Friends of Whalebone Cove Annual Meeting
Sunday April 6th, 3 – 4:30 pm
Annual Meeting with guest speaker Juliana Barrett, PhD discussing Whalebone Cove and the lower tidal Connecticut River: Past Present, and Future.
Annual Meeting With East Lyme Land Trust
Sunday April 27th, 3 – 4:30 pm
Come hear Pete Govert, East Haddam Land Trust’s executive director, describe what it’s like to manage one of the Lower CT Estuary’s oldest and largest land trusts – the challenges, the opportunities and the partnerships that make land acquisitions possible. Since 1979, EHLT has dramatically increased the number of unique woodlands, fields, lakes, rivers and open spaces available for the public benefit.
Pete will be the featured speaker at Hadlyme Public Hall Association’s annual meeting on Sunday, April 27 from 3-4:30. Refreshments will be served.
Hadlyme Public Hall is located at 63 Ferry Road (at the intersection of Joshuatown and Day Hill Roads). All are welcome!
The Midnight Anthem Comes to Hadlyme!
May 10th, 6-8PM
“The Midnight Anthem is one of the best young acts on the scene today. Their harmonies, songwriting, musicianship and professionalism are delightful and refreshing. These girls have got it and are headed for greatness!” Ramblin’ Dan Stevens
Fresh from their recent sellout performance at The Kate, Cat, Sophia & Grace – two sisters and their cousin – perform at Hadlyme Public Hall on Saturday, May 10 from 6-8. Steeped in the music and culture of the CT River Estuary, their fresh brand of country-inspired Americana has been a hit with audiences up and down the East Coast. This cabaret-style performance will sell out fast!
Past Events
Domestic Violence in Southeastern Connecticut
Sunday March 16th, 3 – 4:30 pm
Domestic violence is a national problem that crosses ethnic, racial and socio-economic lines. Come hear how New London-based Safe Futures supports victims of domestic violence and sexual assault across Southeastern CT and offers hope in times of trouble to people in trouble, adults and children alike.
This program is part of a larger series that the Hall will present in 2025 about issues facing our friends and neighbors. Sunday, March 16 from 3-4:30. Refreshments will be served.
Neighbors Potluck
March 15th, 6-8PM
Hadlyme Public Hall is the cover story in the February issue of Lyme & Old Lyme Neighbors magazine and we’re having a potluck to celebrate!
Hear our plans for the future as well as a visit from a special musical guest (who’s also a long-time Hall member!). Also on board is the magazine’s publisher Gail Stevens, the wife of long-time Hall favorite Ramblin’ Dan Stevens, who will talk about why the Hall is a unique community asset.
Treasure Hunting in Lyme
If you’ve found something on your property, bring it in and the Standishes will help you identify the age and background of your finds! They will also bring lots of their great finds to share with you.
Sunday, Feb. 23rd from 3-4:30pm
What’s under our feet? History, lost treasures and old coins! Come hear metal detector experts Bob and Greg Standish (a father and son team from Lyme) talk about why Lyme and surrounding areas are such a rich target for metal detecting!
Free admission.
Kicking Off The Holidays
November 15th 7-9pm
Java Groove – a Shoreline favorite with a big sound – returns to Hadlyme Hall with the most danceable music around. This one is for everyone who loves to listen to jazz standards, ballads and swing classics, but don’t forget your dancing shoes because these guys specialize in getting people out on the dance floor.
Bring your own beverages and snacks and party with your friends and neighbors. We will provide a desserts table. Members free (but donations welcome!), $10 admission for non-members.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Get ready for some great dance music! And please bring a holiday donation of canned goods for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries!
Lyme Volunteer Fair
Sunday October 20th, 2-4 pm
Join with Hadlyme Public Hall, Hadlyme Hall Garden Club and Hadlyme North School in celebrating what volunteers do for Lyme! Please visit our co-sponsored desk at the fair to find out how you can become more involved in Hadlyme as well as Lyme.
Steve Dedman “Songs From Hadlyme”
Friday October 18th, 7-9 pm
Hadlyme’s favorite showman returns to Hadlyme Hall for a fundraiser for our Hall. Join us for an intimate, cabaret-style concert on Friday, October 18th, sharing an evening of songs and the stories behind the songs with his friends from Hadlyme and beyond. Music is 7-9pm.
