update

Brunch by the Sea was a fundraiser benefiting the Thames River Heritage Park Foundation held at the home of Ana Stankovic.  

Thank you to everyone who joined us at this year’s annual TRHP fundraiser! Your presence and enthusiastic support made the event a success and helped us to not only achieve, but to exceed, our goals.  

A huge thank you goes out to Ms. Ana Stankovic for opening her beautiful home by the Sea, allowing us to enjoy a gorgeous day by the Sea, as we ate a delicious Brunch by the Sea.  

We are so grateful for everyone’s generosity and commitment to helping us further our mission and purpose of promoting, supporting and sustaining the heritage sites that make up Thames River Heritage Park.  

And a special shoutout to the event sponsors: Cross Sound Ferry, Linda Mariani and David Neusner, Dime Bank, Phyllis and Doug Teeson, RJDA LLC, Muddy Waters Cafe and Secor Auto Group. As well as auction donors, volunteers and partners who dedicated their time! 

October in the Park Newsletter…Events & Programs!

October 1-31, 2025 | Latest Newsletter

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!

Mark Your Calendars for this Unique Lineup of Heritage Site Walking Tours! 

Thames River Heritage Park presents, A Walk in the Park! A series of walking tours throughout the month of October at various heritage sites in New London and Groton.  

The park has many stories to tell and now you can lean into your favorite local history, while on foot! Purchase your tickets early for this limited capacity series below. 

• Saturday, October 4: The Gilded Age Residents of Cedar Grove Cemetery 

• Sunday, October 12: Hempstead Historic District Walking Tour 

• Sunday, October 19: Mamacoke Island Hike 

• Saturday, October 25: Ghosts of Groton Bank 
• Sunday, October 26: Groton Bank Walking Tour 

September in the Park Newsletter…Events & Programs!

September 14th-30th, 2025

September 1st-14th, 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!

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.