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Visitors to historic Groton Bank this summer will find an exciting new addition to Fort Griswold.

This spring, the Friends of Fort Griswold saw the completion of a project to mark the outline of the original barracks that once stood inside the fort. A total of 332 feet of granite pieces were cut in six- and eight-foot lengths used to mark the outline of the barracks on the original site inside the fort. In addition, eight 400 pound stones were added to mark the location of chimneys.

The exact location and measurements were sketched by a British Officer following the grisly battle in 1781. Archaeologists from the State of Connecticut surveyed the fort using historical maps and newer aerial surveys to pinpoint the original footings for the outline.

To mark the completion of this project, the Friends of Fort Griswold will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony at Fort Griswold later in the summer.

Locals and visitors of all ages rode the Water Taxis – taking in sites, crossing the River from Groton to indulge in a cornucopia of delectable and fattening morsels, taking a spin on the Ferris Wheel, and, of course, watching the spectacular fireworks display. Saturday and Sunday saw capacity ridership as well as sold out River Cruises for the Fireworks. It was a weekend for the Thames River Heritage Park to shine and we did just that! Thanks to our amazing crews who go above and beyond for all our guests.

During the Friday, June 30th 5:00 p.m. trip from Fort Trumbull to New London City Pier on the Water Taxi a passenger spotted someone in the water clinging to a disabled jet ski.

The Water Taxi Captain Mark Jalbert altered course to aid the jet skier, contacted the Coast Guard and shielded the jet skier from the outgoing Cross Sound Ferry. First mate Paul Bossardet, threw him a line to secure him until the Coast Guard Rescue Vessel promptly arrived.

Thank you Mark and Paul for your quick thinking and maritime expertise.

Representatives from several of our partner sites got together with TRHP Interim Executive Director Amy Perry for our second annual All in the Boat water taxi ride last week. We caught the best weather of the day during our early morning ride,  and had a chance to share with each other what’s happening at each of the sites, as well as hear highlights of what’s new for 2017 in the Park. Thanks to Captain Steve and First Mate Morgan for such an enjoyable ride. In attendance were Leslie Evans, Avery-Copp House; Jeanne Sigel, Garde Arts Centre; Steve Manuel, New London County Historical Society; Grayson Grazia, Expressiones; Lyndsey Pyrke-Fairchild, Mystic Whaler; and Jacqui Copp, Avery-Copp House.

In case you didn’t see it, this editorial recently appeared in The Day. We especially like . . .” The Thames River Heritage Park demonstrates that history and heritage are not tied to a collection of individual events, but a seamless series of stories linking the past to the future. The Thames is the heart of this heritage.”

Season two discovering our river and region.