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Groton Heights Waterfront Festival

Groton Bank Day, Inc. is a collaborative effort among historic and cultural institutions on Groton Bank to promote its historic and cultural resources. Its most notable collaborative effort is the Groton Heights Waterfront Festival (formerly known as Groton Bank Day). Held in conjunction with Connecticut Open House Day, the Groton Heights Waterfront Festival offers families the opportunity to tour for FREE historic and cultural organizations including the Avery-Copp House, the Monument House Museum, and the Bill Memorial Library. From Fort Griswold, the site of the Battle of Groton Heights in 1781, to the United States Submarine Veterans National Memorial which honors World War II submarine veterans and the more than 3,600 submariners who lost their lives during the conflict, our area is rich in history to be shared. The event hosts historic walking tours and also offers food, entertainment, and a marketplace.

Phone Number: (860) 381-0304
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Ledge Lighthouse

At the mouth of the Thames River stands Ledge Lighthouse. This incredible structure was built in the Second Empire/Colonial Revival style in 1909 to address an increase in boat traffic. Its elegant three-story brick and granite design was heavily influenced by two prominent landowners in Waterford and Groton, Edward Harkness and Morton Plant, who wanted the lighthouse to be constructed in the style of their homes. Cross Sound Ferry’s Classic Cruise includes Ledge Light on its tour.

Address: Maritime Society, 150 Bank St, New London, CT 06320
Phone number: (860) 447-2501
Hours: Contact the Maritime Society for tours

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Message from the Executive Director:

THANK YOU, MOTHER NATURE, for one spectacular season. The water taxis that have been making their way between New London and Groton since Memorial Day have had record-level ridership and have become a popular family activity. As I write this our ridership is showing 50% growth over last year at this time. With our landing site at the Submarine Force Museum on schedule for 2020 these number are sure to explode. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this significant addition to the park experience over the coming months. Stay tuned!

A Paranormal Experience is here.

We’ve teamed up with Seaside Shadows for a truly haunting boat tour this Friday, the 6th. Check out the story, if you dare.

CT Maritime Heritage Festival

This annual celebration is September 12th – 15th. We have an express water taxi schedule and a new tour created exclusively for the Festival. For more information about both click here.

New Tours a Big Hit!
We have much to celebrate in 2019 in addition to hot and sunny summer weekends. Our Submarine, Battlefields, & Betrayers 90-minute boat tour was so well-received we sold out every tour. For those who missed it, don’t despair we have added five more dates to the schedule: Saturday, September 21st & 28th, Sunday, September 22nd & 29nd, and Saturday, October 5th. All tours leave from City Pier at 2 p.m.
For more information and to purchase tickets go here.

You don’t need a boat to get around the Park.

Our walking tours hosted by Gail MacDonald, David Rose, Tom Foley, and Abby Plungis were a welcome addition to the Park experience. Held at each of our three landing sites, park visitors were treated to our rich history from these local historians and experts. Expect to see them back next year with more tales from the Park.

Although Labor Day has come and gone — a traditional sign that summer is in the rearview mirror — there are still two more weekends to enjoy time on the river. If you haven’t hopped aboard (or even if you have) take a ride before the summer of 2019 is a memory.

 

 

 

Amy Perry
Executive Director

Purchase your tickets for Revolutionary War Ghosts on the Thames. If you dare…

Take a haunted history adventure on the Thames Friday, Sept. 6th at 6:45 PM. The tour will highlight the spirits and ghosts of the American Revolution. Taking place on the 238th anniversary of Benedict Arnold’s notorious attack on New London and Fort Griswold, we’ll travel the route of the Red Coats as we tell the haunting tales of 1781 and the spirits that roam the port cities to this day.

Revolutionary War Ghosts on the Thames departs City Pier in New London at 6:45 PM and runs for 90 minutes. Tickets are $25.

Canoe to Submarine: Maritime History on the Thames.

During the Maritime Heritage Festival join us for this 90-minute boat tour to hear stories of whaling and provisioning, of privateering, industry, and defense as well as tales of some of the characters who made our heritage so colorful. The tour leaves from City Pier.

Sunday, September 15th
Adults $20
Children 12 and under $12
Leaves from City Pier at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Purchase tickets

Contact

Thames River Heritage Park Foundation
P.O. Box 851
New London, CT 06320

Administration
(860) 444-4401 / Email

General Inquiries/Boat Operations

(860) 333-6706

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