Today is Monday, June 16, 2025 
Pop-Up Tours
Join us for these limited opportunity tours focusing on historical, cultural, social and environmental aspects of the Thames River. Each tour will feature a guest guide whose unique expertise will explore a specific Thames River story. Topics include haunted history, islands of Avery Point, along Groton’s shores, the Revolution and more.
The Islands of Avery Point
Saturday, August, 23
Guest Guide - Syma Ebbin of Sea Grant
The lands and waters surrounding the mouth of the Pequot or Thames River share a rich history. With the end of the last glacial period, this area has transformed into productive coastal estuary, we know as Long Island Sound, home to over 1,200 species of invertebrates, 170 species of fish, and 400 species of birds. For thousands of years, it has also been home to humans, the site of communities, small and large, subsistence activities, and more recently, industrial and commercial developments. This tour will examine the natural and human history of Pine Island, Bushy Point and Bluff Point, part of the newly created CT National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Guest Guide - Syma Ebbin of Sea Grant
The lands and waters surrounding the mouth of the Pequot or Thames River share a rich history. With the end of the last glacial period, this area has transformed into productive coastal estuary, we know as Long Island Sound, home to over 1,200 species of invertebrates, 170 species of fish, and 400 species of birds. For thousands of years, it has also been home to humans, the site of communities, small and large, subsistence activities, and more recently, industrial and commercial developments. This tour will examine the natural and human history of Pine Island, Bushy Point and Bluff Point, part of the newly created CT National Estuarine Research Reserve.
The Burning of New London
Sunday, September 7
Guest Guide – Steve Manuel of New London County Historical Society
On September 6th, 1781 Benedict Arnold attacked the city of New London. His goal was to recapture the Hannah, a ship filled with goods valued at 80,000 pounds sterling. During the attack a significant portion of the city burned as Arnold dined with friends. Join us was we cruise down the Thames while Steve Manuel, Executive Director of the New London County Historical Society describes the events which lead to the devastation.
Guest Guide – Steve Manuel of New London County Historical Society
On September 6th, 1781 Benedict Arnold attacked the city of New London. His goal was to recapture the Hannah, a ship filled with goods valued at 80,000 pounds sterling. During the attack a significant portion of the city burned as Arnold dined with friends. Join us was we cruise down the Thames while Steve Manuel, Executive Director of the New London County Historical Society describes the events which lead to the devastation.
Haunted Harbor History
Saturday, July 19 and Saturday, August 9
Guest Guides – Hali Keeler and Leslie Evans authors of Ghosts of Groton Bank
The rich and varied history that surrounds the Thames River has unsurprisingly given rise to ghostly tales and spectral sightings. Join us as we recount some of the most enduring tales from the stories of Mother Bailey to those who may never have left Fort Griswold. This tour is given by two of the authors of Ghosts of Groton Bank, those who know the stories best!
Guest Guides – Hali Keeler and Leslie Evans authors of Ghosts of Groton Bank
The rich and varied history that surrounds the Thames River has unsurprisingly given rise to ghostly tales and spectral sightings. Join us as we recount some of the most enduring tales from the stories of Mother Bailey to those who may never have left Fort Griswold. This tour is given by two of the authors of Ghosts of Groton Bank, those who know the stories best!
Exploring Groton’s History on the Banks of the Thames
Sunday, August, 17
Guest Guide – Jim Streeter, Groton Town Historian
Relive the heyday of the community that grew up along the river with Groton’s Historian and engaging storyteller Jim Streeter. Tour the east side of the river as he recounts the stories of the people who worked, vacationed, settled and thrived on the banks of the Thames. This tour will include a rare glimpse into the growth of the wealthy Eastern Point Community, the subject of Jim Streeter’s latest research.
Guest Guide – Jim Streeter, Groton Town Historian
Relive the heyday of the community that grew up along the river with Groton’s Historian and engaging storyteller Jim Streeter. Tour the east side of the river as he recounts the stories of the people who worked, vacationed, settled and thrived on the banks of the Thames. This tour will include a rare glimpse into the growth of the wealthy Eastern Point Community, the subject of Jim Streeter’s latest research.
