update

Thames River Heritage Park is comprised of 20+ heritage sites throughout New London and Groton. Check out the latest newsletter and find the perfect event, program or activity for yourself, friends and family!

#DiscovertheThames #VisitCT #ExploreNewLondon

Thames River Heritage Park is comprised of 20+ heritage sites throughout New London and Groton. Check out the latest newsletter and find the perfect event, program or activity for yourself, friends and family!

#DiscovertheThames #VisitCT #ExploreNewLondon

NEW LONDON, CT — Thames River Heritage Park is now accepting applications for its 2025 Academy – a 10-week program focused on the history and heritage of the Thames.  Classes begin on Thursday, February 13^th and meet every Thursday from 9 AM – 12:30 PM.  (February 20 session is extended to 1:00).

“We are very excited to offer the fourth Academy to those interested in learning about and sharing the rich history and heritage of the Thames,” stated Catherine Foley, executive director. 

A collaborative effort by Thames River Heritage Park Foundation and the 21 heritage sites that comprise the Park, the Thames River Heritage Park Academy is designed for passionate life-long learners.  Through lively and informative talks and presentations and small, narrated group tours of heritage sites, participants examine the places, people, and events that have shaped life along the Thames. Sessions include presentations on the history of the Thames River estuary, the Gilded Age, whaling industry, colonial life, the battle of Fort Griswold, privateering, the burning of New London, plus local arts and culture and docent training and information. 

“Excellent overview of the Heritage Park sites. I particularly liked the presentations from the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Museum and the New London Black Heritage Trail. Completely new information for me.”, wrote a member of the Class of 2024. 

Upon graduation, TRHP Docent Academy participants volunteer at the site(s) of their choice. Site-specific orientation and training are scheduled on an individual basis by the host site.

Graduates are asked to commit to 4 hours per month of volunteer service for a period of 1 year at one or more of the heritage sites or institutional partner agencies.

A ‘Site Fair’ will be held on April 17, 2025, with the opportunity to speak with site representatives about volunteer opportunities and specific site requirements.

“I have a passion about our area that I did not have before, and I now act as an ambassador for the sites in Thames River Heritage Park whenever and wherever I have the opportunity. I have found my niche in volunteering,” wrote another graduate.

Registration for the program is $150 ($15 per 3-hour session) and includes private tours of heritage sites, stimulating presentations, Interpreter’s Guide to the Thames River Heritage Park, and the opportunity to graduate with new and perhaps long-time friends in the fourth class of the Thames River Heritage Park Docent Academy. New London and Groton residents are encouraged to call the office at (860) 333-6706 to inquire about potential scholarship funding.

View the Flyer and Schedule 

For more information and registration go to: https://www.thamesriverheritagepark.org/docent-academy or email Catherine Foley at [email protected] or Marci Marciniak at [email protected]. TRHP telephone number is (860)-333-6706 – leave a message and your call will be returned.

 

More Information

#DiscovertheThames #VisitCT #ExploreNewLondon #TRHPAcademy

Why Should You Donate Today?

Giving Tuesday is a global outreach program that happens annually in December. Starting off as a small initiative to help your neighbor, it has developed into a larger concept to give what you can to the entities that you care about.

Any donation to Thames River Heritage Park will make an immediate impact. As a nonprofit organization, the park strives to provide and expand programs and services that enhance the quality of life for residents, promote tourism and keep the history and heritage of the Thames alive today and for generations to come.

Where Your Contribution Goes

– Any donation of $35 or higher will grant you membership to the park and access to added perks and benefits! 

-Help continue to get New London youth on the Thames River to learn about the maritime and cultural history that makes the region so unique.

-Support local initiatives, like the Docent Academy, to provide lifelong learners with the opportunity to share stories connected to heritage sites!

AND MORE…

Thank you in advance for your support today and future endeavors. 

#DiscovertheThames #VisitCT #ExploreNewLondon #GivingTuesday