Casey Brigham

Thames River Heritage Park is elated to announce the return of Historic Boat Tours, Evening Cruises and the Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise on the river starting on Saturday, June 13. Each weekend, there will be over six excursions to choose from between Friday and Sunday. All ages are welcome to discover the Park along the Thames River! 

The Park operates all tours and experiences across four departure locations: Fort Trumbull State Park and City Pier in New London and Nautilus Dock and Thames River Landing in Groton. This gives folks on both sides of the river the opportunity to get out and explore! Full Moon, Fireworks and Drone Cruises for “Celebrate New London” and other major local events will be rolled out as the season progresses. 

This year, in honor of the Park’s 10-year anniversary, youth ages 4-17 ride for $5 when an adult ticket is purchased by a parent or guardian. This only applies to Historic Boat Tours and the Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise. All Boat Tour tickets must be purchased online, and infants ages 0-3 always ride free! 

The Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise will see the addition of a fourth stop at the Nautilus Dock on Sundays only! Saturday’s traditional schedule will have three departure locations between New London and Groton. Locally known as the Water Taxi, the one-hour loop connects the park’s heritage sites along the Thames River.  

This service will operate on both Saturday and Sunday between 11am-5pm and walk-ons are welcome to pay as they board the boats. Hop on at one location and off at another to experience heritage sites, state parks, shopping or restaurants. Guests are also welcome to sit back and relax for the one-hour loop. 

Well-behaved dogs and coolers are even allowed! We also offer individual Season Passes for the entire summer. This will become your go-to activity with your visiting guests and family! 

Newsletter: June 1-15, 2026

E-newsletters will now be shared on a bi-monthly basis throughout the spring and summer months. There are so many amazing opportunities for exploration at all heritage sites for all to enjoy!

Heritage Sites

Avery-Copp House Museum: This historic house museum brings the story of Groton’s past to life, preserving the home, collections, and grounds of the Avery and Copp families while sharing what everyday life looked like in their time. At the fair, they’re making history hands-on and fun for all ages! Create your own dried flower sachet to take home and enjoy playing with old-fashioned toys, just like children did years ago. It’s a perfect chance to connect with the past in a creative, interactive way. Come explore, play, and discover how life in Groton has changed over time! 

Bill Memorial Library: Serving the Groton community since 1890, this beautiful historic library—gifted by local benefactor Stephen Bill—is so much more than a place for books. With its striking stone architecture and arched windows, it’s a welcoming space filled with stories, discoveries, and a few surprises you might not expect! Inside, you’ll find a fascinating collection of artifacts, including a mummy’s hand, a mummified hawk, hundreds of butterflies, carvings from ancient Rome, Indigenous American artifacts, and even shoes from the Far East—there’s something to spark curiosity around every corner. Stop by their table and visit them at the TRHP Fair: Discover the Park to learn more about their rich history and the important role they continue to play in the community today. While you’re there, explore all the amazing programs and resources they offer for all ages, from early readers to lifelong learners. And don’t forget, they’ll have a fun giveaway just for kids! Come say hello, explore something new, and see why the Bill Memorial Library has been a beloved community space for generations. 

Cedar Grove Cemetery: Established in 1855, Cedar Grove Cemetery isn’t just a burial ground—it’s a hidden landscape shaped by the rural cemetery movement, where nature, history, and remembrance come together. Designed as a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city, its winding paths and tree-lined grounds invite quiet exploration and reflection. As you wander, you’ll find more than monuments and you’ll uncover the lives of New London’s past. From civic leaders to Civil War veterans, the cemetery holds generations of stories, literally etched in stone and woven into the artistry of its memorials. Today, Cedar Grove remains both an active cemetery and a living piece of history, preserving the legacy of the community it has served for over a century. Curious to learn more? Stop by their table at the TRHP Fair: Discover the Park! The Friends of Cedar Grove will be there with information on upcoming cemetery tours, their June 14 summer solstice event, and ways to get involved. Plus, enjoy a small activity and a sweet treat while you’re there! Come explore, connect, and discover the stories waiting to be told. 

Friends of Fort Griswold: The purpose of “The Friends” is to work to preserve, restore, maintain, and promote the historic value, earthworks, buildings, and grounds known as Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in cooperation which is part of the CT State Parks Division. The Friends of Fort Griswold will be on hand to talk about the park and a display with photographs; rack cards, books and objects from the gift shop, for viewing. And, of course, they will have a family friendly activity on hand! If you’re a history buff and want to share your love of history with others, simply want to learn more or are interested in volunteering, this is the place to be!  

