Up and Down the River — Mohegan History Film Screening at Lyman Allyn

At the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut (625 Williams St, New London, CT 06320, USA), an evening with Up and Down the River unfolds as both film screening and civic memory. The two-hour program pairs a reception in the museum galleries with a lecture by Mohegan scholar Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, guiding viewers through the Mohegan people's experience along the Massapequotuck—known today as the Thames River—from the Revolutionary era to contemporary resilience. The film traces family histories, highlights Samuel Ashbow Jr., the first Native American soldier to die at Bunker Hill in 1775, and frames local ceremonial life alongside archival documents and personal testimony. This offering is not a passive museum night but a focused encounter with place. The reception (6–7PM) opens circulation through curated galleries; light hors d’oeuvres, wine, and fruit‑infused water set a small, conversational tone before the 7–8PM lecture. That structure makes the event a practical choice for travelers seeking cultural context for coastal New England: it’s short, accessible, and wheelchair friendly, welcoming audiences up to the capped group size of 60. Key scene elements include the Thames River shoreline, tribal narratives about river resources and seasonal rounds, and visual material produced by Madeline Sayet, who co-wrote and directed the film. Expect discussion of regional ecology—tidal estuaries, eel and shellfish gathering traditions—and of material culture housed in the museum’s collections. The film’s pairing of contemporary scholarship and family remembrance gives visitors specific entry points to the Mohegan Nation’s living history and local landscape. Why this matters on a New London itinerary: the Lyman Allyn anchors a compact cultural district within reach of Fort Trumbull and the waterfront, making it an efficient stop between harbor walks and ferries. Melissa Zobel’s role as tribal historian and vice chair of the Council of Elders means attendees hear interpretation from a recognized tribal voice rather than a distant academic, deepening authenticity. Practical notes: tickets are non‑refundable; general admission and member pricing apply. The program runs roughly two hours, is wheelchair accessible, and caps attendance—book early via the provided referral link. For photographers and journalers, the mix of gallery lighting and documentary footage makes for strong detail shots (archival documents, portraiture) but expect restricted flash use. Bring comfortable shoes for the short museum circulation, and arrive during the reception to view galleries before the talk. Public transit options include nearby bus stops and limited on-site parking; check the museum website for current access notes. Families will find the program suitable for teens and adults; the intimate format encourages questions and allows a meet-and-greet with the presenter after the lecture. Book this evening to connect place, people, and river—an efficient cultural experience that animates New London’s maritime edge through Mohegan voices.