Norwich in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Once upon a time in Norwich…

The Otis Library

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2017

1. Once upon a time in Norwich... Marker

Inscription. Joseph Otis, who had earned his fortune elsewhere, returned to his hometown at the age of 70, and wishing to do something lasting for the people of Norwich, founded a public library in his name on this spot. He purchased the land and planned to have the library built after his death, but at the urging of his pastor, he completed construction of the building during his lifetime.

Opening in 1850, under the administration of Otis' handpicked Board of Trustees, Otis Library served the city at this location until it relocated to Main Street in 1962.

This plaque sponsored by
The Otis Library

Erected by The Otis Library.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 41° 31.547′ N, 72° 4.568′ W. Marker is in Norwich in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is at the intersection of Union Street and Church Street, on the right when traveling south on Union Street. Marker is mounted at eye-level, near the northwest corner of the subject building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

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100 Broadway, Norwich CT 06360, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline,

in Greater New London and in the Thames River Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Central Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard (within shouting distance of this marker); Angelo Sanquedolce Memorial Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Hopkins & Allen Gun Factory (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Norwich and Worcester Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); William A. Buckingham House (approx. 0.2 miles away); 26th Regiment Connecticut Volunteeers (approx. 0.3 miles away); Slater Museum (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2017

2. Once upon a time in Norwich... Marker

(marker visible near right [northwest] corner)

of all markers in Norwich.

Also see . . . Otis Library website. (Submitted on April 28, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

William F. Bourgun Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2017

3. William F. Bourgun Memorial

(plaque mounted just right of entrance)By resolution adopted by the Norwich City Council on February 1, 1988, we dedicate this building in honor of William F. Bourgun, who served the Department of Social Services with commitment and distinction from October 1981 until the moment of his untimely death on January 12, 1988. He will always be remembered as a humanitarian, whose spirit, guidance and humor deeply touched and changed the lives of so many, and for this we extend our gratitude, appreciation and love.

…"The weary sun hath made a golden set"
—William Shakespeare

Otis Library / William F. Bourgun Memorial / Norwich Human Services Department image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2017

4. Otis Library / William F. Bourgun Memorial / Norwich Human Services Department

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 539 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 28, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.