Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today announced that the Rowayton Historical Society is slated to receive state funding to renovate the Frank E. Raymond Boathouse in Pinkney Park. The former Barclay Boathouse is home to the Historical Society’s maritime collection and helps tell the story of Long Island Sound.
The Historical Society will receive $37,000 in state bond funds to renovate the space, making it more relevant by adding a narrative to tell the history of the Five Mile River and the Long Island Sound.
“Preserving and promoting our local history is integral in creating a stronger sense of community,” said Senator Duff. “The renovated boathouse will provide an incredible education opportunity for students and families to learn about Norwalk’s past and hopefully inspire the next generation of historians.”
“The Historical Society continues to pursue new and exciting ways to convey our shared history with our community,” said Wendell Livingston, President of the Rowayton Historical Society. “This new exhibit space will contain innovative and engaging narratives about the Long Island Sound, its people and environs. The Raymond Boathouse will be the only museum in our area that interprets local maritime history. On behalf of the Historical Society I’d like to thank Senator Duff and State Bond Commission for facilitating this grant.”
The renovated boathouse will host exhibits on specific topics such as local oystering families, Native Americans, hurricanes, ship builders, sailing heroes, and maritime disasters. It will also have a permanent exhibit on the ecological history of the Long Island Sound, highlighting the flora, fauna and marine life that flourish in its waters, centered around a hand-painted mural. In conjunction with these exhibits and new space, the boathouse will present a range of fun and engaging programs that connect the community with our maritime history.
The Rowayton Historical Society has received commitments of $20,000 from the Sixth Taxing District in Rowayton for building renovation and $3,000 from the Rowayton Civic Association for the mural of the flora and fauna of Five Mile River.
