Today is Monday, July 13, 2026
Hop-on Hop-off Harbor Cruises are not running today.

admin

New London County Historical Society

Founded in 1870, the New London County Historical Society is the oldest historical organization in eastern Connecticut, as well as one of the oldest in the region. As a county archive, the early Society collected widely from the region but focused mainly on items such as correspondence, ship’s logs, county records, and manuscripts. When the society was incorporated the holdings were kept in the city hall. The Society moved to the public library in 1876 when construction on that building was complete. In 1907 the NLCHS purchased historic Shaw Mansion for use as their headquarters from Miss Jane Perkins, a descendant of Nathaniel Shaw. The mansion was built in 1756 and served as the Naval Headquarters for Connecticut during the American Revolution.

Today, The holdings of the NLCHS include the artifacts, textiles, documents, and photographs, which pertain to the history of southeastern Connecticut. Most notably, our collection includes the Hempstead Diary, the manuscripts of Frances Manwaring Caulkins, and a sword that belonged to John Mason. The whole collection is used in support for our mission to preserve the county’s history and educate the community. The NLCHS is dedicated to the preservation of our history, and the education of our community.

Address: 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT
Distance from City Pier Water Taxi Landing: 0.4 Miles
Phone Number:
(860) 443-1209

Hours: Open for tours Thursdays 1PM- 4PM from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Research and private tours can be made by appointment.

Connecticut Sea Grant

Connecticut Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs nationwide that operate as partnerships between the states and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Based at UConn’s Avery Point campus in Groton, CTSG serves aquaculture farmers, recreational shellfishermen, commercial fishermen and seafood purveyors, funds marine and coastal research and supports marine science education. It. works with communities to make better land and shoreline decisions that result in more resilient communities and healthier watersheds. Through outreach with the public and extension and research projects, it works to enhance the marine environment and appreciation of our maritime heritage.

Address: 1080 Shennecossett Road, Marine Sciences Building Room 301, Groton CT 06340

Phone Number: (860) 405-9128

Website
Facebook

Groton Bank Historical Association

The Groton Bank Historical Association works to preserve the history of the region through restoration projects and educational programs. Groton Bank is a historic village on the east bank of the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut. Today, the neighborhood contains a few hundred houses, three churches, a library, two museums, a Revolutionary War fort and business structures dating primarily from Colonial times to a century ago. Groton Bank and Fort Griswold are separate but adjacent Historic Districts listed on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places.

Phone Number: (860) 445-5959

Website

New London Landmarks

Founded in 1976 to save Union Station from demolition, New London Landmarks is a historic preservation organization devoted to maintaining the authentic appearance and character of New London, including its historic downtown and waterfront.

Address: 49 Washington Street, New London, CT 06320
Phone Number: 860-442-0003
Email: [email protected]
Website
Facebook

Message from the Executive Director

To borrow a quote from House Stark in Game of Thrones “Winter is coming.” With the shorter days and colder temperatures, the summer of 2018 is already a distant memory. But a very good one. Thousands rode the water taxi to visit sites and local restaurants, attend events and just get out on the water.

Now that our boats are out of the water and protected from the elements until May it’s time to start planning new initiatives for next season, tweaking some existing ones, and continuing to build the Park experience. A significant component to this is our Partner collaboration. Read more about it here. 

A Wonderful Holiday Gift Just Arrived

I am thrilled to share that the Park has received a $30,000 grant from the Panoram Foundation for operational and administrative support to continue to build the Park experience through collaboration with Partners, the water taxi operation as well as the development of historic boat tours. Read more.

Survey says . . .
For the 3rd consecutive year our water taxi riders rated us 4.8 out of 5. Find out what else we learned from our passengers.

Water Taxi and Boat Tour Operator Wanted
We are requesting proposals from licensed commercial tour boat operators to provide water taxi shuttle service and boat tours linking our historic sites along the Thames River Memorial Day weekend through mid-September 2019 – 2021. Read more.

Fort Tours coming in 2019

With the success of the tours led by Friends of Fort Griswold’s David Rose this past summer we plan to expand our tour offerings.

Tis the Season to Support the Park
With your support we can continue to build a thriving waterfront through the development of programming and events to create a historically rich visitor experience. Your donation – no matter the size – allows us to keep our history alive. Please give to the Park today.

We are Grateful
A hearty thank you to our 2018 sponsors whose support is so valuable to our success. Sponsorship is a great way for area businesses and organizations to get in front of new and potential customers. To find out about sponsorship opportunities please drop me a note. We’re happy to tailor it to your goals.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and safe holiday season and New Year.
Cheers,

 

 

Amy Perry
Executive Director

Book Now