2026 Schedule: February 19 – April 23 | Thursdays, 9am-12:30pm

Host Sites: New London, Waterford & Groton

Contact for more information:
Marci Marciniak
Program & Waterfront Coordinator
(860) 407-5655

Register TODAY by filling out the form at the bottom of this webpage. Limited space is available for this small cohort.

Program Details

Travel back in time with scholarly and engaging educators along with other intellectually curious companions and discover the rich history and heritage of the Thames.

Created for those who understand the value of life-long learning and who believe that every excursion is also an opportunity to engage the mind, the presentations and site tours in the 10-week program offer a variety of intriguing heritage sites and subjects to explore.

Working with a select group of respected scholars and noted experts, the team at Thames River Heritage Park designed the Docent Academy for passionate life-long learners like you with an in-depth examination of the places, people, and events that have shaped life along the Thames and our region to make the heritage and culture of the Thames River region vivid and relevant.

Thames River Heritage Park’s Docent Academy is fashioned around our core beliefs:

• Every session should engage the mind and thoughtful inquiry
• A gifted, inspiring and passionate teacher is the best guide
• Small, diverse, intellectually curious and engaged groups foster a stimulating experience
• Through critical thinking, history can open our minds and help us to better understand our present.

This 10-week, highly-acclaimed program on the history and heritage of the Thames is held on Thursdays from 9 AM – 12:30 PM. A collaborative effort by Thames River Heritage Park Foundation and the heritage sites that comprise the Park. The Docent Academy features several weeks of lively and informative talks and presentations, combined with site visits to each participating site.

At the conclusion of the 10-session academy, each participant will volunteer to serve at least one partner site of their choice, for a minimum of 4 hours/month. Site-specific orientation and training is scheduled on an individual basis by the host site. Graduates are asked to commit to a year of volunteer time.

Please be aware that access to historical sites may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. Each session will require a considerable amount of outdoor walking.