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CT Maritime Heritage Festival
Fort Trumbull State Park & Downtown New London Waterfront Park
Saturday, September 7th - Sunday, September 8th
10AM-5PM
This fun-filled weekend has Military and Private Ships to tour, Flock Theatre’s Burning of Benedict Arnold, Little Mermaids and Sea Monsters Parade, Coast Guard Helicopter Search and Rescue Demonstration, Maritime Skills Challenge, Fishing Clinic, Kids Nautical Zone, Rum Tasting, Live Music, Local Vendors, Food Trucks and more!
New this year is the joining of the Basque Festival on Saturday for a full weekend of nautical fun. Hop between Fort Trumbull State Park and Downtown New London via the free TRHP harbor cruise!
MORE INFO
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Discover the Thames
Boat Tours & Harbor Cruises
Hop aboard our former Navy utility boats for a relaxing Sunset Cruise on the Sound or Hop-on Hop-off Harbor Cruise/Water Taxi All-day Pass or take in the historic sites and stories of the Thames during one of our history-themed boat tours.
This week's tour and cruise offerings are highlighted in light blue below.
TOURS & CRUISES INFO
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All Are Welcome
Open Mic Night
THU, SEP 5 | 5PM-7PM
Hygienic Art, New London
First Thursday is Open Mic Night in the gallery! Sign up starting at 5pm, open mic starts at 5:30-7pm. Poetry, songs, comedy, bring what you have. This space is open for all who want to contribute their talents to the community and is hosted by Dame fk. Bring a friend!
MORE INFO
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Free Movie Night
Blue Velvet
THU, SEP 5 | 7PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Thursay marks an unforgettable evening under the stars at Hygienic Art Park! Sponsored by the Liberty Bank Foundation, they're bringing the community together for a FREE movie night you won't want to miss. Short films from the Hygienic Filmwerks group will screen prior to the feature film. FREE popcorn to snack on while you enjoy the film and a cash bar for those who want to sip on something refreshing.
MORE INFO
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Blissworks Yoga
Yoga Basics
THU, SEP 5 | 5:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Class covers basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and more for all levels of practice. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness.
REGISTER
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Artmaking & Late Hours
First Thursday at the Museum
THU, SEP 5 | 5PM-8PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Guests of all ages are invited to join our monthly evening art night led by a member of the Learning & Engagement Department. Each activity is inspired by a different exhibition, theme, or artwork. Art supplies are provided. No registration is required. Stop by our art table for 5 minutes or two hours and make something to bring home! The September craft is Leaf Prints.
MORE INFO
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The Death of Lt. Colonel Ledyard
Historian John Steward
THU, SEP 5 | 6:30PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Join local historian John Steward, who will examine the story of Lt. Col. Ledyard's death during the Battle of Groton Heights. Was Ledyard really killed with his own sword after surrendering to the British? From 1781 to today, how did the story become an urban legend? Come hear the evidence and make your own choice. Registration required.
MORE INFO
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The Traitors Homecoming
Author Matt Reardon
THU, SEP 5 | 7PM
Custom House Museum, New London
Benedict Arnold is a complex character, and for those of us who don't love mob rule, this talk -- on the eve of Arnold's raid and based on fresh research -- will be an enlightening alternative. Earlier this year, Matthew Reardon was commissioned a captain in the Connecticut State Guard and he currently serves as a command historian for the Connecticut Military Department. Matt's research focuses on Connecticut during the American Revolution and the Civil War. He currently works as a middle school teacher in Vernon, Connecticut. Admission by donation.
MORE INFO
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Blissworks Yoga
Yoga Basics
SAT, SEP 7 | 8:30AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Class covers basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and more for all levels of practice. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness.
REGISTER
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BOAT TOUR
Water Taxi FREE Admission
Hop-on, Hop-off Harbor Cruises
SAT, SEP 7 & SUN, SEP 8
10AM-5PM
City Pier & Fort Trumbull, New London
Thames River Landing, Groton
Visit the heritage sites on the Thames, get lunch or just catch the breeze and enjoy this one-hour hop-on, hop-off harbor cruise. Three (3) landing sites along the river allows for endless adventures. CT Maritime Heritage Festival is sponsoring these cruises.
FREE ADMISSION ALL WEEKEND
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Walk or Run for Fun
Annual Groton City Brew Run
SAT, SEP 7 | 10:30AM
Eastern Point Beach, Groton
The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Groton Utilities present the annual Groton City Brew Run! This is a 5K run and walk at Eastern Point Beach in Groton, followed by a brewfest, live music, food and entertainment! Prices increase for day-of-event registration. Sign up early and save.