Admission is $20 per person for non-members and $15 for members at the door, cash or check.
Stone Walls with Kevin Gardner
Friday September 21st, 1-3 pm
A talk with the author of “The Granite Kiss” Author and master stone wall builder Kevin Gardner explains how New England came to acquire its thousands of miles of stone walls, the ways that they and other dry stone structures were built, how their styles emerged and changed over time, and their ongoing significance to the New England landscape. This presentation and book signing is co-sponsored by Hadlyme Hall Garden Club and Hadlyme Public Hall.
Ramblin’ Dan Stevens: Stories Behind the Music
Friday September 20th, 6:30-8:30 pm
Ramblin’ Dan Stevens: Stories Behind the Music. A musicologist and storyteller as well as a veteran blues artist, Dan returns to the Hall with an intimate solo concert that encompasses the history of blues music in America from its origins in the African American tradition of the Deep South to the present.
BYOB and your own snacks. Members free (but donations welcome!), $10 admission for nonmembers.
What’s Driving Home Sales
Sunday September 15, 1-3 pm
Come to the Hall to learn about what’s driving local home sales in Hadlyme and beyond. Alysson Cotton of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, who lives in Lyme and works from Sotheby’s Old Lyme office, will go deep into changes in local sales trends and buyer demographics based on nearly 20 years of experience in real estate. No admission (but donations welcome at the door! A hot topic for a hot market!
Potluck and Dance Party
Saturday July 20, 6:00-9:00 pm
Have dinner with your friends at an old-fashioned potluck from 6-7 pm (BYOB) followed by a rollicking dance party with John Brown and the BackPorch Pickers from 7-9 pm. Good times and great dance music. Bring your friends and neighbors. Donations welcome at the door.
Senior Safety
Tuesday June 11th, 5 pm
The Lyme Ambulance education team returns to the Hall on June 11 for a lively presentation on senior safety & tips on how to age safely in place. The class is free and kicks off at 5 pm. Refreshments will be served.
CT River’s Unique Geography
Sunday May 26th, 3-5 pm
Join Hadlyme’s Ralph Lewis, a former Connecticut state geologist and expert on the impact of geology on the development of the Connecticut River Estuary, as he explains how the unique structure of the longest river in New England has played a key role in life here for thousands of years.
Annual Meeting
Sunday May 19th 1-3 pm
Come hear Hadlyme’s favorite oral historian Jim Leatherbee. Jim will answer all of your questions about Hadlyme history, lore and tall tales. A brief annual meeting starts at 1 pm followed by Jim’s open-mike session. Everyone welcome!
Tag Sale
May 4th & 5th
Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 10-2
Come to Hadlyme Hall for an indoor, multi-family tag sale co-sponsored with Valley Shore Women’s Club. Great finds in vintage goods and surprise buys with a baked goods sale. Interested in selling your wares? Email valleyshorewomensclub@gmail.com for space … $30 for a vendor spot! Hours are Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday 10 am to 2 pm.
Beaver Management
Saturday April 27th, 3-5pm
It’s no secret that beavers are an increasing presence on our landscape. Come to Hadlyme Hall from 3 to 5 pm on April 27 to learn more about their local and regional impact as well as a novel approach of mapping and tracking their influence on the landscape.
The presentation by UConn graduate student Evan Zocco focuses on innovative methods for monitoring and understanding beaver habitats. At the forefront of his research is the exploration of deep learning techniques for beaver site detection. Evan is also pioneering the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). His unique combination of traditional ecological study with advanced technological applications positions him at the edge of modern wildlife research.
Also on April 27, from 10 am to noon, you can meet Evan in Hartman Park where he will use a drone to explore a major beaver site and explain what information he is looking for when on site. Parking is available on Gungy Road. A short hike is required to get to the site and appropriate footwear is recommended.
Please register, for one event or both, at info@eightmileriver.org.
Bingo Night
Saturday April 13th 6-9pm
Bingo Night returns to Hadlyme Public Hall on Saturday, April 13…come prepared to play! Cash prizes. (Popcorn is on us!) Doors open at 5:30 pm, games from 6-9 pm. $35 for 10 games, $10 for 3 specials. 18+ to play. BYOB. Please help us support Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries and bring a non-perishable food item for a $5 discount at the door. Seating is limited, so please pre-register at hadlymehall@gmail.com.
