Ken Keeley of Norwich is a fifth-generation Irish American and 1967 graduate of Norwich Free Academy. With the utmost respect for his ancestry, Keeley embarked on a project that has lasted four years. He decided to begin writing books.

Since 2016, Keeley has published 12 pictorial, historical books, most revolving around the town in which he grew up. His first book, published in 2016, is titled “Norwich: Four Score & Ten” and contains 250 photos of Norwich between 1890 and 1980.

Another book, “Memories of a Norwich Boomer,” Keeley describes as a “walk down memory lane.” He compares Franklin Square in Norwich back then to “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Sears and movie theaters that have since been replaced by agencies and modern cafes represented a more peaceful and harmonious time.

Keeley’s great-great-grandfather migrated to the United States from Ireland at the age of 24 and opened Keeley’s Grocery. Keely’s father worked with the Norwich Police Department as a detective.

Keeley’s interest in the history of his surroundings is enigmatic and rare. He shares the history of the yearly summer celebration called the Rose Arts Festival and takes us on a journey through the history of Ocean Beach Park.

He is currently working on a book covering the history of the Norwich Fire Department.

Each of his books has more than 200 photos and can be found at the Backus Hospital bookshop, the genealogy section at the Otis Library and on Facebook.

Lisa Shasha lives in Norwich.