Discover the Park: May 9, 2026 at Fort Trumbull State Park

Pop-Up Tours

Pop-Up Tours

Full Schedule to Resume in Summer 2026

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.

Tracing the Trail of The Traitor’s Homecoming

Saturday, September 6, 2025
Thames River Landing in Groton

On September 6, 1781, the Raid on New London left an indelible mark on Groton and New London. Join Matthew Reardon author of The Traitor’s Homecoming on the anniversary of that fateful day as he leads us along the path of Benedict Arnold and his troops, laying aside the enduring myths, legends and folklore and revealing the realities of that historic event. Following the tour Matthew Reardon will sign copies of his book outside the Monument House at Fort Griswold where visitors can walk the site of the Battle of Fort Griswold at their leisure.

Guest Guide - Author Matthew Reardon

The Burning of New London

Sunday, September 7
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

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

Women of the Thames

Sunday, July 13
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

From the American Revolution to contemporary times, women have made important contributions to life along the Thames River. From the heroic acts of Anna Warner Bailey during the Revolution and War of 1812, to Nellie Plant's architectural skills and dedication to education and from Harriet Allyn's philanthropy that established an art museum for New London, to Sarah Dillon Harrison's efforts to make travel safer for Black visitors, this tour focuses on the accomplishments of the women who left a legacy in the region.

Guest Guide - Uconn Professor, Gail MacDonald

The Islands of Avery Point

Saturday, August 16
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

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 in collaboration with CT Sea Grant.

Guest Guide – Syma Ebbin of CT Sea Grant

Haunted Harbor History

Saturday, August 9
Thames River Landing, Groton

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, of Fort Griswold Battlefield and Leslie Evans, of Avery-Copp House.

Exploring Groton’s History on the Banks of the Thames

Sunday, August, 17
Thames River Landing, Groton

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

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