Light Pollution In Our Towns
January 24th 7-8:30 pm
Light Pollution in Our Towns – and How You Can Help! This co-presentation with Lyme Land Trust takes a close look at how light pollution affects the flora and fauna of the Connecticut River Valley – and potentially our health! 7-8:30 pm.
Bingo Night
January 20th, 6-9pm
It’s Bingo Night at Hadlyme Public Hall on Saturday, January 20…come prepared to play! Cash prizes. (Popcorn is on us!) Doors open at 5:30 pm, games from 6-9 pm. $35 for 10 games, $10 for 3 specials. 18+ to play. BYOB. Please help us support Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries and bring a non-perishable food item for a $5 discount at the door. Seating is limited, so please pre-register at hadlymehall@gmail.com.
What To Do Until The Ambulance Arrives
January 13th 9:30-11:00 am
What Should You Do Until the Ambulance Arrives? Minutes matter when accidents happen at home. Sudden falls? Accidents with tools or kitchen knives? Possible cardiac issues? Come to the Hadlyme Hall and hear Lyme Ambulance experts talk about how to take quick action in those critical first minutes before the ambulance arrives — and better prepare first responders to deal effectively with your problem when they arrive. Saturday, Jan. 13 from 9:30 to 11. Bring your questions. Coffee’s on us!
Family Movie Night
December 15th 6 pm
The Grinch is coming to Hadlyme Public Hall on Dec. 15th at 6pm for a special movie night for families and kids (but all Grinch lovers are welcome!). It’s free…and the popcorn is on us! Registration preferred.
Dancing In The Holidays
November 3rd 6:30-9pm
Dust off your dancing shoes and kick off the holidays with a dance party featuring jazz standards, ballads and swing classics by Java Groove, a Shoreline favorite with a big sound.
Bring your own beverages and snacks and party with your friends and neighbors. We will provide a desserts table. Members free (but donations welcome!), $10 admission for non-members. The doors open at 6:30pm. Get ready for some great dance music!
How your garden and yard can help sustain migrating & overwintering birds
October 29th, 4pm
Come hear Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center’s Joe Attwater talk about how your garden or yard can help migrating birds passing through the region on their way south (and what birds you might see at this time of year), plus how your yard can act as an important food source for overwintering and indigenous birds. Sponsored by Friends of Whalebone Cove along with Lyme Land Trust, Hadlyme Hall and Hadlyme Hall Garden Club. Presentation at 4 pm. Refreshments.
Cemetery Tour
October 15th 2:30pm
Hadlyme’s favorite oral historian Jim Leatherbee returns for a guided tour of the Hadlyme Congregational Church’s cemetery followed by open doors at the church and the adjacent Hadlyme North School. Jim will explain how Hadlyme became Hadlyme and the part played by both Hadlyme Congregational and Hadlyme North School in that story. Cemetery tour starts at 2:30 pm.
Fall Festival
October 1st
Join with Hadlyme’s three major social organizations for a kickoff to fall fun. The Hadlyme Fall Festival, co-sponsored with the Hadlyme Hall Garden Club and the Hadlyme North School, will have games and activities for children starting at 4:30 pm with a potluck dinner for all from 6-7:30 pm. BYOB for the potluck. We will provide a desserts table.
Sept 10th 7-9 pm
Ramblin’ Dan Presents Blues 101
Intimate solo concert with Ramblin’ Dan Stevens, veteran folkie and musicologist. Dan will present Blues 101, an entertaining and educational program encompassing the history of blues music in America from its origins in the African American tradition of the Deep South to the present. No admission charge (but donations welcome at the door!). BYOB. 7-9 pm (artist reception with wine and dessert from 7 to 7:30).
Sept 7th 5-5:45pm
Tiny Tunes
Every Thursday starting September 7th and going through October 26th. Drop in Class $15 or save with the Session Deal on all 8 classes for $110. Questions, email doulachelseacare@gmail.com.
July 15th 5-7pm
Chicken BBQ
Join us for our annual kick off to Summer at our Chicken BBQ and Strawberry Shortcake dinner from 5-7pm. Menu is Grilled Chicken, Potatoes, Coleslaw, Three Bean Salad, and Strawberry Short Cake. BYOB, Ice Tea and Lemonade.