Come in for a visit

Research Services

Can’t come into the Center? Don’t worry. We offer the work of our staff for research projects about your genealogy, houses, neighborhoods, businesses, and other topics. While we cannot guarantee positive results, there is a favorable chance that we can find something for you! Most services are free for members. For non-members, we offer an initial 45-minute inquiry for free, then our services are charged according to our fee service. Use the contact form or call to start your research.

How You
Can Help

There are numerous ways you can help the Old Mystic History Center:

  • Join as a member
  • Volunteer
  • Make a financial contribution!
  • Donate historical materials
  • Spread the word!

Membership Benefits

Membership in the Old Mystic History Center comes with a number of benefits: free use of the library, research assistance from our friendly volunteers, a quarterly newsletter, and the ability to research vital statistics in the town and city halls of Connecticut.

A Museum, Library, & Exhibit Gallery

The Old Mystic History Center (formerly the Indian and Colonial Research Center) is a non-profit organization founded in 1965 to preserve the historical research of Eva Lutz Butler.

She was a woman who was passionate about history at a time when a woman's place was NOT leading archaeological digs, conducting anthropological interviews, or writing academic articles.

Are you passionate about history too? Our special research collections will help you find your roots and learn about your history.

In addition, we have accurate information for academic researchers, educators, archaeologists, students, and others to help you add to your story. We are a museum, library, and exhibit gallery located in the historic 1856 Mystic Bank building on Route 27 in Old Mystic, Connecticut.

Reaching Out to the Public

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Reaching Out to the Public:

Otis Library Exhibit: In May, Board members Richard Guidebeck and John Goodrich set up the cases at the Otis Library for a OMHC exhibit. John offered items from his Old Mystic house for display. Dr. Dudley Woodbridge who built John’s house in the 1700’s, was also a rum merchant. Documents showing where a person owing Woodbridge money for rum did not have the funds to pay him. Woodbridge’s son, who was settling the estate, offered Woodbridge land across from the 'Town Green' in Norwich for repayment. This exhibit ran through June 1st.

The Otis Library asked us if we would be available to provide another exhibit in case the scheduled exhibitors were unable to participate.

Continuing the Legacy

For more than thirty years, members of the Indian & Colonial Research Center's Board of Directors have discussed updating the identity of the Center.

In January 2020, after a two-year deliberative process, the Board made the decision to rebrand the “Indian & Colonial Research Center” with the “Old Mystic History Center” to reflect the growth in our collections.  Over the past 50 years, our archival collection has expanded to include many fine manuscripts, publications, photographs, and physical objects connected to the rich and varied history of our area.

While Indigenous and colonial materials are still a large part of our collection’s strengths, our responsibility as the governing board is to care for and promote all the items under our stewardship. We need our research center to maintain relevance, visibility, and viability in the changing world of the 21st Century.  The change in our name attempts to address these issues in a realistic community-centered way.

Old Mystic History Center

Come in for a visit, give us a call, or send us an email

Hours:  Tues/Thurs : 10-4  Sat: 10-2 (by appointment, call 860-908-9614)

Old Mystic History Center

39 Main St. Mystic CT 06355

(860) 536-9771

[email protected]

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 525, Old Mystic, CT 06372