Shaw Mansion | New London

The Shaw Mansion in New London, Connecticut, is a historic house museum and cultural landmark that offers insight into the city’s colonial and early American history. Built in the 18th century, it is renowned for its architectural preservation, period furnishings, and connection to prominent local families.

Historical Significance

Constructed in 1756, the Shaw Mansion was originally the home of the Shaw family, a prominent mercantile family in New London. The mansion exemplifies Georgian architectural style, featuring a symmetrical façade, central doorway with classical detailing, large windows, and an interior layout typical of elite colonial homes.

Over the centuries, the Shaw Mansion has served multiple purposes, including as a private residence, a social gathering place for the city’s elite, and later as a site for public use. Its preservation provides a window into the domestic life, social customs, and material culture of New London during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the Shaw Mansion can explore its well-preserved rooms, which include period furniture, decorative arts, paintings, and household objects that reflect the lifestyle of a wealthy colonial family. Highlights include:

Parlor and Dining Rooms: Showcasing elegant furnishings, china, and silverware typical of the era.

Bedrooms and Chambers: Displaying authentic textiles, bedding, and personal artifacts that illustrate domestic life.

Kitchen and Service Areas: Providing insight into the operation of a colonial household and the roles of servants and family members.

Guided tours provide historical context about the Shaw family, New London’s mercantile history, and the mansion’s architectural features. Visitors learn about the social, economic, and cultural environment of the time.

Educational Programs

The Shaw Mansion offers educational programs aimed at school groups, local residents, and tourists, including:

Hands-on Historical Activities: Opportunities to engage with period crafts, cooking demonstrations, and colonial games.

Lectures and Workshops: Presentations on colonial history, architecture, and decorative arts.

Special Exhibits: Rotating displays that highlight aspects of 18th- and 19th-century life or focus on New London’s history.

Events and Community Engagement

The mansion hosts cultural events, seasonal celebrations, and historical reenactments. These events often include holiday-themed tours, lectures on local history, and community gatherings that connect the public with New London’s heritage.

Visiting Information

Location: 11 Blinman Street, New London, Connecticut

Hours: Seasonal, with tours generally available by appointment or during special events

Admission: Modest fee or donation-based, often varying for school groups and public events

The Shaw Mansion provides an immersive experience into New London’s colonial past, allowing visitors to explore architectural heritage, period furnishings, and the lifestyle of one of the city’s most influential families while serving as an educational and cultural resource for the community.