Past, Present, and Future of Williams

Harriet Peck Williams bequeaths land and funds from her estate to establish a school “for the promotion and advancement of female education” following the death of her son, Thomas W. Williams II.

Harriet Peck Williams dies, and the fund for the future School begins accumulating under the care of its trustees.

The School’s original building, Williams Hall, is constructed on Broad Street in New London. Designed by architects Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge, the building features a Romanesque style similar to the New London Public Library and Union Station.

Today, Williams Hall serves as the New London Superior Courthouse.

Williams Memorial Institute officially opens under the leadership of Colin S. Buell, who later serves as an incorporator and trustee of Connecticut College.

The Alumnae Association is founded. Its members support the School by providing books, a piano, and other educational equipment.

The School expands with the opening of Palmer Hall, made possible by a gift from Theodora and Virginia Palmer in memory of their father, Frank L. Palmer.

Williams moves to a new building on the campus of Connecticut College, beginning a partnership and connection that continue today.

The School adds a Middle School program for students in Grades 7 and 8.

Williams is awarded a chapter of the Cum Laude Society.

That same year, the first class of seniors participates in the Senior Project, independently exploring interests and career possibilities to develop a stronger sense of direction for the future.

Williams welcomes male students and becomes a coeducational school.

Williams adds Grade 6, creating a more comprehensive Middle School program.

The School introduces an Advanced Courses Curriculum, allowing faculty members to extend learning beyond traditional Advanced Placement curricula.

Williams also acquires property on Bloomingdale Road, which later becomes the School’s athletics and experiential learning campus.

During this period, the Weissman Student Center, Bulkeley Gymnasium, and Science Wing are added to the main campus.

In 2015, Williams begins welcoming international students.

Williams partners with Apex International Education Partners to expand opportunities for international students, including students from China, to attend the School.

Williams completes construction of a new turf field and terrace at its Bloomingdale campus.

Williams and Connecticut College establish the College Acceleration Program, allowing juniors and seniors to enroll in one Connecticut College course each semester.

The School also introduces the Interdisciplinary Certificate Program, giving students the opportunity to pursue focused study in Environmental Sustainability, Global Perspectives, Humanities and the Arts, and STEM.

Williams opens a new community building at its Bloomingdale campus. Overlooking the turf field, the facility includes a pavilion, classroom space, and The Learned Family Community Room, named in recognition of Russell Learned ’86 and the Learned family. The building creates new opportunities for learning, events, and community connection.

Williams opens the Rotolo Tennis Center at its Bloomingdale campus. Named in recognition of Lindsey and Jon Rotolo P ’27, the tennis and pickleball facility expands opportunities for athletics and community engagement while marking another milestone in the continued growth of the campus.