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SUMMARY:Independence Day Celebration at the Connecticut River Museum
DESCRIPTION:Independence Day Celebration at the Connecticut River Museum offers families a chance to celebrate America’s birthday along the banks of the Connecticut River with history\, maritime traditions\, and hands-on activities. Taking place on Saturday\, July 4\, in Essex\, the afternoon event features museum exhibits\, a children’s activity\, an Independence Day boat parade\, and the thunderous sound of ceremonial cannon fire in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. \nVisitors can explore the museum’s exhibits before heading outside to watch a parade of decorated boats make their way along the Connecticut River. Throughout the afternoon\, cannon demonstrations add to the patriotic atmosphere\, while children can participate in a special activity designed for younger visitors. To commemorate America’s semi-quincentennial\, museum admission will be discounted by $2.50 for the day. \nLocated on historic Steamboat Dock\, the Connecticut River Museum preserves and shares the stories of one of New England’s most significant waterways. Since opening in 1974\, the museum has collected artifacts\, documents\, and artwork that tell the story of the Connecticut River and the communities that have depended on it for centuries. \nEvent Details\n\nEvent: Independence Day Celebration at the Connecticut River Museum\nDate: Saturday\, July 4\, 2026\nTime: Noon-3:00 p.m.\nVenue: Connecticut River Museum\nLocation: Essex\, CT\n\nEvent Schedule\n\nNoon: Museum opens\n2:00 p.m.: Independence Day Boat Parade begins\n3:00 p.m.: Museum closes\n\nActivities\nVisitors can enjoy: \n\nIndependence Day boat parade\nCannon fire demonstrations\nMuseum exhibits\nChildren’s activity\nWaterfront views of the Connecticut River\n\nAdmission\nIn celebration of America’s 250th anniversary: \n\nMuseum admission is discounted by $2.50.\n\nAbout the Connecticut River Museum\nFounded in 1974\, the Connecticut River Museum is a private\, nonprofit educational institution dedicated to preserving the history of the Connecticut River and the people who have lived and worked along its shores. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of both the Council of American Maritime Museums and the International Congress of Maritime Museums. \nLocated on historic Steamboat Dock in Essex\, the museum occupies the restored 1878 Steamboat Warehouse and neighboring Samuel Lay House. Its collections include regional manuscripts\, books\, artwork\, and artifacts\, while its educational programs introduce thousands of students and visitors each year to the river’s rich maritime and cultural history. \nWhy Attend\n\nCelebrate America’s 250th anniversary on the Connecticut River\nWatch an Independence Day boat parade\nExperience ceremonial cannon fire\nExplore maritime history exhibits\nEnjoy family-friendly activities in a historic waterfront setting\n\n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/independence-day-celebration-at-the-connecticut-river-museum/
LOCATION:Connecticut River Museum\, 67 Main Street\, Essex\, 06426\, United States
CATEGORIES:Connecticut River Museum
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T113000
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UID:10006541-1783855800-1783861200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Black Heritage Along the Thames: The Half That's Never Been Told
DESCRIPTION:Black Heritage Along the Thames: The Half That’s Never Been Told explores the often-overlooked stories of the Black men and women who helped shape New London’s history. Presented by Thames River Heritage Park on Sunday\, July 12\, this narrated boat tour examines more than 400 years of local history\, highlighting the struggles\, achievements\, and lasting contributions of the region’s Black community while cruising the historic Thames River. \nLed by local historians Nicole Thomas and Tom Schuch\, the tour connects landmarks along the river with stories of abolition\, education\, resilience\, and community leadership. As passengers travel the Thames\, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of how southeastern Connecticut’s Black residents influenced the region’s development and the broader American story in the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. \nDeparting from Fort Trumbull State Park Dock\, the excursion welcomes visitors of all ages and combines history with scenic views of the Thames River. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks and beverages while enjoying an educational cruise that sheds light on an important chapter of local and national history. \nEvent Details\n\nEvent: Black Heritage Along the Thames: The Half That’s Never Been Told\nDate: Sunday\, July 12\, 2026\nTime: 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.\nDeparture Location: Fort Trumbull State Park Dock\nAddress: 90 Walbach St.\, New London\, CT 06320\n\nAdmission\n\nAdults (18+): $35\nChildren (4-17): $5\nInfants (0-3): Free\n\nTour Highlights\nThe narrated cruise explores: \n\nBlack history in New London\nMore than 400 years of local history\nAbolition and the fight for freedom\nEducation and community leadership\nStories of resilience and perseverance\nThe Thames River’s role in local history\n\nTour Guides\nThe tour is led by local historians: \n\nNicole Thomas\nTom Schuch\n\nWhat to Bring\nGuests are welcome to bring: \n\nSnacks\nBeverages\nA cooler\n\nImportant Information\n\nTours depart from Fort Trumbull State Park Dock.\nHistoric Boat Tours operate Friday through Sunday.\nTours are weather dependent.\nCheck the organizer’s website or social media for the latest schedule updates before traveling.\nAdvance tickets are recommended.\n\nContact Information\nThames River Heritage Park Foundation \n\nPhone: (860) 333-6706\nEmail: info@thamesriverheritagepark.org\n\nWhy Take the Tour?\nThis narrated cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore New London’s Black heritage from the water while learning about the individuals and communities whose contributions have helped shape southeastern Connecticut for generations. By combining local history with the scenic beauty of the Thames River\, the tour provides a meaningful perspective on the region’s past and its continuing legacy. \n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/black-heritage-along-the-thames-the-half-thats-never-been-told/
LOCATION:Fort Trumbull State Park\, 90 Walbach Street\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:Fort Trumbull State Park
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Black-Heritage-Along-the-Thames-The-Half-Thats-Never-Been-Told-Sunday-July-12-at-1145-am.jpg
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