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Description
Lighthouses have safeguarded mariners for centuries. Many are cherished historic landmarks—beacons that symbolize hope, safety, guidance, and enduring strength—including three majestic examples on the Connecticut coast owned by the New London Maritime Society (NLMS). Susan Tamulevich, executive director of NLMS, will share the colorful histories of the treasured lighthouses during a free NH250 event, “Three Lighthouses Off New London,” at the Pardee-Morris House on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. For weather updates check our Facebook/Instagram pages or visit https://www.newhavenmuseum.org.
Beginning in 2009, the NLMS assumed ownership of three historic beacons that guided vessels from the Atlantic into the port of New London in southeastern Long Island Sound: New London Harbor Light—established in 1761 and the oldest and tallest lighthouse on the Sound; Race Rock Light Station—constructed in the 1870s off Fishers Island, a remarkable engineering achievement in the turbulent waters known as “the Race”; and New London Ledge Lighthouse—the 1909 brick ‘house’ affectionately called “Point Alpha” by Groton-based submariners. NLMS restores and maintains the three lighthouses and keeps them accessible to the public.
Tamulevich notes that as GPS technology supplanted the role of lighthouses as navigational aids, a significant number of the structures have deteriorated due to neglect and the effects of climate change, while others are being sold off to private owners. Thankfully, the 2000 National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act recognizes the cultural, recreational, and educational value of historic light stations. Since its enactment, more than 150 lighthouse properties have been transferred to new stewards, helping to ensure their preservation for future generations.
New Haven Museum thanks community partner WSHU 91.1 FM for supporting the 2026 summer season.
About NH250
This event is part of NH250, an ongoing series of programming developed by New Haven Museum to complement “America 250” and the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The series will highlight inclusive, local, and lesser-known stories, connecting past and present.
About Susan Tamulevich
Tamulevich is the executive director of the New London Maritime Society. Over the past 15 years and under her directorship, the Society took on the ownership of three landmark lighthouses. A garden historian and journalist, she is author of a history of the Dumbarton Oaks Garden in Washington, D.C.
About the Pardee-Morris House
Located at 325 Lighthouse Road, in New Haven, the Pardee-Morris House dates from about 1780, and is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. Built by Amos Morris around 1750, the house was burned by the British during their raid on New Haven in 1779 and rebuilt and expanded by the Morris family. In 1918, William S. Pardee, a descendant of the Morris family, willed the property to the New Haven Colony Historical Society, today the New Haven Museum. For a complete list of summer events at the Pardee-Morris House, visit: http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/pardee-morris-house/ For New Haven Museum’s event calendar: http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/events-calendar/ Sign up for e-blasts at info@newhavenmuseum.org.
About the New Haven Museum
The New Haven Museum, founded in 1862 as the New Haven Colony Historical Society, is located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue. The Museum collects, preserves and interprets the history and heritage of Greater New Haven and through its collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach brings more than 375 years of the Elm City’s history to life. For more information visit http://newhavenmuseum.org or @newhavenmuseum or call 203-562-4183.
Date & Time
Sun, Jun 21, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Venue Details
Pardee-Morris House
325 Lighthouse RoadNew Haven, Connecticut 06510
