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Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises on the Thames River
Saturday & Sunday, 11AM-6PM
Every weekend through August
The retired navy utility boats run a continuous hour-loop from New London to Groton. Explore the heritage sites that line the Thames River! Perfect for all ages. Secure your Season Pass today for unlimited rides all summer.
How to Cruise:
- Your ticket is a Day Pass. Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site
- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long
- Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop
Departures:
- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour
- City Pier in New London 20 minutes after the hour
- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour
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Friends of Fort Griswold
Monthly Meeting
THU, JUL 18 | 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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Tidal River Reverses Flow
Virtual Talk with Chloe Atreya
THU, JUL 18 | 7PM-8:30PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Join LAAM for a virtual conversation with artist Chloe Atreya to explore her pop-up installation Tidal River Reverses Flow. Exploring human geography, genealogy, and language, this exhibition centers on family, history, and the desire to cultivate a relationship with the 10-mile radius encircling the midpoint of the Connecticut Thames (Pequot) River, the brackish waters of tidal estuaries, and the people who came before. Atreya will explore her process and research for creating this work, uncovering hidden stories and connections.
ZOOM LINK/REGISTRATION
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Concerts in the Park
Wicked Peach
FRI, JUL 19 | 6:30PM-9PM
Washington Park, Groton
Wicked Peach is this area’s ultimate rock cover band and is a staple on the southeastern New England music scene. Wicked Peach rocks the hard rock classics from the 90s better than anyone, while offering up a satisfying sampling from the 70s, 80s and 2000s to keep the crowds coming back for more. Food trucks will be present for the concert.
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A Lifetime in Poetry
Pat Procko Reading
FRI, JUL 19 | 5PM
Hygienic Art, New London
This Friday, Hygienic Art hosts an author talk and book reading event featuring Pat Procko! Come immerse yourself in her poetry, engage in insightful discussions, and enjoy a unique literary experience. Pat is a Niantic, CT local and author of multiple works. This is held in the gallery and is free to the public.
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Sleeping Beauty on Stage
Missoula Children's Theatre
FRI, JUL 19 | 7PM
SAT, JUL 20 | 11AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
An original musical performed by participants in the Garde’s Summer On Stage program and the Missoula Children’s Theatre. A week of rehearsals & workshops culminating in two public performances. SLEEPING BEAUTY-a Rock ‘n Roll Fable for the ages. This is definitely no sleeper!
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Summer Lecture Series
EMN1(SS) David Swenson
FRI, JUL 19 | 1PM-2PM
Submarine Force Museum, Groton
'Electricity and Magnetism' will be the main focus of speaker EMN1(SS) David Swenson. Seating is first-come, first-serve and the lecture is free and open to all. Lecture will take place in the main hall of the museum. This reoccurring series runs through August 19th on every Friday!
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Blissworks at the Garde
Intermediate Yoga
SAT, JUL 20 | 8:30AM-9:45AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
This class focuses on specific alignment principles which create strength and stability in poses and also allow for greater flexibility. Learn to stay present and avoid injury by engaging your body mindfully. A heartfelt theme based in the Tantric yoga tradition is generally woven through the physical practice so students can contemplate their life in relationship to world around them.
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Fisher's Island Adventure
NLMS Day Trip
SAT, JUL 20 | 10AM-4PM
City Pier, New London
NLMS is offering a day trip to visit the Henry L. Ferguson Museum to see this year's Annual Exhibition, have lunch (provided) and explore the island. Each trip is limited to 8 people total. Register today online or call in over the phone. Full itinerary and ferry times are listed in the event description when booking! Another opportunity to join will be on August 8th.
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Family Submarine Program
Invention & Innovation
SAT, JUL 20 | 10AM-12PM
Avery-Copp House Museum, Groton
The Submarine Force Museum is visiting the Avery-Copp House Museum to dive into the history of submarines. Learn about the invention of submarines as well as their part in Groton history. Get a chance to create your own submarine out of recycled materials. Free program for children 8 and older. No registration required, but be sure to arrive at 10:00 so you do not miss out on any fun!
