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WE CAN DO IT! Only $1,500 to go!
Thanks to a generous donor when you donate to Thames River Heritage Park Foundation your donation is doubled through a $10,000 fund they established. So, when you donate $50, $100 will be added to the annual campaign total. If you donate $100, it becomes $200. $8,500 has been raised to date. Please donate to help maximize the $10,000 matching gift.
Additionally, with a minimum individual donation of $35, you become a member of Thames River Heritage Park. See THRP Membership for benefits of membership levels and benefits.
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Whaling, Religion and Royalty:
New London and Lahaina
WED, MAY 1 | 6PM-8PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
New London, the “Whaling City”, was the third largest whaling port in the country during the height of whaling in the United States and for a short time, the second largest whaling port in the world. In 1850 alone over one million dollars in whale goods passed over the docks at New London. Used by New London and whalers from throughout New England for re-supplying their ships, Lahaina was one of the most significant whaling ports in the Pacific. Hear fascinating stories about New London’s Elias Perkins II, a partner in the Perkins and Smith whaling firm who resided in Lahaina; the conflict between New England whalers and missionaries; and the influence of whaling on New London County. Artifacts gifted to the Perkins family from the royal family of Hawaii will be on display. The final lecture of this 5-part series will not disappoint. Historical lecture will be led by Stephen Manuel, Executive Director of New London County Historical Society.
Tickets include a 6PM reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres followed by the 7PM lecture. Grab your friends and family for this evening of fellowship and engaging conversation!
Island Affairs of the Thames is made possible thanks to grants from CT Humanities and Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
RSVP & MORE INFO
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Spring Brings Heritage Site Opening Weekends | |
Spring is here and the park has a handful of heritage sites that are reopening for the season! Most sites are accessible all year round, but the warmer weather allows others to open their doors to the public for tours and more! Grab your family and friends to explore these historical and beautiful parks. | |
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Hempsted Houses
Saturday, May 11th
Tours on the Hour | 12pm-4pm
Visit the Joshua and Nathaniel Hempsted Houses for a view into urban colonial era life in New London. Meet diarist Joshua Hempsted and his family, and Adam Jackson, who Joshua Hempsted enslaved on the property. Open for tours May through October on the 2nd & 4th weekends of each month by advance reservation.
BUY TICKETS / MORE INFO
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Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
Saturday, May 25th
Opening Day
The Monument House Museum and Groton Monument will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 9AM-5PM running through Labor Day. Walk the Revolutionary War Fort and Battlefield and Ebenezer Avery House. Guided tours will occur over special weekends. The park grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
MORE INFO
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Avery-Copp House Museum
Saturday, May 25th
Opening Day
Discover Groton as it was experienced in this home and the surrounding community just over a century ago. The museum will reveal the years between 1890–1930 as a time of great social, domestic, and technological change. Free guided tours are offered through Labor Day on Saturdays & Sundays from 12pm-4pm.
MORE INFO
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Fort Trumbull State Park
Saturday, May 25th
Opening Day
Visit the park for an interactive history lesson, explore the massive granite fort and its ramparts for a view of the Thames River and Harbor, walk along the riverfront boardwalk, or fish the waters of Long Island Sound from our one-of-a-kind fishing pier. The Visitor Center and Fort are open Wednesday – Sunday from 9AM-5PM through Labor Day. The park is open year round.
MORE INFO
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First Thursday - Rotary Night
Still Life Sketching
THU, MAY 2 | 5PM-8PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Enjoy discounted admission while exploring the galleries and getting creative on Rotary Night!
All are invited to join Rotarians from District 7980 at the Museum for fellowship and fun. Spend the evening meeting Rotarians and stop by the First Thursday artmaking station to create your own still life drawing.
This event is family friendly and open to all!
MORE INFO
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All Are Welcome
Open Mic Night
THU, MAY 2 | 5PM-7PM
Hygienic Art, New London
The Open Mic series is hosted by comedian Dame Fk. Sign Up available onsite from 5:00-5:30 PM. Poetry, comedy, spoken word, Bring what you got! All talents welcome! 5 Minute Time Slot for Comedians and Poets! 2 Song Time Slot for Musicians! No Cover Charge - Donations Always Welcome.
MORE INFO
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In Conversation and Song
Lyle Lovett and Lisa Loeb
FRI, MAY 3 | 8PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Grammy® award-winning singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb started her career with the platinum-selling Number 1 hit song “Stay (I Missed You)” from the film Reality Bites. A trailblazing independent artist, Lisa was the first pop musician to have a Number 1 single while not signed to a recording contract. Lyle and Lisa come together for an evening of collaboration between two storied singers.
