New London's Historic Whale Plaque Program

In 1985 NLL began a program to award owners who rehabilitated their New London houses. A Restoration Award (a Whale Plaque) was presented three times a year to various homes and buildings. The Plaques were designed by John Gula who stenciled and hand-painted a blue whale on a white background. Information on the plaque includes the name of the original owner of the house and the date the house was built. The program and the plaques were so popular NLL created an application process for the plaques which included an application fee to cover costs and provide a small amount of income for the organization. Over 400 buildings in New London now have these Whale Plaques mounted near their front door with the name of the original owner and the date of construction. An annual Restoration Award is presented to one house or commercial building to recognize the accomplishments of a restoration project.