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Where: Fort Trumbull State Park
When: 10AM – 2PM  | Saturday, May 9

Thames River Heritage Park will be hosting its first annual Partner Open House Fair that will bring together Park Heritage Sites, Institutional Partners and other local organizations to share what they do, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the many stories and resources along the Thames River. 

This family-friendly event will be free, open to the public and hosted at Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, CT. Each tabling vendor will offer an activity for youth and include educators, nonprofit organizations and community entities.

Live Music Performances
Local Organizations & Activities
Family-Friendly, Interactive Fun
Face Painting, Caricatures & Games
Food Trucks with Bites for Purchase

Join the Park for a festive time to celebrate the incredible organizations that help bring TRHP to life, while also welcoming the broader community to learn more about the programs, services, and experiences available throughout the region.

Newsletter: April 15-30, 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!

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!

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.