Boat Tour Interpreter Schedule Sign Up

For centuries our harbor has guarded the Thames River and entry to Long Island Sound, with Navy and Coast Guard installations, the ship building industries that support them, as well as two forts that have seen battles, defeats and the birthplace of the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. From the vantage point of the river you‘ll understand the strategic value of this storied waterway and region and hear a few of the 1000 stories in the Park.

In the late 19th century New London and Groton were favorite summer vacation spots for the growing middle class - both the wealthy and the comfortably well off. Among the families summering here was that of Louis Comfort Tiffany, whose career as artist, designer, and glassmaker is chronicled in a new exhibit at the Lyman Allyn Museum and Fredrick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect and designer of New York City's Central Park. Board an historic navy utility boat with a seasoned interpreter to see Eastern Point summer cottages in Groton, elegant homes of financier Morton Plant and publisher Theodore Bodenwein, and hear stories of the vacationers from around the world who enjoyed the region in the late 1800s.

Once the second largest whaling port in the world, New London has a rich history of seamen who made their living exploiting the ocean’s bounty. From its early days of sealing to the 1858 departure of the Nile, the ship which made longest whaling voyage on record, over 257 whaling ships making more than 1,100 whaling expeditions sailed out of the Thames River. Through views from the river, you’ll begin to appreciate the life stories of whaling captains and crews, the city’s dependency on the whaling industry, and the vulnerability of the seamen’s families while the men were out at sea … just a few of the 1000 stories in the Park.

Ambassadors needed to support the Mohegan Elder Interpreters. The first inhabitants along the western side of the Massapequatuck (Thames) River — the Mohegan tribe — settled here from the time of Sachem Uncas’ birth toward the end of the 16th century. This area — roughly between present day Norwich and New London — was and continues to be the vital heart of Mohegan country. Led by Tribal members, this fascinating tour will include stories demonstrating how crucial the Thames River was for food, wildlife, transportation, and trade as well as their relationship with the colonists.

Ambassadors needed to support these tours.

Ambassadors needed to support these tours.

Ambassadors needed to support the interpreter. September 6, 1781 ... a day that lives in infamy on the Thames. On this 32 British vessels entered the port of New London. Under the command of a local man who was born and raised on the Thames in Norwich, CT, a force of 1,700 British Regulars and Loyalist Militia landed at the mouth of the Thames River. By 1 P.M. more than 143 homes, shops, warehouses, other buildings, ships, wharfs and stockpiles of goods in New London were consumed by fire. In Groton 100 families were left homeless and dozens dead on the grounds of Fort Griswold making it the last major military encounter of the war in the northern states and a rallying cry for the siege of Yorktown six weeks later. Join us and hear long forgotten stories about the events leading up the Battle of Groton Heights and the Burning of New London, the people who comprised the Loyalist and the Connecticut Militias, and the local man turned infamous traitor.

Hosts / Greeters needed to assist with cruise which will either feature partner site fundraisers or a local celebrity as the highlight of the cruise. You bring the cooler (alcohol is permitted) and we’ll bring the entertainment. Each Friday the Discover the Thames Happy Hour Cruise will feature someone to delight, entertain, and inform while you cruise past many historic sites and take in the shoreline views from our navy utility boat. Our line up to follow. *Cruises will run pending a minimum of 10 tickets sold 6 hours prior to sail time.

Hosts / Greeters needed to assist with cruise. Cruise down the Thames to the Long Island Sound. As the sun sets in the west and the skies explode with breathtaking hues of gold and pink. Bring snacks and beverages of your choice (plastic please). Come join us for an unforgettable evening. !

Hosts / Greeters needed to assist with cruise. Cruise down the Thames to the Long Island Sound. As the sun sets in the west and the skies explode with breathtaking hues of gold and pink, enjoy the light of the silvery full moon as it creates a path of glittering gold along the water at sunset*. Bring snacks and beverages of your choice (plastic please). Come join us for an unforgettable evening. !

Hosts / Greeters needed to assist with cruise. Depending on demand, we will use more than one boat. Get right under the action! The TRHP Fireworks Cruise will bring you for a tour down the Thames River and — weather permitting — out to the Ledge Lighthouse and back to secure a front row spot for the fireworks display. You may bring a picnic basket with snacks and drinks.

Hosts / Greeters needed to assist with distributing information, checking-in guests in for cruises, distributing earbuds and receivers as needed, etc.