Nyberg, founding member of "The Kate" Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, writes about “the CT gal who rose to the stars" in a series of vignettes. This book is a celebration of a life that, beyond the bright lights and scripts, was very much a down-home New England one. We are big fans of both of these women.

Recently published in soft cover, this account of the War of 1812's British attack on American privateers in the Connecticut River by historian Jerry Roberts: a well-researched recount of one of the most destructive maritime actions in CT history.

Author Talk with Moya Hessein-Aiken on September 24th, 4:30pm
Shoulder, is an incredible memoir written by a talented writer and artist, Moya Hession-Aiken. It is the story of an artistic Irish Catholic girl who grew up with hardships in the North of England whose dream was to come to America! Moya Aiken speaks her story from the heart with intelligence, wit, and a hilariously dry sense of humor! She recounts her journey through artistic success, love, marriage and the birth of her son, while straddling two continents. I loved every minute of this memoir which is both heartwarming and heartbreaking! ~ Christine

A consummate collection of swash-buckling poems about man's fascination with the sea. Pirates, mermaids, and shipwrecks abound - from "Davy Jone's Locker" to Shakespear's "Full Fathom Five". Noteworthy poets including Keates, Longfellow, Whitman and Dickinson, in this timeless, pocket-sized volume of sea chanteys, ballads, hymns and prayers...alluding to man's everlasting respect and admiration of the sea.

This book contains the wit and wisdom of both present and former New Englanders, including William Bradford, Samuel Adams, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Geno Auriemma, Timothy Leary and Ken Burns. As Lehman suggests, there is more that binds New Englanders together besides cranberries, maple syrup and clam chowder…perhaps it is the salt air and landscapes, or the fact that this country was founded here, that affirms New Englanders have a lot to say!

Local author Wick Griswold takes you on an historical journey down the Connecticut River. This book details the river's many inhabitants  - from the Algonquin speaking Indians, through the early ship-building days and the steamboat-era, and beyond.

This is a heart-wrenching, historically accurate, novel about the life of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton's wife. Founding fathers and founding wives, and their relationships, struggles, and hardships are detailed in this novel. They say behind every great man is a strong woman, and Elizabeth Hamilton is that woman!

This is an extraordinary book about an extraordinary woman – Thomas Jefferson’s oldest daughter, Martha (Patsy) Jefferson. Daughter of a president, wife of a governor, mother of 12, and care-taker of her father’s legacy. This well-written novel, relies heavily on Thomas Jefferson’s personal letters. You will learn the dark secrets of the Jefferson family, as well as how Patsy’s personal choices helped shape this nation.

Daughters of Nantucket, by Julie Gerstenblatt

Set against the Great Fire of 1846 Nantucket, this wonderfully written piece of historical fiction brings together three very different women, and the decisions they must make during very difficult circumstances. Living on an island while many of the men are out at sea for long periods of time, these women have learned to fight for survival, while dealing with the romantic, financial, racial problems of the times. My heart ached for each of these thoughtfully developed, relatable, characters and the challenges they faced. I thoroughly enjoyed this book of substance, not soon to be forgotten once read. ~ Christine

Based on the lives of the Champlins, an Essex family, this historical fiction meets illustration re-creates the search for the missing portrait of Amelia Hayden Champlin. Written by Beverly Page, Illustrated by Robert Hunt.

Contributing authorship from the Ivoryton Library Association offers rich accounts of Essex, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton—which comprise Essex village, or “The Point” of Petapoug Quarter. Filled with 19th century photography, history, and storytelling at its best, covering the over 300-year history of this area.

A detailed historical account of the Steamboat era on Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River between 1815-1942. This book contains all the glamour and all the danger of traveling on these big white vessels.