BUY TICKETS
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Free First Saturday
Primary Painting
SAT, MAY 4 | 11AM-1PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Visit the art studio and create an artwork that represents Primary Painting. Enjoy the abstract design of Connecticut artist Power Boothe before creating your own painting using primary colors. Explore the Museum and enjoy ongoing exhibits. Walk-ins for the art project are welcome as capacity allows. Sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank.
MORE INFO
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Mothers Day Celebration
Garden Tea Party
SAT, MAY 4 | 1PM-3PM
Avery-Copp House Museum, Groton
Venture in the garden for Mother’s Day festivities. This event is for children and their “special someone” in celebration of May and Mother’s Day. Play old-fashioned games on the lawn, and explore our Garden Scavenger Hunt. Tea and treats will be served and children will plant their own flowers to take home. Best for ages 5-9 but children younger or older are welcome too. Reservations Required.
CALL / EMAIL TO REGISTER
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Cruise Long Island Sound
Sunset Seal Watch
SAT, MAY 4 | 6PM-8PM
New London Maritime Society
The Black Hawk out of Niantic is donating an exciting trip to view the many seals who live off New London. View these animals in their natural environment and raise money for NLMS. The seals are actually Maine natives who make Long Island Sound their winter/spring and sometimes permanent home. On this trip, you'll head out to Little Gull, Great Gull, and Plum Islands. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the sunset on this two-hour cruise.
BUY TICKETS
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Hygienic Health & Wellness
Community Yoga
SUN, MAY 5, 12, 19, 26 | 9AM
Hygienic Art, New London
Join Kim Abraham from The Yoga School at the Kitchen Gallery every Sunday for Hygienic Art's Health and Wellness Community Yoga. All levels are welcome.
"It is my yoga practice, found in a period of chaos, that keeps me healthy and strong." Kim Abraham, The Guardian 11/4/16
ADMISSION - FREE
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Community Fun
Cinco de Mayo
SUN, MAY 5
Downtown, New London
The holiday originally began in Mexico to commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla on the 5th of May where it is a relatively small holiday. American culture has adopted it as a day to celebrate Mexican-American culture. New London restaurants will be celebrating with meal-deals.
MORE INFO
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A Focus on Safe Housing
Serving the Whole Child
WED, MAY 8 | 6:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Connecticut Public and the CT Black and Brown Student Union (CT BBSU) are partnering to host a series of one-hour conversations that explore what communities and policymakers can do to serve the whole child. While educational success is often tied to well-resourced school districts, other factors impact a child’s trajectory like their access to affordable healthcare and healthy food. The community is invited to attend!
REGISTER TODAY / FREE ADMISSION
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Todd Alsup Takes the Stage
Elton Undressed
FRI, MAY 10 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Flamboyant. Outrageous. Decadent. Elton John and his music are many things. But what’s behind the costumes and the larger than life persona? New York pop singer/songwriter and pianist Todd Alsup will take you on an acoustic journey through the soulful songbook of the Rocket Man, highlighting what makes his enduring hit songs so unusual and special. It is an innovative and very personal show that has left audiences astounded and deeply moved.
BUY TICKETS
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Power Boothe Exhibition Opening
Nothing, Then Everything
FRI, MAY 10
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
More than a dozen of Power Boothe’s large-scale abstract paintings in dialogue with his smaller canvases and works on paper, will be on display. Using a grid structure as a starting point, Boothe engages color, line, shape, texture, and rhythm in his paintings, seeing each piece as a poetic event. One section focuses on the artist’s drawings, showing framed works on paper as well as sketchbooks full of vivid compositions that visitors can see firsthand.
MORE INFO
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Save Ocean Beach Fundraiser
Mile-long Tag and Craft Sale
SAT, MAY 11 | 9AM-3PM
Ocean Beach Park, New London
Vendors of all kinds flock to this annual fundraiser for the Save Ocean Beach group. Walk the boardwalk and browse art, household goods, crafts, businesses and more.
MORE INFO / FREE PARKING
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Alewife Cove Conservancy
1st Annual Arts Festival and
Master Class
SAT, MAY 11 | 10AM-5PM
Ocean Beach Park, New London
Alewife Cove Conservancy hosts its first annual arts festival in the Rotary Pavilion at Ocean Beach Park. A painting Master Class by internationally-known artist, Mark Shasha, is offered from 10AM-12PM to the first 50 people who purchase tickets.
