time and supplies are required for our collections to be made accessible for research and preserved for future generations.