During his career as an actor, William Gillette portrayed world-renowned character Sherlock Holmes in more than 1,300 performances. His career as a playwright and actor afforded him the opportunity to purchase a 184-acre estate, where he also built a twenty-four-room medieval-style castle overlooking the Connecticut River. Since becoming a state park in 1943, it has evolved into one of Connecticut's most popular tourist attractions.

Connecticut River Shipbuilding by Wick Griswold & Ruth Major

This book, the first of a two-part series provided by the Ivoryton Library Association, explores the history of Essex, Connecticut (and it's hamlets of Centerbrook and Ivoryton) through a study of the town buildings-- all of which were built prior to 1930 and held cultural significance within the Connecticut River Valley. This is a must-have while roaming the streets of Essex by foot: many homesteads and their interesting histories can be found in this compilation.

This book, the second of a two-part series provided by the Ivoryton Library Association, continues to explore the history of Essex, Connecticut (and it's hamlets of Centerbrook and Ivoryton) through a study of the town buildings-- all of which were built prior to 1930 and held cultural significance within the Connecticut River Valley. This is a must-have while roaming the streets of Essex by foot: many homesteads and their interesting histories can be found in this series.

A beautifully-photographed historical collection of New England’s notable, best and distinctive Colonial inns and taverns, whose buildings date back to the 1600s. Noteworthy inns include the Red Lion of the Berkshires, and the “legendary” Griswold Inn of Essex. A wonderful inspiration to plan your next weekend getaway.

This thoroughly researched, hard-covered volume contains detailed information on every town in Connecticut including historical landmarks, local eatery recommendations, famous people who lived there, and interesting places to visit. Once you’ve visited all 169, you can receive a special “Leatherman Patch” for your efforts! So grab your walking stick, or hop in your car and explore Connecticut!

Imagine sitting at the dinner table with the likes of Jefferson, Hamilton, Churchill, or Hitler; and listening to history unfold as you dine and drink sumptuous feasts! You will feel delightfully transported to ten delicious power dinners in this book – each one rich in historical and culinary detail. An utterly clever way to portray the importance of food and wine to modern history!

The quintessential Americana Christmas starts in Connecticut—with its coastal hamlets, 17^th century villages and old world traditions, there’s no other place to be for the Holidays. Customs of bygone eras are still alive today, and Davis’s book illuminates these so perfectly, the photographs seem to sparkle off the page. Paired with historical essay, this is an exquisite tour of CT history and holiday—including the Griswold Inn!

Connecticut Waters is a tribute to our state's maritime culture both past and present. Take a magical journey on your favorite historic ferry or charter boat and explore the many ways Nuttmeggers use our lakes, rivers, seas, and shores for industry, education, and recreation. You'll find a world of lobster shacks, aquariums, and lighthouses, and meet boatbuilders, shad anglers, and oyster farmers. Along the way you will learn the many ways Connecticut waters have shaped our shared heritage.

Hardcover Book - Set against the Great Fire of 1846 Nantucket, this wonderfully written piece of historical fiction brings together three very different women, and the decisions they must make during very difficult circumstances. Living on an island while many of the men are out at sea for long periods of time, these women have learned to fight for survival, while dealing with the romantic, financial, racial problems of the times. My heart ached for each of these thoughtfully developed, relatable, characters and the challenges they faced. I thoroughly enjoyed this book of substance, not soon to be forgotten once read. ~ Christine

In her third photographic volume, award-winning photographer Caryn Davis has magnificently photographed and brought to life through stories and history, Connecticut’s historical, public and private gardens. From The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme to the Walnut Hill Rose Garden in New Britain, and an abundance of private gardens in between – Davis takes the reader on a wonderfully photographed, historical journey. Truly inspirational, this book is an absolute treasure!

An intimate perspective of New England's historic waterway. This extraordinary visual journey, with aerial photography from Tom Walsh, from the river’s mouth to our nation’s northern border, brings you to places few have ever seen. This highly anticipated book, told as only Jerry Roberts can, is sure to find a place in any Connecticut history lovers’ library collections.