GET TICKETS / FREE PARKING
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Mother's Day Gifts
Marigolds for Mom
SAT, MAY 11 | 11AM-1PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Need a little gift for Mom or any other special person? Children are invited to decorate a clay pot and fill it with a beautiful plant to take home. All ages are welcome, but younger children will need an adult to help them. No registration is necessary, but plants are available while supplies last. This program is free and open to the public.
MORE INFO
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Lower Gallery Show
Disparate Visions
SAT, MAY 11 | 6PM-9PM
Hygienic Art, New London
When you enter the lower gallery you'll be greeted by a vibrant mix of colors, textures, and ideas, each piece telling its own unique story. Join the Hygienic Collective Show featuring the eclectic artwork of Aliyah Lacombe, Rosie Rosado, Rebecca Fowke and Ariel Miner! The event will be enhanced by lighting, music, and refreshments that complement the art experience. Guests will enjoy connecting, discussing art, and sharing their interpretations and impressions of the artworks. The show runs through June 15th.
MORE INFO
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The Big Reveal
Annual Juried Show
SAT, MAY 11 | 6PM-9PM
Hygienic Art, New London
The opening reception for The Crossing will reveal the selected artists and their works at this highly anticipated viewing. All artists and mediums were welcome to submit up to 3 pieces and were judged by a diverse group of folks in the art world! This is an opportunity for new artists from across other bridges and geographical barriers to get involved with Hygienic Art and downtown New London. Come on down to view an amazing collection of art!
MORE INFO
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Monthly Pop-Up
Farmers Market
SUN, MAY 12 | 11AM-2PM
City of Groton Municipal Building
On the second Sunday of the month from November through May, the City of Groton welcomes crafters, businesses, authors and food vendors to its indoor Farmer's Market. EBT will be accepted. The Municipal Building can be found at 295 Meridan Street in Groton.
VENDOR INFO
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Schooltime Performance Series
Charlotte's Web
MON, MAY 13 | 10AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever. This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.
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An Acoustic Evening
Tommy Emmanuel
WED, MAY 15 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Tommy was born in 1955 in Muswellbrook, New South Wales Australia, and started playing the guitar at age four. In his twenties, he was the most sought-after performer and session musician in Sydney. By age 30, he was burning on electric guitar with several rock bands in stadiums across Europe. Casting off the reliable rock band engine of monstrous sonics blasting, Tommy went acoustic. The real-time exuberance Tommy Emmanuel brings to every note of every song he plays is palpable and infectious. But he seems as delighted always with the magic of the music as the audience, if not more, and his joy illuminates everything.
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Friends of Fort Griswold
Monthly Meeting
THU, MAY 16 | 7PM
Fort Griswold State Park, Groton
Now in person! Friends of Fort Griswold meets monthly to support its mission to preserve, restore, maintain, and promote the historic value, earthworks, buildings, and grounds, known as Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in cooperation with the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. New members welcome. Email Friends of Fort Griswold to learn how to get involved!
MORE INFO
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Award Winning Duo
David Foster & Katharine McPhee
THU, MAY 16 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
16-time Grammy award-winning musician, composer, and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, television, and Broadway star, Katharine McPhee are joining forces and bringing their show on the road. An undeniable duo, their combined talents balance each other out for this intimate evening of songs and stories!
BUY TICKETS
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Author Reading
Sandi Gold
FRI, MAY 17 | 5PM
Hygienic Art, New London
In I Chose Love, artist Sandi Gold chronicles her transformative journey from having an inoperable, life-threatening brain tumor at age 33, to her miraculous recovery, followed by decades of physical and emotional challenges — including breast cancer, financial struggles and a dysfunctional, unsupportive family. Written for people with cancer, cancer survivors, and anyone living with a serious illness or post-traumatic stress — as well as their caregivers and loved ones — this book shares valuable lessons from a unique and rare perspective.
MORE INFO
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City-Wide Thrifting
Yard Sale Day
SAT, MAY 18 | 9AM-3PM
City of Groton
Individually hosted Yard Sales will be held throughout the City of Groton in this large format! A map of the registered addresses and a sign to display will be provided day of for your thrifting needs. City residents can register their address online, by email or phone! Get in on the neighborhood fun.