MORE INFO
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Shop in the Streets
Local Artisan Market
SAT, SEP 7 | 11AM-4PM
Golden Street, New London
The New London Cultural District has partnered with The Golden Owl and Telegraph Autonomous Zone for a summer market that will be full of local vendors. Golden Street will be closed for the market and full of fun on the first Saturday of each month through September.
MORE INFO
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Palette Knife Painting
Free First Saturday
SAT, SEP 7 | 11AM-1PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Visit the art studio and create an artwork that represents Palette Knife Painting. Did you know that artists don’t always use brushes to paint? Dress for mess and try painting with a palette knife and other art room tools. Free admission to the museum takes place on the first Saturday of every month!
MORE INFO
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BOAT TOUR
Traitor, Privateers & Militias.
Fire and Massacre on the Thames
SAT, SEP 7 | 11:40AM-12:55PM
City Pier, New London
September 6, 1781 … a day that lives in infamy on the Thames. On this 32 British vessels entered the port of New London. Join the park and hear long forgotten stories about the events leading up the Battle of Groton Heights and the Burning of New London, the people who comprised the Loyalist and the Connecticut Militias, and the local man turned infamous traitor.
Retired Captain and local historian, Phil Lord will be the tour guide for this NEW excursion!
BOOK TODAY
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NLMS Lighthouse Tours
Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light
SAT, SEP 7 & SUN, SEP 8 | 12PM
Pequot Light, New London
Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern of Long Island Sound's oldest lighthouse for spectacular views of the Sound. New London residents may visit inside New London Harbor Lighthouse with a $5 ticket!
MORE INFO
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Live Carving Techniques
Headstone Lettering Demonstration
SAT, SEP 7 | 1PM-4PM
Hempsted Houses, New London
Joshua Hempsted held many positions throughout his lifetime, one of which was headstone letterer. On Wednesday, December 27th, 1749, our diarist writes, “fair & cold I finisht engraving a headstone for Samll Bills wife.” Join headstone carver Andrew Carr as he re-creates a headstone using Joshua’s lettering style with 18th–century carving techniques.
MORE INFO
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Benedict Arnold Lore
Steve Manuel Lecture
SAT, SEP 7 | 4PM-5PM
Shaw Mansion, New London
Executive Director of New London County Historical Society, Steve Manuel, delivers inquiries about Benedict Arnold, his childhood, and why he turned coat. The son of a sea captain father and Lathrop mother, he was born in Norwich and destined for Yale. Join in on all the infamous traitor fun with NLCHS in the Shaw Mansion. Free admission, donations welcomed.
MORE INFO
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BOAT TOUR
Relax and Enjoy
Sunset Cruise on the Sound
SAT, SEP 7 | 6:30-8PM
City Pier, New London
Experience the stunning natural beauty of a sunset on the Thames River and Long Island Sound. It's the perfect way to take in the bold colors, see the view of the shore from the water and make some fantastic memories.
BOOK TODAY
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Free Community Programs
Yoga Sunday with Kim
SUN, SEP 8 | 9AM
Hygienic Art Park, New London
Start your Sunday with Kim for a yoga experience at the Hygienic Art Park. 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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BOAT TOUR
Traitor, Privateers & Militias.
Fire and Massacre on the Thames
SUN, SEP 8 | 11:40AM-12:55PM
City Pier, New London
September 6, 1781 … a day that lives in infamy on the Thames. On this 32 British vessels entered the port of New London. Join the park and hear long forgotten stories about the events leading up the Battle of Groton Heights and the Burning of New London, the people who comprised the Loyalist and the Connecticut Militias, and the local man turned infamous traitor.
Retired Captain and local historian, Phil Lord will be the tour guide for this NEW excursion!
BOOK TODAY
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Classic Hits WNLC 98.7
Cruise Night at the Beach
MON, SEP 9 | 5PM
Ocean Beach Park, New London
Every Monday evening, Classic Hits 98.7 WNLC sponsors Ocean Beach Park’s “Cruise Night”. Enjoy a parade of antique cars and other interesting vehicles along with the sounds of a live DJ spinning classic music. Parking and admission are free. Ride wristband and mini golf specials are available weekly.
FREE / MORE INFO
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Blissworks Yoga
Yoga Basics
TUE, SEP 10 | 9AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Class covers basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and more for all levels of practice. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness.
REGISTER
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Weekly Local Goods
Groton Farmers Market
TUE, SEP 10 | 3-6PM
Washington Park, Groton
Primarily an agricultural market, Groton Farmers Market also includes a variety of local baked goods, seafood/fish, meats, poultry/eggs grown in Connecticut. Foods and food products must be identified as organic, or not, and include place of origin. The aim of the market, which runs weekly through October, is to make accessible, affordable, healthy, locally-produced food available to the community.
MORE INFO
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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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- 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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