Arts & Culture
Community Life
Our small town community benefits from the collective involvement of our townspeople. Whether it be by participating in town government, serving on a nonprofit board, singing in the church choir, or always showing up so there are enough players for full court basketball, Old Lyme is made up of people eager to participate, enriching all of our lives along the way.
Old Lyme's town government is led by a Board of Selectmen elected every two years. Among the three elected, a "First Selectman" oversees Town Hall operations in addition to participating in the Board's town governance. There are a variety of boards and commissions on which townspeople can serve, some by election and others by application and appointment.
Since 1665, our town budget, ordinances, and other major initiatives have been determined by the people via a Town Meeting. Local authors Jim Lampos and Michaelle Pearson write in their Hidden Histories of Old Lyme, Lyme, & East Lyme that the Town Meeting here is a "uniquely empowering forum through which average citizens can make their voices heard, their opinions noted, and their votes counted."
See Old Lyme's town government website for its town services including social services, tax collection, animal control, and trash & recycling.
Town-Supported Service Organizations
See also Family Life for services oriented toward children and youth.
We encourage residents who would benefit from the services of these organizations to contact them directly.
Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
2 Library Lane
"The Phoebe" inspires lifelong learning and discovery in a welcoming place with exceptional resources, programs and services. Adults enjoy lecture series and book discussions, as well as the research expertise and services of its staff.
Lymes Senior Center
26 Town Woods Road
Serving our Senior Community ages 55 & over, the Center offers a variety of educational, art classes, health programs, exercise programs, entertainment, special programs, games, baby boomer activities, hiking, lunches, and much more.
Lymes' Youth Service Bureau
59 Lyme Street
Partnering throughout the community, LYSB is an integral part of life in Old Lyme. Adults participate in parent education programs, student mentorships, and LYSB-led community support such as its holiday giving program.
Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association
Office Hours @ the Lymes Senior Center
The hometown VNA for Lyme and Old Lyme, OLVNA, offers services to improve health, safety, and well-being for all ages including an annual flu & wellness clinic , blood pressure clinics, emergency food drives and an annual scholarship.
Ledge Light Health District
Region including Old Lyme
A critical player in Old Lyme's pandemic response, LLHD promotes healthy communities through health education programs, monitoring disease outbreaks, food service licensing, and other services.
Old Lyme's Emergency Services
Fire Department & Ambulance Assn
Old Lyme values the dedication of its volunteer fire fighters and emergency medical personnel. Both organizations rely on new volunteers for their public service including activities beyond emergency response.
Residents of Old Lyme benefit from the Estuary Transit District and its 9 Town Transit bus service. "9TT" services include a fixed bus schedule and route, as well as Dial-A-Ride and ADA paratransit service. Monthly and multi-trip passes are available or fares may be paid in cash on-board the vehicle at the time of the trip. Old Lyme is part of the New London to Old Saybrook route which includes regular service to the New London Amtrak Station, Old Lyme Marketplace (Big Y), Saybrook Stop & Shop, and the Saybrook MetroNorth Station. Check the 9 Town Transit website for the most current bus schedule or to reserve a Dial-A-Ride.
Clubs & Service Organizations
See also the Arts & Culture and Family Life pages for other volunteer opportunities
Lyme-Old Lyme Lions Club
Monthly Meetings & Special Events
In existence for more than 40 years, the 30+ local Lions are men and women dedicated to helping those with challenges to their eyesight through fundraising such as their annual car show and always delicious pop-up Grill.
Lyme-Old Lyme Junior Women's Club
Meetings & Special Events
Serving the community since 1965, this Junior Women's Club is open to all women 18 and over. LOLJWC takes on fundraising activities to make a difference in the community including scholarships and playground installations.
Old Lyme Historical Society
55 Lyme Street
OLHS volunteers collect, preserve, and interpret the rich history of Old Lyme and its environs for the benefit of residents and visitors. Members work in the research library, organize lectures, and raise funds through publication sales.
Duck River Garden Club
Monthly Programs
A member of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut since 1971, DRGC members share the elements of floral design, create a greater awareness of nature and conservation, and maintain the beauty of our town.
Lyme-Old Lyme Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1467
Known for its saying "No bar, no building; just good works!" Post 1467 puts its efforts and funds into serving Old Lyme and the surrounding community, including its Vets-in-Need program and November "Buddy Poppy" program.
Lymes American Legion
Post #41
Since November 1919, this American Legion Post has supported Lyme-Old Lyme's service members, Veterans, and their families. The Post honors a Legionnaire of the Year, and recognizes Student Memorial Day Essay Winners.
Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce
Serving Lyme and Old Lyme
Founded in the early 1930′s by business owners and active volunteers here, our hometown Chamber traditionally has provided Business After Hours gatherings, an annual dinner, and scholarships for high school graduates.
Old Saybrook Rotary Club
Serving Old Lyme, Saybrook, Westbrook
A regional Rotary that supports activities on the academic, local, and international levels.The club conducts several fundraisers each year to support programs including local Student of the Month and scholarships.