VENDOR INFO
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Science Saturday
EarthFest CT
SAT, MAY 18 | 11AM
McCook Point Park, East Lyme
Science Saturday at the museum will be off site in May. Visit the LAAM crew at the Earthfest CT 2024 event at McCook Point Park in East Lyme, CT. This free family event celebrates the idea that Earth Day is Every Day! At Lyman Allyn’s table, learn about different types and the science behind clouds. Explore the different images of clouds depicted in Lyman Allyn’s collections and create a cloud to take home with you.
MORE INFO
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Connecticut Lyric Opera
Madama Butterfly
SUN, MAY 19 | 3PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Set in the early 20th century, Madama Butterfly explores themes of love, heartbreak, betrayal and cultural differences. This enduring tale encapsulates a tragic love story between a young Japanese girl called Cio Cio San and an American naval officer, Pinkerton. Presented by Giacomo Puccini with full costumes, sets, live orchestra, and English supertitles.
MORE INFO
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A Tale of Two Estuaries
JIBBOOM Club #1
TUE, MAY 21 | 1:30PM
Custom House, New London
Hosted by New London Maritime Society at the Custom House Maritime Museum, join author and artist Patrick Lynch. He will be discussing Connecticut’s two largest riverine estuaries which have long been recognized as world-class natural treasures, also rich with the human history of our region. Jibboom is not a club, but a friendly gathering with a speaker, treats, and good fellowship. The event is FREE and open to all.
MORE INFO
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Schooltime Performance Series
Ada Twist & Friends
WED, MAY 22 | 10AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Ms. Greer’s classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture. And Ada Twist’s curiosity can lead her to solve any problem. A fun musical based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty, which spotlights the STEM curriculum (focusing on science, technology, engineering and math).
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Collector Led Gallery Talk
Beatrice Cuming
WED, MAY 22 | 5:30PM-7PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Artist Beatrice Cuming (American 1903-1974) celebrated modernity in her dynamic depictions of urban life in the 1930s, ‘40s, and early ‘50s. Cuming was part of the WPA Federal Art Project in the 1930s, and she received commissions from General Dynamics Electric Boat and Standard Oil in the 1940s. Collector Jonathan C. Sproul and Curator Tanya Pohrt will lead the discussion. Join other guests during a reception prior to the lecture.
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Monthly Meet-Up
Open Mic Night
SUN, MAY 26th | 6PM
Custom House, 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.
FREE ADMISSION
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Around the Neighborhood Series Susan Tamulevich
THU, MAY 30 | 7PM
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
Susan Tamulevich, executive director of the Custom House Maritime Museum, is the speaker for Friends of Fort Trumbull's lecture on May 30 at Fort Trumbull Conference Center. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. Come early, seating is limited.
ADMISSION - FREE
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Get Outside and Active
CT Trails Day
SAT, JUN 1 - SUN, JUN 2
New London and Groton
The first weekend of June trail lovers across Connecticut head outside to explore trails and enjoy the great outdoors. You, your family and friends are invited to join in the fun by completing one or more Thames River Heritage Park Quests - four self-guided, family-friendly, treasure-seeking hikes that take you on a fun learning adventure.
Register with the Thames River Heritage Park, complete quest(s) on CT Trails Day and send a selfie from the final location to Casey OR post it on Facebook or Instagram with @ThamesRiverHeritagePark and #discoverthethames to receive a promo code for a complimentary hop-on, hop-off harbor cruise ticket during the 2024 summer season.
REGISTER TODAY
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Harbor Cruises | Museum Tours
CT Open House Day
SAT, JUN 8
New London and Groton
Celebrate CT Open House Day by hopping aboard the Thames River Heritage Park water taxi for a Hop-on, Hop-off Harbor Cruise and the start of the Park's 2024 summer season. Cruise the Thames River to visit the Park's sites in Groton and New London and discover the rich history and heritage of the Thames. As we get closer to the weekend, LEARN MORE about other heritage site events and celebrations.
MORE INFO
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| TUESDAYS | 10:30AM
5/7, 5/14 | Children's Program
Music & Movement | | TUESDAY | 4:30 PM
5/7 | STEM Presentation Night
Girls Who Code | | MONDAYS | 10AM
5/6, 5/13 | Children and Family Fun
Spring Storytime | | THURSDAY, MAY 16 | 6PM | Teen Hang
Monthly Program | | MONDAY, MAY 27 | Library Closed for Memorial Day | | |
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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- New London 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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