Honoring the Lives of Enslaved Persons

Between 1670 and 1826 at least 300 enslaved and indentured African Americans and Native Americans labored in the historic town of Lyme.

Today, Witness Stones honor the humanity and the contributions of vital members of our community. The bronze plaques that mark sites of enslavement on Lyme Street restore forgotten history and serve as memorials to those once held here in bondage.

Kate Rushin leads the community in reciting the names of the formerly enslaved honored in 2025.

Witness Stones Ceremony Marks Final Installation in Old Lyme

On Friday, May 30, the community gathered on the lawn of the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library to mark the culmination of the Witness Stones Old Lyme project, now in its fifth and final year. Twelve new bronze plaques were installed at the Sill Lane Green and the Florence Griswold Museum, bringing the total to 60.

Lyme Old Lyme Middle School Chorus performs at the Witness Stones Old Lyme Installation Ceremony in 2024

Commemorating the Lives of the Enslaved: Witness Stones Old Lyme to Install 12 New Plaques in 2025

Witness Stones to be installed in Old Lyme in late May As it enters the final year of a five-year project, Witness Stones Old Lyme will...

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Know Their Names

Learn more about the individuals commemorated with
Old Lyme Witness Stones.

Witness Stones Locations

Learn about each location, including addresses and
parking restrictions for the Black Hall location.

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