Today is Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Hop-on Hop-off Harbor Cruises are not running today.

update

National Volunteer Month!

April is National Volunteer Month! The Park has a large crew of folks who dedicate their time to local heritage sites, Park events, historic boat tours and other excursions on the Thames River. 

Enjoy these updates as we highlight a new volunteer each week. We are so grateful for the time and energy they contribute to our mission!

Meet Jim Flood!

Jim was a member of the second Docent Academy cohort and began volunteering at the Custom House Maritime Museum after graduation. He has since done his own research to become well-versed in Whaling and Maritime History in Groton and New London. Jim also currently supports yearly Park events including the annual Lecture Series and Docent Academy!

Next in the Park…April Events & Programs!

Newsletter: April 1-30, 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!

Thames River Heritage Park is comprised of 25 heritage sites throughout New London Groton and Waterford, Connecticut. Check out the latest newsletter and find the perfect event, program or activity for yourself, friends and family!

#DiscovertheThames #VisitCT #ExploreNewLondon

2026 Docent Academy Explores Local Heritage Sites

The 2026 Docent Academy is in full swing!

The cohort has spent time visiting local heritage sites and getting to know one another. Each week starts with a focused lecture before adventuring off to one to three sites to meet directors, guides and volunteers at these historically significant venues.

This past week, The Docent Academy adventured to the other side of the river to discover the rich history of Groton Bank!

🖼 Avery-Copp House Museum Director, Leslie Evans and Archivist, Kathy Leuze gave docents a multifaceted tour of the museum and it’s artifacts.

📚 The group then traveled the short distance to the Bill Memorial Library to meet Director, Wendy Connal and hear about the evolution of the library from it’s founding in 1890 to today.

Other heritage sites on the schedule have included Fort Trumbull State Park, Shaw Mansion, Custom House Maritime Museum, Old Town Mill and the Hempsted Houses and Submarine Force Museum. Thank you for providing a welcoming atmosphere and continuing the enhance the Park!

 

Only Two Lectures Remain in the Annual Series

The Thames River Heritage Park Lecture Series hosted at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum will continue every three weeks between March 18 – April 29, 2026. We have reached the halfway point of the series and hope to see you at one of the remaining three lectures.

April 8 – A Community Conversation on Immigration with a 4-Person Panel

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

Tickets can be purchased online! Secure your seats early, only a limited number of tickets exist for each lecture. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Next in the Park…March Events & Programs!

Next in the Park Newsletter…March Events & Programs!

March 1-31, 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!

Thames River Heritage Park is comprised of 25 heritage sites throughout New London and Groton. Check out the latest newsletter and find the perfect event, program or activity for yourself, friends and family!

#DiscovertheThames #VisitCT #ExploreNewLondon

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