September 1st - 15th, 2026 | | |
Multi-Week Program
Preschool Cooking Class
WED, SEPT 2 | 10:30AM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Does your preschooler want to learn about cooking? You and your child can join Erica Benvenuti for a 4-week session on Wednesdays! This program is recommended for children ages 4 and up. Registration is also required.
REGISTER TODAY
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Museum Roof Fundraiser
Illusionist Josh Farley
FRI, SEPT 4 | 6PM & 8PM
Custom House Museum, New London
Get ready for a night of laughter, impossible illusions, and jaw-dropping magic with a nationally touring magician and illusionist. Josh is bringing his high-impact, interactive show to every state over 50 weeks—and this is Connecticut’s only chance to see him live this year.
MORE INFO
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Free First Saturday
The Golden Ratio
SAT, SEPT 5 | 11AM-1PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Admission to the museum is free on the first Saturday of every month. Artist Howard McCaleb is inspired by the mathematical quantities of The Golden Ratio when making his 2D and 3D artwork. Create your own artwork using the principles of the Golden Ratio!
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Live from the Art Park
Shoreline Reggae Fest
SUN, SEPT 6 | 4PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Boogie into September at Reggae Fest in New London! This fun lineup includes Red Lion, Glaucoma Suspect, Jam Shed and Lazy River. Doors open at 4PM. Save $5 by purchasing tickets in advance.
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Anniversary Commemoration
Battle of Groton Heights
SUN, SEPT 6 | 6PM
Fort Griswold Battlefield, Groton
The Friends of Fort Griswold will be commemorating the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Groton Heights. Please join them inside the Fort to mourn the dead, and celebrate their legacy. Free and open to the public - bring a chair or blanket.
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Gallery Talk
Howard McCalebb
THU, SEPT 10 | 5:30PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Join artist Howard McCalebb for a talk exploring his exhibition The Golden Mean. This exhibition features a selection of the artist’s small and mid-size sculptures, drawings, paintings, and collages.
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Memorial Garden Ceremony
Remembering September 11
FRI, SEPT 11 | 9:30-10:30AM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
The museum will be hosting a remembrance ceremony to gather and honor the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001. Join them to reflect on the strength, compassion, and resilience that continue to shape our communities. Kindly RSVP in advance.
MORE INFO
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The Real Movie Palace Experience
The Guardian (2006)
FRI, SEPT 11 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Proudly presented as part of the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival weekend — a celebration of Connecticut’s rich maritime history, waterfront culture, and community spirit in New London.
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An OpSail CT Event
CT Maritime Heritage Festival
SAT, SEPT 12 | 10AM-8:30PM
SUN, SEPT 13 | 10AM-5PM
Waterfront Park, New London
Experience two unforgettable days along the New London waterfront with military and private vessel tours, Coast Guard demonstrations, living history, children’s activities, live music, local vendors, and maritime traditions for the entire family.
MORE INFO
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Revolutionary Talks Series
Benedict in Red
SAT, SEPT 12 | 3-4PM
Shaw Mansion, New London
Join NLCHS for the seventh talk of their eight part series in commemoration of America’s 250th. Executive Director, Steve Manuel will examine the motivations and events which led to Benedict's betrayal. Free and no reservation required!
MORE INFO
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30th Anniversary Show
RaDIOTRICITY
SAT, SEPT 12 | 7PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Revered, reviled, but never forgotten, New London alt. rockers Radiotricity returns to mark the 30th anniversary of their breakup with an outdoor mini-palooza in the Art Park. The Dylan Read Band kicks off the show at 7pm.
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Final Weekend of Service
Anglican Singers
SUN, SEPT 13 | 5PM
Pequot Chapel, New London
This charming Victorian-era chapel is non-sectarian and welcomes all who wish to join in Sunday worship and special summer events. This community performance wraps up the summer season! Good will offerings gratefully accepted.
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Two Acclaimed Bands, One Stage
When Peace and Love Ruled
SUN, SEPT 13 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Get ready for an unforgettable night of classic rock, timeless hits, and exceptional live music as Beyond 1969 and BackTrax take the stage for a special concert event. Be transported back to those hippie years in the Oasis Room!
BUY TICKETS
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Conservation Presentation
Living with Connecticut's Wildlife
MON, SEPT 14 | 6:30PM
Harkness M. State Park, Waterford
Learn how to live with and enjoy your wild neighbors. Paul Colburn, a 2015 graduate of the Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist Program (MWCP) and a certified Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC) will be the guest speaker.
MORE INFO
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JIBBOOM CLUB #1
Colette Driscoll Long
TUE, SEPT 15 | 1:30PM
Custom House Museum, New London
Lighthouse aficionado Colette Driscoll Long returns to the program! Colette has visited many lighthouses and recently became VP of NELL: New England Lighthouse Lovers. She will bring news of NELL's upcoming events as well as show highlights from her lighthouse travels.
MORE INFO
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Monthly, Seasonal Tours
Hempsted Houses, New London
Tours provide a window into urban life in Colonial New London at this historic site.
Open May through October on the 3rd Saturday of the month for guided tours of the property in the New London Historic District.
MORE INFO
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Explore and Tour Ledge Lighthouse
NL Maritime Society, New London
Take a short boat ride out to the lighthouse, then climb up to the lantern room. Reserve your seats today. Thanks to a grant, if you live in New London or Groton you may visit for just $5!
September 5 | 4:30PM
September 6 | 5PM
September 19 | 4PM
BUY TICKETS
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History at Harkness State Park
Eolia Mansion, Waterford
Friends of Harkness volunteer docents lead tours on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Mansion and Garden tours also available by appointment.
Sign up at the Mansion on day of tour!
Saturdays & Sundays, 10AM-1:30PM
MORE INFO
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Public Tours at the Cottage
Monte Cristo Cottage, New London
Public tours will occur every other Saturday through October 24th! Tours are 45 minutes long and kids 10 and under are free.
Book online today! Three tours will be offered each day the cottage is open: 11AM, 12PM and 1PM.
MORE INFO
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Summer Sunday Services
Pequot Chapel, New London
This charming Victorian-era chapel is non-sectarian and welcomes all who wish to join in Sunday worship. Services start at 10AM.
Schedule of Services:
September 6th: Reverend Mark Stantucci
September 13th: Anglican Singers
MORE INFO
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Open Collections Day
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Third Thursday of Each Month
Visitors have an opportunity to see staff at work in the Museum’s Hendel Library and gain new access to the Lyman Allyn’s vast collection of original art, artifacts and objects. Collections staff engage with visitors while working on research projects.
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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Bill Memorial Library
Weekly and Monthly Programs
Monday, Sept 7 - Closed for Labor Day
Thursday, Sept 17 - Monthly Teen Program
Tuesday, Sept 22 - Girls Who Code
Mondays - Fall Story Time
Tuesdays - Music & Movement
Wednesdays - Preschool Cooking Class
EVENTS CALENDAR | 860-445-0392
| | 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. Sites can be found in New London, Groton and Waterford, CT. | | |
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Monthly Newsletters, Lecture Series, Heritage Site Updates and More
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Excursions for All Ages Are Back on the Thames River
Historic Boat Tours, Private Charters, Evening, Full Moon & Harbor Cruises!
Types of tours vary each weekend. Take a look at the schedule below and book your seats aboard the Park's retired naval utility vessels.
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays | June - September
| | Thank you to our Sponsors and Grantors | | | | |
