Next in the Park: September 1st-15th | | |
Gallery Opening Reception
Albrecht Durer: Master Prints
FRI, SEPT 5 | 5-7PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Albrecht Dürer: Master Prints features more than 40 woodblock prints and engravings by (or after) the German Renaissance master printmaker Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). An extraordinary innovator who revolutionized the medium of printmaking in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century, Dürer was praised for the remarkable compositional complexity and high level of naturalism he brought to his works.
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Charity Meet & Greet
Michael Sterling
FRI, SEPT 5 | 6PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Prior to the double-screening of Jaws, you can purchase tickets for a special Meet & Greet with the Builder of the ORCA (replica), Michael Sterling. Sterling is famously known amongst Jaws enthusiasts due to his dedication of bringing this ship back to life. This event is in collaboration with the CT Maritime Heritage Festival.
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50th Anniversary Double Screening
Jaws (1975)
FRI, SEPT 5 | 7PM & 10PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
We're going to need a bigger boat. And a bigger theater! Return to Amity Island and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws re-released in high definition 4k and surround sound on the Garde movie palace giant screen. Enjoy this FREE classic movie brought to you by generous community sponsors.
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New London Cultural District
First Saturday NL
SAT, SEPT 6 | 10AM-10PM
Cultural District-Downtown, New London
The New London Cultural District will host its monthly Saturday celebration featuring gallery openings, live music performances, workshops, boat rides, special sales and more at galleries, businesses and non-profits throughout the downtown and New London.
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Step Back in Time
Tintype Portraits
SAT, SEPT 6 | 10AM-4:30PM
Custom House M. Museum, New London
Schedule a tintype portrait session with award-winning Connecticut artist, photographer, and museum professional, Greg Shea. Tintypes are one-of-a-kind, hand-made original photographic images created from pure silver on black lacquered metal plates. Greg will be using the wet plate collodion process, invented in England by Frederick Scott Archer in 1851.
REGISTER TODAY
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5K Family Fun
Groton City Brew Run
SAT, SEPT 6 | 10:30AM
Eastern Point Beach, Groton
The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Groton Utilities are holding the 5th Annual Groton City Brew Run at Eastern Point Beach in the City of Groton. The brewfest boasts upwards to twenty local breweries and seltzer makers. Live entertainment in 2025 to be provided by local favorites 2 Cat Zoo, the acoustic version of local band Wicked Peach.
REGISTER TODAY
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Free First Saturday at the Museum
Abstract Painting
SAT, SEPT 6 | 11AM-1PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Each month on the first Saturday enjoy free admission all day at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum! Family artmaking takes place in the art studio. This month, explore the special exhibition by New London artist David Marchi and create an abstract expressionist painting. This event is open to all.
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Author Talk & Reading
Rose Young
SAT, SEPT 6 | 4PM
Hygienic Art, New London
The novel is inspired by Southeast Connecticut's historical and happening sites, waterways, and hideaways, local artists, famous art, and a true unsolved art crime. The baffling search for a villain targeting artists brings the characters together until one finds a cache of famous stolen art.
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In the Art Park
Andre & Friends
SAT, SEPT 6 | 6PM
Hygienic Art, New London
This FREE family-friendly music event is the perfect way to celebrate the weekend—great music, good vibes, and the beautiful setting of Hygienic Art Park in downtown New London. Grab your friends and kids, and settle in for an evening of rhythm, fun, and community connection.
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Sunday Service
Rev. Maria Hammons
SUN, SEPT 7 | 10AM
Pequot Chapel, New London
Celebrating faith and fellowship for over 150 years, Pequot Chapel is non-sectarian gathering space open to all. A remnant of the historic Pequot Colony; the Chapel is a spiritual, social, and cultural center for the neighborhood and region. Led by The Reverend Maria Hammons Associate to the Bishop, New England Lutheran Church.
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244th Anniversary Commemoration
Battle of Groton Heights
SUN, SEPT 7 | 6PM
Fort Griswold Battlefield, Groton
The Friends of Fort Griswold will be commemorating the Battle of Groton Heights where countless brave men fought and died on September 6, 1781. Please join the friends and other focus groups at the Fort to celebrate their legacy and honor this annual tradition. Bring a chair or blanket to this free gathering!
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20th Anniversary Celebration
In the Heights
MON, SEPT 8 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
This one-night-only concert staging of the hit musical at the Garde Arts Center will feature original Broadway cast members, some exciting new faces, and most importantly raise vital funds to support the O’Neill’s world renowned developmental programming. Celebrating 20 years since Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights was first developed.
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On the Big Screen
Stop Making Sense
FRI, SEPT 12 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Newly restored in 4K to coincide with its 40th anniversary, the 1984 film was directed by renowned filmmaker Jonathan Demme and is considered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time. Starring band members David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison and Tina Weymoutha, the live performance was shot at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater and features the Talking Heads’ most memorable songs.
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Pattagansett Art Center Class
Block Printing
SAT, SEPT 13 | 1-2:30PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
In this 1.5 hour workshop you will be guided through the basics of compositional design, block carving and printing. This fun hands-on workshop is geared towards ages 13 and up. Each participant will leave with unique prints and a reusable handmade stamp of their very own design. Small class size, registration required.