Groton Congregational Church: Groton Congregational was established in 1702.  Its minister, Rev. Aaron Kinne, served as the chaplain for the American forces during the Battle of Fort Griswold, on September 6, 1781. Most adult male members of the church perished at the battle.  The current building is the fourth meeting house, which was constructed in 1902 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary is comprised of polished oak; Moller Pipe Organ; original chandeliers; and stained-glass windows, most notably The Avery Memorial Window. 
 
Harkness Memorial State Park: Once the stunning summer home of Edward and Mary Harkness, this historic estate features a 42-room mansion, beautiful gardens, and sweeping views of Long Island Sound. With over 235 acres to explore, Harkness is a place where history and nature come together. Stop by their table at the TRHP Fair: Discover the Park to learn more about this incredible destination and its inspiring legacy. Kids can jump into the fun too! Pick up a Junior Ranger badge and a Harkness scavenger hunt page—perfect for your next visit to the park.   Start your adventure at the fair, then continue it at Harkness!  

Hempsted Houses: The Hempsted Houses, dating back to 1678 and 1759, have the answers. These two historic homes offer a window into everyday life centuries ago, from how people worked to how they built and lived. Stop by their table at the TRHP Fair: Discover the Park to chat, ask questions, and learn how these remarkable buildings have been preserved through generations. Bringing kids along? They can try a simple wood cutting activity and get a hands-on feel for traditional skills (safely, of course). It’s a low-key way to connect with local history—and maybe try something a little different while you’re at it. 

Lyman Allyn Art Museum: Get ready to explore, create, and be inspired at the TRHP Fair: Discover the Park! The Lyman Allyn Art Museum is bringing the adventure of art to you with a drop-in art table where you can jump in and start creating, no experience needed. You can also be part of something bigger by adding your touch to a community mural; a collaborative masterpiece that will grow throughout the day! Along the way, discover more about the museum’s exciting programs and how they bring art to life for the community. Stop by, get your hands moving, and see where your creativity takes you!  

New London Landmarks: New London Landmarks is an organization dedicated to advocacy, education and rehabilitation. Calling all young artists and future architects! New London Landmarks is excited to host a Youth Architectural Drawing Contest, a fun and creative opportunity for kids and teens to bring their dream buildings to life! Whether it’s a reimagined historic landmark, a futuristic city, or your favorite local spot, this is your chance to show off your imagination and artistic skills. New London Landmarks is all about advocacy, education, and rehabilitation, and this contest is a great way to celebrate the spaces that shape our community. Grab your pencils, markers, or paints and start designing. Who knows?! It could be your creation that inspires the future of New London!  

Submarine Force Museum: Ready for a hands-on submarine adventure? The Submarine Force Library & Museum Association is bringing the world of undersea communication and navigation to life at the TRHP Fair: Discover the Park! Test your skills with Morse code, learn how to signal using flags and pennants, and try out a submarine mooring trainer—just like the pros. It’s your chance to step into the shoes of a submariner and see how communication works beneath the waves. Plus, take home some fun extras like Morse code decoding sheets, pamphlets, and bookmarks to keep the adventure going! Stop by, give it a try, and see if you’ve got what it takes to crack the code!  

Partner Sites

CT Sea Grant: Dive into a coastal adventure with Connecticut Sea Grant! Ever wondered what’s happening beneath the surface of our oceans and along our shoreline? Connecticut Sea Grant is on a mission to explore, protect, and bring those stories to life, working with scientists and local communities to keep our coastal waters healthy and thriving. Set sail for their table at the TRHP Fair: Discover the Park and see what you can uncover! From fascinating info about marine life and coastal environments to free stickers, magazines, and fun takeaways, there’s plenty to explore. Young adventurers can also get creative with a hands-on watercolor activity, inspired by the sea itself. Stop by, discover something new, and make a splash on your own coastal adventure! 

League of Women Voters of Southeastern CT: The League of Women Voters of Southeastern Connecticut is an inclusive non-partisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters: a non-partisan source for all your  voting questions. 

Opsail Connecticut: OpSail Connecticut is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving our rich maritime heritage while creating inclusive, educational, and economically impactful experiences for our community. Our signature event, the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival, will take place on September 12 and 13 at the State Pier in downtown New London, bringing together history, culture, education, and local businesses. This year’s festival theme is Connecticut 250. We will also be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 50 years of women in the U.S. Coast Guard, and 100 years of the Garde Arts Center. As part of this event programming, we’ve partnered with BoatWorks, an incredible organization that will be building boats live with attendees. BoatWorks focuses on educating youth in traditional boat building while exposing them to hands on skills and potential maritime career paths, making this both an engaging and meaningful experience for all ages.” 

