Mystic River Historical Society

The Mystic River Historical Society, founded in 1973, owns an ever-growing collection of Mystic-related historical books, maps, photographs, and other documents and artifacts contributed by the community.  They house these collections in the William A. Downes Archives Building, erected by the Society specifically to provide a safe environment for them.  They maintain part-time archival and curatorial staff available to assist researchers and to continue the organization and cataloging of the collections.

In addition to the Downes Building, they own the Portersville Academy, purchased from the Town of Groton in 1975 and partially restored.  This historical building serves as the Society’s education and outreach space.  A schoolroom of the 1840’s has been recreated upstairs, and historical displays form a backdrop for educational activities downstairs.  The Downes Building and Portersville Academy lie adjacent on High Street in Mystic, south of West Main Street.

Portersville Academy was built in 1839 by Amos Clift as the Fifth District School and originally stood further up High Street just north of Union Baptist Church.  In 1887 the Town of Groton bought the building and moved it to its present site.  It was used as a District Hall for a number of years, eventually falling into disrepair before the Society acquired it.

To learn more about the Mystic River Historical Society and their tours visit www.mystichistory.org