Colonials of Old Lyme: A Tour of Connecticut Historic Home Interiors in Old Lyme

A special one-day bus tour exploring colonial-era architecture will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, with departures at 9 am and 2 pm in Old Lyme, CT. This guided experience brings guests inside several historic homes while highlighting many others along the route from the comfort of a charter bus.

The tour examines the architectural evolution of Old Lyme, a historic coastal town located where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound. Originally part of the Saybrook Colony established in 1635, the area later became the center of the town of Lyme in 1667 before forming its own boundaries in 1727. By the time residents staged their own “Boston Tea Party” in 1774, the town’s architecture had already begun to shift from modest Cape Cod-style homes to larger and more elaborate residences.

Interior stops include several notable colonial-era homes, such as a house built in 1699 that may later have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, as well as a classic saltbox-style residence. Additional homes will be highlighted during the bus tour, offering a broader look at vernacular New England architecture along with Georgian and Federal styles.

Throughout the tour, participants will learn about the people who lived in these homes and the local history that shaped the community. Some interior stops are private homes, and space is limited.

The tour is offered for one day only. For full details and registration, visit www.histoury.org.