Casey Brigham

Thames River Heritage Park is thrilled to announce that registration for the annual Docent Academy is open! Docents-in-training travel back in time with scholarly and engaging educators along with other intellectually curious companions and discover the rich history and heritage of the Thames.  

Created for those who understand the value of learning and who believe that every excursion is also an opportunity to engage the mind, the presentations and site tours in the 10-week program offer a variety of intriguing heritage sites and subjects to explore. The team at Thames River Heritage Park designed the Docent Academy for passionate life-long learners with an in-depth examination of the places, people, and events that have shaped life along the Thames River. 

At the conclusion of the program, each participant will volunteer to serve at least one heritage site of their choice, for a minimum of 4 hours per month. Site-specific orientation and training are scheduled on an individual basis by the host site. Graduates are asked to commit to a year of volunteer work.  

Host sites vary throughout New London, Waterford and Groton and limited space is available for this small cohort. Register today to secure your spot! 

For questions or more information:

Marci Marciniak 
Program & Waterfront Coordinator 
[email protected] 
860-407-5655 

**Please be aware that access to historical sites may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. Each session will require a considerable amount of outdoor walking.**  

Schedule:

February 19 – April 23, 2026 
Thursdays, 9AM-12:30PM 

INTRODUCING: FREEDOM: THE VICTORIES, PROMISES, AND POTENTIALS OF 1776 

This will be a six-part lecture series to commence January 14 and run every three weeks ending April 29. The lecture series will be in keeping with the region’s observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and in collaboration with Lyman Allyn Art Museum. 

The theme will be  Freedom: The Victories, Promises and Potentials of 1776 and the speakers will explore “freedom in America” and what it has meant across history for different segments of society, all from a local perspective. We will look at the topic of freedom as it relates to Revolution, through the lens of African American history, Indigenous history, women’s history, immigration and natural resources. These individual subjects, as well as the overriding theme of the Lecture Series, are as relevant today as it was 250 years ago, perhaps even more so. 

Individual tickets include admission to the lecture and a one-hour reception in the Hendel Library with light bites and beverages. Guests will also have access to museum galleries prior to the start of each lecture. Take the opportunity to check out new exhibitions and mingle with like-minded folks! 

Schedule:

January 14: The Revolution Along the Thames River | Matthew Reardon 

February 4: Up & Down the River: Mohegan History Film for America 250 | Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel 

February 25: The African American Perspective of Celebrating the 250th | Marvin Espy 

March 18: The Women’s Suffrage Movement | Bev York 

April 8: A Community Conversation on Immigration | Five-Person Panel 

April 29: This Fine Piece of Water: An Environmental History of Long Island Sound | Tom Anderson 

• Wednesdays, every three weeks 
• Lyman Allyn Art Museum 
• 6PM Reception | 7PM Lecture 

January in the Park Newsletter…Events & Programs!

January 15-31, 2026 | Latest Newsletter
Early January 2026

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

When you shop small, you are mindful of how much impact your dollar has in your local community. Thames River Heritage Park is offering an array of items that will be a perfect gift for loved ones!

2026 Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise Season Pass: give the gift of summer with a Season Pass to cruise the Thames River during the warmer months. Purchase this pass at the 2025 rate before pricing increases on January 1, 2026.

Historic Boat Tour Ticket Bundle: score a pack of historic boat tour tickets (4 total) with this thoughtful gift. Perfect for someone who always dreams of summer and looks forward to the parks’ annual boat season!

Gift Card: not sure which of the above gifts to grab for your favorite person? Purchase of gift card of any denomination that can be applied towards the Docent Academy, Lecture Series, Harbor Cruise Season Passes, Boat Tour tickets and more! 

2026 Docent Academy Registration: have someone in your life who loves local history and giving back to their community? Cover the cost of their registration fees for the highly sough after TRHP Academy this winter. 

We appreciate your support in advance and wish you all a joyous holiday season!