USS Groton Sail Foundation: Dedicated to the men and women who design, build, operate, and maintain submarines, and the families and communities who support them. Join us as we share our story as well as have a youth friendly activity where kids can buy a yellow submarine. The USS GROTON Sail Foundation is on a mission to honor the incredible men and women who design, build, operate, and maintain submarines, as well as the families and communities who support them every step of the way. Come visit them at the TRHP Fair: Discover the Park to hear their story and learn about this meaningful effort to create a lasting tribute. And for our younger explorers, don’t miss the fun! Kids can take part in a hands-on activity and even pick up their very own yellow submarine. It’s a great mix of history, community, and family-friendly fun—come be part of it! 

Food, Music & Fun

Caricatures with Elaine Mills: Elaine Mills creates lively, insightful caricature illustrations for the personal, business, and entertainment communities; and party and corporate events. Elaine was the muralist in 1999 and 2000 for the restoration of a Moroccan style theater, The Garde Arts Center (http://gardearts.org/), originally built in 1926 in New London CT. 

PVM Face Painting: Get colorful with PVM Face Painting! PVM Face Painting will be at the TRHP Fair: Discover the Park, ready to add a little extra fun to your day! Stop by their booth for creative, eye-catching designs that are sure to bring smiles and a pop of color to the fair. It’s a fun treat for kids and a great way to make the day even more memorable! 

Nutmeg Volunteer Junior Ancient Fife & Drum Corps: The Nutmeg Volunteer Junior Ancient Fife & Drum Corps is an award-winning youth musical organization from Groton, CT. The corps celebrated their 75th Anniversary in 2023, and is the second oldest active junior fife & drum corps in the United States. Our biggest need is fifers!  Although we have instructors, we really need kids that can already read music and play an instrument that can learn the music quickly and join our ranks as soon as possible. Performing at 11AM and again at 12:30PM 

97.7WCTY: 97.7 WCTY has always been a staple for country fans, signing on in the early late 70’s as one of the first FM Country Stations in New England. Many thanks to both the WCTY staff and to Hall Communications, for whom WCTY is part of their communications family!   

 Tom Callinan: Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has been a full-time creative and  performing artist since 1977. In 1991 he was designated Connecticut’s 1st “Official State Troubadour” via legislation passed by the CT General Assembly, and signed into law by then-Governor Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. His repertoire includes: historical, folk, old-timey, nostalgic, and popular songs of yesteryear; raising the rafters with Irish ditties and ballads; belting out sea songs and chanteys; original songs and tunes; or telling all sorts of stories. In 1999, Tom represented Connecticut at the John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.  

Cub Scout Pack 16: Stay refreshed with Cub Scout Pack 16! Cub Scout Pack 16 from Ledyard is gearing up for the 1st Annual TRHP Fair: Discover the Park, and they’re ready to keep the energy high and the drinks cold! Swing by their tent where these dedicated Scouts—proudly in uniform—will be serving up water, soda, and plenty of good cheer to keep you going all day long. It’s all part of their fundraiser, and they’re excited to be part of an event that celebrates the amazing work of TRHP. But don’t just stop by for a drink—come say hi, support the Scouts, and be part of the fun!  

 K’s Kart: Karen Giffored is the Owner/Operator of K’s Kart, a local eatery in Waterford, CT. The different items she posts about on Facebook sound heavenly. One person wrote a review where he said “We thought the weather was too good to be true but when we stopped at K’s Kart, we were blown away by how good the universe was being to us. The soups are delicious. The hot dogs are wonderful. And the owner was friendly and even gave our pup some treats! I definitely recommend you all give this place a try. We were promised quality and we got so much more!”

Repicci’s of New Haven: Repicci’s of New Haven provides the Connecticut area residents with reliable frozen treat catering and our mobile food truck catering trailer is stocked with creamy Italian ice, gelato and sorbetto with flavors to please everyone. We love bringing smiles to our customers’ faces while we dish up our treats. We believe we serve the best tasting Italian ice, gelato and sorbetto available in the country. 

Tacos Son Delicias: Tacos and empanadas and churros, oh my! 

Momma’s Ice Cream

Newsletter: May 15-31, 2026

E-newsletters will now be shared on a bi-monthly basis throughout the spring and summer months. There are so many amazing opportunities for exploration at all heritage sites for all to enjoy!