Is the boat tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and accessible for children of all ages.

What should I bring on the boat?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and a camera; seats are provided.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat and facilities are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

Can I purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, tickets are recommended to secure your spot and can be purchased online.

How long does the tour last?

The boat tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.

What is the best time to join the tour?

Mid-morning or late afternoon offers optimal lighting and scenic views.

Historical Waterway Tour with Thames River Heritage Park in New London

Standing along Connecticut’s southeastern coast, New London offers more than just scenic waterfront views; it’s a stage for stories that shake foundations and challenge narratives. Thames River Heritage Park’s 'White Sails, Black Hands' invites visitors to step aboard a boat for a 75-minute journey into the past, uncovering the profound contributions and struggles of Black figures in local history. As the waters ripple beneath the vessel, guides recount tales of fugitive slaves navigating to freedom, Revolutionary Patriots fighting for liberty, and community leaders whose impact still echoes today.

This tour isn’t just a history lesson; it’s an engaging experience that brings the stories of marginalized communities into vivid focus, supporting local heritage sites and fostering a deeper understanding of Connecticut’s diverse roots. The boat glides past prominent landmarks and hidden nooks of the Thames River, setting the stage for a powerful narrative that transforms familiar waters into a lively history classroom. Expect to see historic wharves, old fortifications, and preserved neighborhoods that have witnessed centuries of change. The experience is designed to cater to curious minds and history buffs alike, offering a compact yet meaningful insight into the area's African American legacy.

What makes Thames River Heritage Park stand out is its dedication to presenting inclusive stories that are often overlooked. Their boat tours serve as a bridge connecting the local community’s past with today’s ongoing conversations about race and heritage. This accessible outdoor activity combines scenic river views with educational storytelling, making it an excellent choice for families, history enthusiasts, or those simply seeking a meaningful outing.

Located in New London, a vibrant maritime city, the park’s tours enrich the local outdoor recreation scene. By supporting this experience, visitors contribute to the preservation of important cultural narratives while enjoying Connecticut's scenic waterfront. It’s a chance to see history through a different lens, all from the comfort of a boat on the Thames River.

About Thames River Heritage Park

Thames River Heritage Park is a New London, Connecticut organization that preserves and interprets the history, culture, and natural resources of the Thames River estuary. The organization offers a curated series of guided 75-minute boat tours and talks that connect passengers with regional stories, including maritime history, Indigenous heritage, African American experiences, Gilded Age estates, Revolutionary War events, and local folklore. Tours feature collaborations with recognized local experts and institutions: UConn faculty, members of the Mohegan Tribe, Connecticut Sea Grant scientists, historians from the New London County Historical Society, and local authors. Many programs explicitly support area heritage sites and nonprofit partners through ticket revenue.

Departing from locations such as Fort Trumbull State Park, the tours navigate landmarks like Pine Island, Bushy Point, Bluff Point, and riverbanks that witnessed significant historical events. The schedule includes specialized programs — for example, guided conversations about emancipation and abolition; profiles of notable women of the Thames; natural-history excursions; a haunted-harbor ghost tour; and focused narratives on Benedict Arnold’s 1781 burning of New London. Most offerings emphasize education, community engagement, and place-based interpretation tailored to adults, families, and history enthusiasts.

Thames River Heritage Park emphasizes transparent partnerships, local scholarship, and stewardship of the river corridor. Tickets and public programs make regional history accessible while reinvesting in heritage organizations. Visitors can expect knowledgeable narration, close river access to shoreline sites, and an opportunity to support ongoing preservation and interpretation of New London’s maritime landscape. Seasonal schedules vary; check the foundation calendar for details and updates.