Stonington — The Stonington Free Library and the Stonington Historical Society will present a free program on Sunday, March 13, at 5 p.m. about the history of the historic Steamboat Hotel in the borough.

Stuart Vyse, a retired psychology professor who lives in the former hotel, now the Harborview Apartments at 23 Gold St., will present the talk.

Vyse began researching the building during the COVID-19 pandemic. Built by Gilbert Wheeler before 1840, the Steamboat Hotel hosted railroad workers, immigrants, businessmen, dignitaries, families and war veterans at a time when the borough was a rail and steamship hub.

Vyse is working on a manuscript of the history of the Steamboat Hotel and guests will be able to pre-order copies of his forthcoming book.

The presentation is free and guests can join in person at the Stonington Free Library. Space is limited and those who attend are asked to wear a mask. The presentation also will be livestreamed on the Stonington Historical Society’s Facebook page, facebook.com/stoningtonhistoricalsociety.