Community Connections is a network for local organizations to explore collaborative opportunities for the enhancement of our Lyme-Old Lyme community. All area organization leaders and volunteers are welcome. Launched in September of 2014 with a networking luncheon attended by more than 80 people representing more than 50 organizations, Community Connections typically hosts three luncheons per year with networking and discussions on community topics. Learn more about Community Connections.
Faith Communities
Additional denominations and faith communities are represented within a 15 mile radius of Old Lyme. These include Jewish Synagogues in Chester and Waterford; a Unitarian Universalist congregation and an Islamic center in New London; as well as Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Lutheran denominations in both Niantic and Old Saybrook.
First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
2 Ferry Road
Established in 1665, Old Lyme’s First Congregational Church strives to be "a place of grace, welcoming all regardless of theological expression, age, race, gender, sexual identity, national origin or financial means."
Christ the King Church
1 McCurdy Road
Christ the King is a "family of faith, participating in the life of the local, national, and world communities through prayer, worship, and acts of love." This Roman Catholic Church is part of the Norwich Diocese.
Saint Ann's Episcopal Church
82 Shore Road
St Ann's Episcopal Parish is "a community of Christians, open to all who serve God in Jesus Christ through worship, education, mission, and fellowship." St Ann's has multiple ministry opportunities for its participants.
South Lyme Union Chapel
308 Mile Creek Road
Founded in 1900, this small, historic chapel offers non-denominational Christian service on Sundays. Interactive Worship services includes readings from the Bible followed by discussion and final comments by the Chapel minister.
Shoreline Church
287 Shore Road
A non-denomination Christian church. Co-pastors Michael P. and Meredith S. Calo lead in a contemporary worship style, "empowering People with the Grace of God." Men's and Women's prayer groups.
Congregation Beth El
32 Gorton Avenue
This seasonal Synagogue located in the Old Colony Beach neighborhood welcomes you to Shabbat on Friday evenings and High Holy Day Services in the fall. Established in 1947, it offers all Jews a place to worship while away from home.
Adult Recreation/Fitness Memberships & Clubs
See also Hiking, Paddlesports, Boating, and Recreational Parks & Driving Range for Other Resources.
Look to organizations such as the Senior Center and area churches for additional yoga and fitness offerings.
Adult Open Gym Basketball
Old Lyme Parks & Recreation
Watch for this adult league to restart after pandemic restrictions. Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, Old Lyme-Lyme residents only. No sign-ups required, teams are formed each week based on participation.
Adult Volleyball
Old Lyme Parks & Recreation
Thursday evenings you'll find Lyme and Old Lyme residents enjoying this activity. Sign up ahead of time for 10 week sessions, drop-in option (with fee) also available. Teams are formed each week.
Fall & Winter Yoga Sessions
Old Lyme Parks & Recreation
Watch for these yoga sessions to restart after pandemic restrictions. One-hour yoga sessions take place on weekday afternoons to be determined. Follow the Parks & Recreation department for updates.
Old Lyme Country Club
40 McCurdy Road
Established in 1916, OLCC is a low-key, family-oriented club offering a challenging nine-hole golf course, four tennis courts, and two platform tennis courts with a warming hut. A pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Snap Fitness
54 Halls Road
With 24 hour access, members enjoy state of the art fitness equipment including cardio machines and free weights, knowledgeable and friendly staff, group classes, and more. Personal training available.
Old Lyme Rowing Association
Hains Park
Competitive and recreational rowing for adults of all abilities is available from March through November. Rowers have the opportunity to train and to race in sweep or sculling boats. The Rowing Association also supports youth rowing.
Black Hall Club
49 Buttonball Road
For more than 50 years, Black Hall has embraced the ideals and traditions of the game of golf. The private 18-hole golf club is located on a serene 160 acre parcel of land offering an extraordinary golf retreat.
Valley Shore YMCA
Serving Old Lyme, Facility in Westbrook
Membership in this regional YMCA affords members access to fitness classes, aquatic programs, pickle ball courts, and personal training, as well as the chance to volunteer in its Partner to Grow Community Garden.
Old Saybrook Swim & Racquet Club
Old Saybrook
A year-round tennis club with four indoor courts and four red clay outdoor courts, this club is a bustling center during the summer months when families enjoy its six lane, 25-yard heated pool. Tennis instructions for all levels and ages.
Lyme Shores Tennis Center
East Lyme
Various levels of membership provide access to this year-round indoor tennis facility (including court fees, instruction and leagues), a gym and fitness classes (including yoga), pickle ball, and seasonal outdoor pool.
Welcome to Old Lyme
Welcome to Old Lyme, a small, historic town on the Connecticut coastline. We are known for our art galleries and beaches, and have so much more. Whether you are thinking about relocating your home or business here, or just looking to visit for the afternoon, welcome! We are glad to have you.