Cultural District Commission formed
Portuguese Fado dancers perform at the 70th annual Blessing of the Fleet
Article: Paul Geise / Photo: Thomas Mitchell
Last year Stonington passed an ordinance establishing a Cultural District Commission with the goal of seeking official State recognition. The Commission is currently applying to secure two Cultural Districts with more applications planned. State approved Cultural Districts strengthen our capacities to market arts and culture attractions to visitors, promote and encourage artists, entrepreneurs and creative businesses, improve the quality of life for residents and sustainably manage the economic growth of our tourism while protecting and preserving the distinctive cultural, scenic, and historical character of communities. Of course, we believe we are well worth being recognized by the State of Connecticut as one of its most precious gems.
“At the intersection of deeply established historic roots, natural and scenic beauty, and aesthetic enrichment lies a magical, mystical place in southeastern Connecticut.”
The Stonington area is blessed with quintessential coastal villages that inspire artists, writers, sailors and boaters, fishermen, farmers and gardeners, historians, adventurers, explorers, and those valuing a slightly softened rhythm to life. There is a neighborly intimacy to these villages where artists abound and galleries are deeply personal. For example, an opera company, renowned for producing world-class performances throughout the year, taps both local and international talent, using harbor view and botanical venues in addition to their concert halls.
Historic Stonington village and its neighbor Mystic are towns whose generational fishing and sea harvesting blood run deep, whose shipbuilding and sailing heritage date back over a century. The town docks in Stonington boast Connecticut's last commercial fishing fleet along with processing/shipping/refrigeration and office space. Additionally, the 7-acre parcel includes a spacious dog park and children’s playground, plentiful parking and open space. Perhaps most significant among Stonington’s cultural assets, however, is the preserved blend of experiences and resources for both visitors and residents. Both tourist and town dweller benefit from strolls and walks along the shoreline as well as the pervasive centuries-old stone walls. The hometown character is central to the fabric of the community. But its natural and historic beauty is simply a backdrop to even more cultural riches.
Tucked away, for example, just over the village viaduct is an internationally famous Harpsichord factory where one could go to witness their refined craft. Across town is a workshop/studio where one-of-a-kind glass blowing follows the Italian Murano tradition. Here you can simply stop by when work is being done and the workshop doors are lifted. Every summer, plentiful concerts in parks and on greens are enjoyed equally by those visiting as well as those living here.
Stonington’s Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime museum. The grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. In the town itself is the historic bascule bridge, now entering its second century of operation. To stroll through the village is to encounter numerous scenic views, historic buildings [many still private homes], distinctive eateries, and gathering places to linger and enjoy. Throughout the year Mystic enjoys a robust collection of events for one and all: Mystic Outdoor Arts Festival, Float Ella, Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Mystic Irish Parade, as well as The Ice Festival [now Wintertide], Pirate Days, Wooden Boat Show, Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous, By Land and By Sea Antique Vehicle Show, Riverfest, Dyer Dhow Derby, Lantern Light Village, and Community Carol Sing all hosted by the Seaport Museum.
In Stonington Village, visitors and residents enjoy arts throughout the shops, spaces and streets. Annually, the Stonington Art Walk showcases a plethora of artists and artisans. Each year music at the Stonington Historical Society Lighthouse and on the La Grua Center green – not to mention a plethora of arts shows and musical performances here and at the vibrant Stonington Free library, a weekly Farmer’s market at the historic Velvet Mill showcasing extensive and distinctive regional artisans, craftsmen, and harvesters, the James Merrill House (and its writer in residence program,) Antarctic discoverer Nathaniel Palmer’s House, the Stonington Village Fair, the annual Stonington Stroll and holiday tree lighting, the Lobstertrap Tree spectacle with hundreds of local artists featured and on display through the holidays and the New Year.
Referred to as the culinary corner of Connecticut, some of the finest eateries are found here- from renowned local haunts like Sea Swirl and Kitchen Little to waterside treasures such as S & P Oyster House and Dog Watch Café. Several restaurants showcase various locally brewed craft beers from among the 10 nearby breweries and 3 wineries.
“The Stonington and Mystic communities attract visitors, residents, and small businesses because of their seemingly endless resources: natural, historic, cultural. The hometown spirit is vibrant and well worth protecting.”
Our Cultural District Commission continues its work and anticipates its application to be approved with enthusiasm. In time, the Commission will be excited to garner input from each of you as we look strategically on preserving and conserving our cultural blessings and strive to make them accessible assets for generations to come.