West Haven's history has revolved around its four-mile Long Island shorefront since the days when Dutch settlers first saw the white shell mounds of Native American oystermen. Farming, shipbuilding, sea captains, and British invasions fill the town's early development. The original six families could not have imagined "West Farms" with the first public library in Connecticut, the second oldest Episcopal church, or a park dedicated to an enemy officer, for whom the main street is named. Thomas Painter, West Haven'sown Paul Revere, escaped an enemy prison ship in Brooklyn, and local sweetheart Marion Bergeron was named Miss America twice. In West Haven, readers will visit old Savin Rock Amusement Park and see the local ballpark where Babe Ruth struck out.
Carole A. Laydon McElrath, president of the West Haven Historical Society, has coordinated several major events for the city, founded the Ward-Heitmann House Museum and Foundation, and is technical advisor to the Savin Rock Museum. Most recently, she was awarded the prestigious National DAR Conservation Medal for her accomplishments in personal and community restoration and preservation projects.