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.

Juneteenth Celebration Brings Jazz, Poetry, and Reflection to Old Lyme

The north lawn of the Florence Griswold Museum was filled with music & poetry, as the community gathered for a moving Juneteenth celebration honoring those who once lived enslaved in the historic town of Lyme.

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.

More News

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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