We maintain an inventory of publications dealing with local history. We also have note cards with historical illustrations.
Please see our Publications page to review our selections.
Please contact MRHS at info@mystichistory.org to purchase any of these items.
Colors of Mystic
Our latest publication! "Colors of Mystic" was designed and illustrated by Ashley Halsey, a Stonington native, and the text was developed by Mystic River Historical Society members. This 26-page paperback (about 7"x12") features watercolors of some of Mystic's most important historic and natural settings, with brief descriptions of each location. Halsey's beautifully colored and detailed artwork evokes serene and often whimsical images of scenes most tourists and all residents will immediately recognize.
Halsey now lives in New York City where she works as a graphic designer for HarperCollins Publishers. A Studio Art major at Skidmore College, this is her second book of illustrations of historic towns. Her first book featured Saratoga Springs, NY, home of her alma mater.
"Colors of Mystic" is available at MRHS for $14.95. Mail order cost is $21. See our Publications page for details.
A Kayaker's Guide to the Mystic River and Its History
This laminated tri-fold guide provides not only the locations of public access and boat launch, but information on historical points of interest and places to visit along the way. It covers the area from Old Mystic as far south as the railroad bridge, south of downtown Mystic. The guide is published by MRHS. It retails for $7 to the public, and for $5 to MRHS members. Postage and handling fee is $1 per order.
The guide is available in quantity. It is then priced at $4 each for quantities 20-99, and $3 each for quantities over 100. The quantity price may be applied to the sum of all orders within a 12-month period. Unsold quantities in "as-new" condition may be returned at any time for full credit at the unit price paid, less a 10% handling charge.
Checks may be made out to MRHS and mailed with your order to
Louis Allyn
Mystic River Historical
Society
P. O. Box 245
Mystic, CT 06355
Mystic - An American Journey
Mystic native Bailey Pryor wrote and produced this documentary film in honor of Mystic's 350th Anniversary in 2004. The DVD is available from Bank Square Books in downtown Mystic (860-536-3795) for $15 plus tax, and also from MRHS (860-536-4779 or info@mystichistory.org ) for $10 plus tax. MRHS will mail your DVD for an extra $5 shipping and handling. The film is "public television" quality and features knowledgeable and well-known archaeologists and historians explaining Mystic from prehistoric times to the present. See our Publications page for details.
Images of America: Mystic
The history of Mystic mirrors the history of many coastal New England Towns, but the images that are our heritage are unique to our region and will be recognized by residents and visitors alike. Mystic River Historical Society is proud to present Images of America: Mystic, compiled and edited by our own Judy Hicks and Dorrie Hanna, and published by Arcadia Publishing Company. Mystic photographers, both professionals and small camera enthusiasts, produced these pictures, many of which are from the Society's own collections. The narrative is based on original source materials and previously published accounts.
We think you'll find this new addition to the Images of America collection an important addition to your own library, whether you're a resident, a local history buff, or a visitor to our area. It's a wonderful way to capture the essence of our community. See our Publications page for details.
An Account of My Life, 1915-1926: The Childhood Journals of Helen May Clarke of Mystic, Connecticut
MRHS would like to call special attention to the book, An Account of My Life, an award-winning slice of Americana, giving a glimpse into life during the early 20th century - a time when society was making the transition from horses to automobiles, from kerosene lamps to electric lights and from dirt roads to paved streets.
The book is extracted from Helen May Clarke's childhood journals, given to MRHS by her heirs. Although specifically about Mystic, the diary transcends time and place and becomes a rich and colorful canvas depicting small-town life in America nearly a century ago and a lively and observant young woman who took note of it all.
An Account of My Life has won
- Special Mention Award from the Connecticut Society of Genealogists
- the Betty M. Linsley Award from the Association for the Study of Connecticut History, and
- the Award of Merit given by the Connecticut League of History Organizations.
It's a great read, and we highly recommend it. See our Publications page for details.