Next in the Park: July 16th - 31st | | |
Pop-Up Tours and More on the Thames River
Mohegan Life on the Massapequatuck. Origins of the Mohegans | 12:45pm
Saturday, July 19th
Narrated by a knowledgeable tribal member as your guide, this tour will head north up the Thames and into the quiet estuary the Mohegan tribe calls home.
Discover the Thames | 2:45pm
Saturday, July 19th
Travel along both sides of the Thames to its mouth on Long Island Sound where you’ll get an introduction to the people, places, and events which shaped the region.
Pop-Up Tour: Haunted Harbor History | 5pm
Saturday, July 19th
The rich and varied history that surrounds the Thames River has unsurprisingly given rise to ghostly tales and spectral sightings along the storied waterway.
Captivating Books & Stories: Inspired by Sites along the River | 12:15pm
Sunday, July 20th
Cruise along the Thames River and hear about sites that sparked authors' imaginations to write their own stories.
Well-Heeled and Wannabees. The Gilded Age on the Thames | 2:45pm
Saturday, July 26th
View the summer cottages, elegant homes and estates while you hear stories of the wealthy vacationers who enjoyed the Thames River during the Gilded Age.
Discover the Thames | 12:15pm
Sunday, July 27th
In Our Nation's Defense. Military Stories on the Thames | Rotating Tour Times
Friday-Sunday
Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises | 11am-6pm
Saturdays & Sundays
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New London Maritime Society
Explore Inside Ledge Lighthouse
WED, JULY 16 | 1:20PM
City Pier, New London
Tours out to Ledge Lighthouse resume through the New London Maritime Society for the summer! 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!
MORE INFO
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WHATSWHAT Gallery Talk
John Boone
WED, JULY 16 | 5:30-7:30PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
On this special evening, join artist John Boone to explore his exhibition John Boone– WHATSWHAT. Learn about the inspirations and conceptual meanings behind the idioms showcased in his word-driven artwork. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. RSVP with museum staff online or over the phone.
MORE INFO
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Museum Exploration
Open Collections Day
THU, JULY 17 | 10AM-3PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Open Collections Days provide visitors with an opportunity to see staff at work in the Museum’s Hendel Library. The Assistant Registrar, Chrissy, will be in the library for a portion of the day working on cataloging and documenting pieces from the collection. This gives visitors a rare opportunity to see objects typically not on view and ask questions about her work and the Museum’s collection.
MORE INFO
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Historical Boat Tours & Cruises
Thames River Heritage Park
FRI, JULY 18
Nautilus Dock, Groton
In Our Nation's Defense. Military Stories on the Thames | 11am & 12:45pm
Cruise past a Revolutionary battle site and learn how submarines are built in the Submarine Capital of the World.
BUY TICKETS
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Concerts in the Park
Fusion
FRI, JULY 18 | 6:30-9PM
Washington Park, Groton
The annual summer concert series by City of Groton Parks and Recreation returns for the summer months. Bring your chair or blanket, have dinner from the food trucks and enjoy some great summer music! This community event is perfect for all ages and co-sponsored by Groton Utilities.
MORE INFO
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Missoula Children's Theatre
Alice in Wonderland
FRI, JULY 18 | 7PM
SAT, JULY 19 | 11AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
In the course of her adventures, Alice meets a band of characters. This original musical is performed by participants in the Garde’s Summer On Stage program (ages 7-16). They take center stage after a week of rehearsals & workshops culminating in two public performances for all ages.
BUY TICKETS
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Live Music in the Art Park
Braiden Sunshine
SAT, JULY 19 | 7PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Join Braiden and the Sunshine Collective to experience his latest EP live! Rooted in rock and folk with splashes of funk and pop, this is a party you won’t want to miss! Featuring musicians from around the world, this show is sure to have a transformative energy, and hopefully, you’ll leave with a new favorite.
MORE INFO
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Sunday Service
Reverend Ron Lake
SUN, JULY 20 | 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. This week's service is led by Reverend Ron Lake of the Westchester Congregational Church from Colchester, CT.
MORE INFO
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New London Maritime Society
Explore Inside Ledge Lighthouse
SUN, JULY 20 | 5:20PM
City Pier, New London
Tours out to Ledge Lighthouse resume through the New London Maritime Society for the summer! 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!