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In the Art Park
3rd Annual Indie Fest
SAT, SEPT 13 | 1-6PM
Hygienic Art, New London
This all-day festival brings together an eclectic lineup of independent musicians and bands. Enjoy live performances on the outdoor stage, connect with fellow music lovers, and support rising and established indie artists in a one-of-a-kind venue. All ages welcome, donation based payment and good vibes guaranteed!
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Collector Led Gallery Talk
China from China
SAT, SEPT 13 | 2PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Join LAAM for a gallery talk celebrating the closing of China from China: Porcelain and Stories of Early American Trade with collectors H. Richard Dietrich III and Edward Tiedemann, and in partnership with Lyman Allyn curator Tanya Pohrt and volunteer researcher Meg Milanick.
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Local Comedians Take the Stage
Stand Up for Mental Health
SAT, SEPT 13 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Artreach, Inc. is thrilled to once again collaborate with Stand Up For Mental Health — and to bring this humorous and healing comedy to New London! This stand up is sure to inspire, uplift, and break down the stigma around mental illness and addiction.
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CT Landmarks Shuttle Tour
Colonial New London
SUN, AUG 14 | 1PM
Hempsted Houses, New London
Visit sites that the diarist frequented, including those of Joshua Hempsted’s relatives, and view the Stonington Farm property from across the river. You will also hear about Adam Jackson, who Joshua Hempsted enslaved on the property during the second half of the tour.
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Colonial Revival Gem
History Open House
SUN, AUG 14 | 4PM
Avery-Copp House Museum, Groton
Tour the house overlooking the Thames River was that was built in 1916 by Pierre and Louise Avery Schellens. The home was recently bequeathed to the Avery-Copp Museum by their grandson Peter Schellens and his wife Lila. Enjoy music, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments with a beautiful view of the Thames River. Free admission for all!
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All Are Welcome
Anglican Singers
SUN, AUG 14 | 5PM
Pequot Chapel, New London
Good will offerings will be accepted at this evening Sunday gathering at the Pequot Chapel. This will be the last of their summer seasonal events. The Anglican Singers will perform in the small chapel that will be open for all to enjoy.
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Historical Boat Tours & Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises
Thames River Heritage Park
Friday-Sunday | 11AM-6PM
Departure Locations:
- Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
- City Pier, New London
- Thames River Landing, Groton
- Nautilus Dock, Groton
The water taxi operates in a continuous loop every hour, on the hour. Walk, shop, eat or cruise along the route while exploring Thames River heritage sites. Boat tour vary in topic and alternate departure locations!
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New London Harbor Light Tours
NL Maritime Society, New London
Saturdays & Sundays | 12PM
Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern for spectacular views of the Sound in the oldest and tallest lighthouse in the country. Tours occur each weekend of the year for groups of up to five people.
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Explore Inside Ledge Lighthouse
NL Maritime Society, New London
Through September - Dates Vary
This 90-minute trip brings you out to the lighthouse, with an hour to explore the landmark itself. Due to a Veolia/NL Water Authority grant, all New London residents can visit for just $5. Purchase your tickets in advance!
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City of Groton Farmers Market
Washington Park, Groton
Tuesdays | 3-6PM
June 10th - October 10th
A variety of vendors will line the green of Washington Park all summer long with handmade items, produce, food, live music and more. Shop local!
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Summer of Music & Family Fun
Ocean Beach Park, New London
Mondays: Cruise Night | 5PM
Wednesdays: Magic Show | 7PM
Thursdays: Boardwalk Dance Nights | 7PM
Friday-Saturday: Live Music
The park also has fireworks, festivals and one-off events all summer long!
EVENT SCHEDULE
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Blissworks Yoga
Garde Arts Center, New London
Relocated from their Bank Street location, their classes now takes place in the spacious Garde.
Yoga Basics
Tuesdays | 9AM
Intermediate Yoga
Saturdays | 8:30AM
CLASS CALENDAR
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Yoga with Kim
Hygienic Art, New London
Every Sunday | 9AM
Start your Sunday with Kim for a yoga experience at Hygienic Art sponsored by Yale New Haven Health. Best of all, it's FREE! Don’t miss out on this unique experience to practice and unwind in downtown New London.
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Gift Cards
Gift cards may be used for ALL historic and pop-up boat tours, Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises, Lecture Series, Docent Academy registration and merchandise.
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Become a Member
Members receive a variety of special benefits, including recognition on our website to discounted tickets and season passes.
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Subscribe to Our Mailing List
Monthly Newsletters, Boat Tour Schedules, Heritage Site Updates and More
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Visit the Park's Heritage Sites
| Thames River Heritage Park Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization committed to connecting, preserving, supporting and promoting the history and heritage sites along the Thames River estuary today and for generations to come. | | Thames River Heritage Park Institutional Partners are organizations committed to preserving and promoting our culture and history but may not have a site to welcome visitors. They are historic or cultural associations, “friends” organizations, and educational institutions. | |
- Connecticut Maritime Heritage Fest
- Connecticut Sea Grant
- Downtown New London Assoc.
- Friends of Fort Griswold
- Friends of Fort Trumbull
- Groton Bank Historical Assoc.
- Ledge Light Foundation
- National Coast Guard Museum
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- NL County Historical Society
- New London Landmarks
- New London Maritime Society
- Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition
- Southeastern CT Enterprise Region
- UCONN Avery Point Maritime Studies
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Thank you to our Sponsors and Grantors
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