Stonington — The Stonington Historical Society has announced that its two museums, The Old Lighthouse Museum and the Captain Palmer House, will reopen for the season on May 15 with admission free for Stonington residents throughout the season. 

The museums are open Thursdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Old Lighthouse Museum is located at 7 Water St. and the Captain Palmer House is located at 40 Palmer St. Masks will be required indoors and social-distancing guidelines will be followed at both properties. Stonington residents will be asked to provide proof of residency for free admission.

"The Lighthouse belongs to Stonington and has a special meaning for our town and our residents. As the current caretakers, we want to make sure this local treasure is accessible to everyone,” says Elizabeth Wood, the society's executive director.

The historical society completd a $1.3 million preservation and restoration project of the Old Lighthouse Museum last year. This season, the museum will feature new exhibitions that celebrate the town's history while also highlighting stories that are often overlooked. Visitors will learn more about the history of the lighthouse and its keepers, the Battle of Stonington and prominent Stonington citizens, such as Venture Smith and Rollie McKenna.

The schedule for the society's walking tours will be announced soon. Please visit stoningtonhistory.org for the latest programs and events.