MORE INFO
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Waves & Jams at the Beach
Jay Dempsey Tio
WED, JULY 23 | 6-8PM
Eastern Point Beach, Groton
Concerts all summer for this mid-week series will be held on the front lawn of the Zbierski House. Bring your chair and take in the beautiful views of the Long Island Sound and Thames River. The Snack Bar will also be open for all to enjoy during the live music performance.
MORE INFO
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New London Maritime Society
Explore Inside Ledge Lighthouse
WED, JULY 23 | 7:15PM
City Pier, New London
Tours out to Ledge Lighthouse resume through the New London Maritime Society for the summer! 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!
MORE INFO
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Historical Boat Tours & Cruises
Thames River Heritage Park
FRI, JULY 25
Nautilus Dock, Groton
In Our Nation's Defense. Military Stories on the Thames | 12:45PM
Cruise past a Revolutionary battle site and learn how submarines are built in the Submarine Capital of the World.
BUY TICKETS
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Concerts in the Park
Diva and the Playboys
FRI, JULY 25 | 6:30-9PM
Washington Park, Groton
The annual summer concert series by City of Groton Parks and Recreation returns for the summer months. Bring your chair or blanket, have dinner from the food trucks and enjoy some great summer music! This community event is perfect for all ages and co-sponsored by Groton Utilities.
MORE INFO
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Missoula Children's Theatre
The Snow Queen
FRI, JULY 25 | 7PM
SAT, JULY 26 | 11AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Although set in a “land of colored ice,” this classic tale will warm your heart in its illustrative retelling by a group of fun-loving, imaginative hobgoblins. This original musical is performed by participants in the Garde’s Summer On Stage program (ages 7-16). They take center stage after a week of rehearsals & workshops culminating in two public performances for all ages.
BUY TICKETS
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Museum Exhibit Lecture
Eric Jay Dolin
SAT, JUL 26 | 1-2:30PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Explore the fascinating characters, adventures, and tales of early American and Chinese trade with award-winning history author Eric Jay Dolin. This talk derives from Dolin’s award-winning book When America First Met China. It is a prescient fable for our time that surprisingly continues to shed light on our modern relationship with China.
BUY TICKETS
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Summer Fun on the Pier
New London Food Truck Festival
SAT, JUL 26 | 6-9PM
City Pier, New London
This is a fun, family-friendly event where art meets community. Get ready for a feast like no other! The New London Food Truck Festival is making a highly anticipated return on bringing a delicious variety of food trucks, live entertainment and self-expression to the heart of New London. Dance, create and eat.
MORE INFO
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Sunday Service
Reverend Carolyn Patierno
SUN, JULY 27 | 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. This week's service is led by The Reverend Carolyn Patierno, Senior Minister, All Souls Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of New London, CT.
MORE INFO
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Exhibition Spotlight & Talk
John P. Desjardins
SUN, JULY 27 | 4PM
Custom House Museum, New London
Small Wonders: Antique Miniature & Children's Sewing Machines is the newest Community Collections exhibit on display. Join New London Maritime Society for a presentation from collector, John Desjardins, as he walks through how it all came together. Admission to the talk is free for NLMS members and by donation for all others.
MORE INFO
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All Talents Welcome
Open Mic at the Museum
SUN, JULY 27 | 6-9PM
Custom House Museum, New London
Co-hosted by Kenny "Doc" Frazier and Christina Corcoran, the monthly open mic welcomes music, poetry, prose, stand-up or just say what is on your mind. Open to all ages and abilities for fun and camaraderie! You can even Live Stream the event.
MORE INFO
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Color Our World
Kids Art Extravaganza
TUE, JULY 29 | 1-3PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Help the library clean out their craft supply closet! There will be a huge variety of materials for kids to create a masterpiece. Finished projects will be displayed in the library and on our social media. No registration required for this drop-in program.
MORE INFO
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Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises
Thames River Heritage Park
Saturdays & Sundays | 11AM-6PM
Departure Locations:
- Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
- City Pier, New London
- Thames Landing, 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.
MORE INFO
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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.
MORE INFO
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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!
MORE INFO
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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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Thursday Night Flickers
Hygienic Art, New London
Enjoy screenings of films in the Art Park for a $5 suggested donation. Film times vary throughout the summer depending on the sunset.
July 17th: The Big Lebowski
July 24th: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
July 31st: Sid & Nancy
FULL 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.
MORE INFO
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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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Season Pass
Season Pass holders enjoy unlimited boat rides for our Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise / Water Taxi service connecting New London's City Pier, Fort Trumbull and Thames Landing in Groton.
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Become a Member
Memberships start as low as $35 donation. 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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