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Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light
NLMS Lighthouse Tours
SAT, JUL 20 | 12PM
Pequot Light, New London
Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern of Long Island Sound's oldest lighthouse. The views are spectacular! Tours for up-to five people take approximately 40 minutes. Tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at noon. Private tours are available during the week per request. Thanks to Veolia-NL Water Authority and the Chelsea Groton Foundation, New London residents may visit inside New London Harbor Lighthouse with a $5 ticket!
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2024 CT Author Trail Talk
Ron & Roxanne Steed
SAT, JUL 20 | 1PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Join Ron and Roxanne Steed as they share about their new book, Focal Points in France: Artful Practices That Bring More Peace. The book was inspired by the couple’s time
as artists-in-residence at Chateau Orquevaux, France. A writer and Episcopal deacon in southeastern Connecticut, Ron is a chaplain at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London. Roxane is a painter, instructor and mentor, who specializes in oil and watercolor journal paintings. Registration is required and space is limited.
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Adult Fun in the Sun
Punk Rock Picnic
SAT, JUL 20 | 6PM
Hygienic Art, New London
You don't want to miss Superbald's 1st Annual Punk Rock Picnic! Featuring Music from The Dogmatics, Superbald, The Pneumatics, and Mitch Kramer, Beach Swag, Hotdogs and Cold Beverages-what else do you need?! $10 tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
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Reverend Christa Swenson
Pequot Chapel Service
SUN, JUL 21 | 11AM
Pequot Chapel, New London
Celebrating faith and fellowship for over 150 years, Pequot Chapel is non-sectarian where all are welcome for all services and special events. The chapel is the most important surviving remnant of the Pequot Colony, but it is more than just an artifact; it continues as a spiritual, social, and cultural center for the neighborhood and the region. Reverend Christa Swenson of Mystic Congregational Church will lead service this week.
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Lawn Chair Music
Mystic River Brass Ensemble
SUN, JUL 21 | 2PM-3:30PM
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
Live music is coming to FTSP! Bring your own lawn chair for this free public performance. The Mystic River Brass Ensemble is a growing group of brass musicians in the SECT area. Sure to bring joy to all ages!
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Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light
Lighthouse Tours
SUN, JUL 21 | 12PM
Pequot Light, New London
Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern of Long Island Sound's oldest lighthouse. The views are spectacular! Tours for up-to five people take approximately 40 minutes. Tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at noon. Private tours are available during the week per request. Thanks to Veolia-NL Water Authority and the Chelsea Groton Foundation, New London residents may visit inside New London Harbor Lighthouse with a $5 ticket!
MORE INFO
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Music with a View
Summer Cabaret
SUN, JUL 21 | 6:30PM
Eastern Point Beach, Groton
Grab your chairs and pack a cooler to enjoy live music from the lawn of the Zbierski House at EPB. Sunday evenings are perfect to unwind and take in the sights of the Long Island Sound. City residents & pass holders have free admission. Small fee for non-resident cars to park.
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Blissworks at the Garde
Yoga Basics
TUE, JUL 23 | 9AM-10:15AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
This class will cover basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and so much more. 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. This practice is accessible for all levels of practice.
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Weekly Local Goods
Groton Farmers Market
TUE, JUL 23 | 3-6PM
Washington Park, Groton
This will be a primarily agricultural market, but also provides a variety of local baked goods, seafood/fish, meats, poultry/eggs. Grown products sold at the market must be grown in Connecticut Foods and food products must be identified as organic, or not, and include place of origin. The aim is to make accessible, affordable, healthy, locally produced food available to the community in Groton. Will run each week through October.
MORE INFO
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July Events Schedule
Open the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, there’s always something fun happening at Ocean Beach Park! Plan your trip around some of their most popular events. From live music, to dancing, magicians, Cruise Night and more. There are activities for all to enjoy.
EVENTS CALENDAR | CONTACT
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2024 Harbor Cruise Season Passes for Sale!
Purchase your pass today to enjoy unlimited hop on, hop off Harbor Cruises on the Thames River throughout the summer season. The water taxi will operate on Saturday & Sunday from 11am-6pm! Explore heritage sites along the river, grab lunch in New London & Groton or enjoy the breeze aboard the parks retired navy utility boats. Perfect for yourself or gifts for others!
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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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