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Celebrate CT Maritime Heritage Festival with TRHP

Saturday, September 6th – Sunday, September 7th

Get ready to honor New London’s maritime history and connection to the sea! This weekend gathering is for folks of all ages and takes place at Fort Trumbull State Park, Waterfront Park and Downtown New London! Tall ships, parades, food trucks, live entertainment – you name it – it will be here!

Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises – Free All Weekend

Service between Fort Trumbull State Park & City Pier, New London ONLY

Saturday & Sunday | 10am-5pm

Departures:

• Fort Trumbull – on the hour
• City Pier – 30 minutes after the hour
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Saturday, September 6th | Live Music Onboard

Craig Edwards, 10am-1pm

The park will be joining in on the weekend festivities by having singer and multi-instrumentalist, Craig Edwards, on the harbor cruise loop. He’ll be performing whaling songs, sea chanteys, historical ballads and more.

Pop-Up & Historic Boat Tours

Saturday:

• In Our Nation’s Defense. Military Stories on the Thames | 11am
• Mohegan Life on the Massapequatuck. Origins of the Mohegans | 12:45pm
• Tracing the Trail of the Traitor’s Homecoming | 2:45pm – SOLD OUT
• Evening Drone Show Cruise | 7:45pm – SOLD OUT
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Sunday:

• The Burning of New London | 12:15pm – SOLD OUT
• In Our Nation’s Defense. Military Stories on the Thames | 2:15pm
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This will mark the final week of both Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise service and historic boat tours. Private Charters will remain open for booking through October.

Happy National Lighthouse Day!  

 Ledge Lighthouse and New London Harbor Light are two of the park’s most recognizable heritage sites from the river. Both are maintained and operated by the New London Maritime Society (NLMS). 

Both lighthouses are currently accessible for tours!

Ledge Lighthouse can be reached by tours operated by the New London Maritime Society. They utilize the Thames River Heritage Park vessels to bring groups to the Long Island Sound during the summer season. Visit their website to purchase tickets & see upcoming tour dates: GET TICKETS

New London Harbor Light is also known as Pequot Light. Nicknamed for the street it is located on in New London, CT. Docent led tours are available on Saturday & Sunday all year round or by appointment. Visit the NLMS website to purchase tickets & see upcoming tour dates: GET TICKETS

These two landmarks have such a unique history and put our region on the map! 

Saturday, September 6th | 7:45PM

Held during the CT Maritime Heritage Festival and part of the America’s Navy 250 Celebration, get right under the action of the 300-drone light show over the New London waterfront. This will be the first of its kind in Eastern CT.

The park’s Drone Show Cruise will bring you for a tour down the Thames River and — weather and boat traffic permitting — out to the Ledge Lighthouse and back to secure a front row spot for the display.

This patriotic and family-friendly spectacle will be synchronized to music, lighting up the night sky with vibrant, choreographed displays honoring 250 years of the U.S. Navy’s service and legacy. Watch as drones form iconic naval symbols, American flags, and messages of unity and pride—an unforgettable tribute perfect for all ages.

This tour departs from Fort Trumbull State Park, New London.

August in the Park Newsletter…Events & Programs!

August 16th-31st

August 1st-15th, 2025

E-newsletters will now be shared on a bi-weekly basis throughout the summer months. There are so many amazing opportunities for exploration at all heritage sites for all to enjoy!