Connecticut River Museum

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Connecticut River Museum Exploring the history and environment of the Connecticut River. Our Vision is that generations of stewards will appreciate and care for our rivers.
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10/23/2026

It’s Archives Month, so you may be wondering why Jane isn’t wearing gloves while handling these historic documents. 📜

Jane explains that gloves can actually make it harder to safely handle archival materials. They reduce your ability to feel the paper, which can make you more likely to accidentally tear or damage a fragile document. Gloves can also make items more difficult to grip, increasing the chance of dropping them.

For most paper archives, clean, dry hands provide the best control and allow you to carefully feel the material as you handle it.

Sometimes the best way to protect history is simply to handle it carefully. 🗂️

Sustainable Essex spent time giving back to our coastline by cleaning up along the river. 🌊💚Together, we helped remove l...
10/20/2026

Sustainable Essex spent time giving back to our coastline by cleaning up along the river. 🌊💚

Together, we helped remove litter and keep our waterways cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful for our community and the wildlife that calls them home.

Small actions can make a big difference. Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and helped care for our coastal environment!

10/16/2026

Live from the Boathouse!
Matt Warshauer presents When the CT River Decided the Revolution
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
6 – 7 p.m.

We know that the Connecticut River divides Red Sox and Yankee fans, but did you know it also determined Connecticut’s revolutionary outlook? There existed in the colony a distinct East of the River or West of the River outlook on everything from economics to religion to land availability, all of which shaped a violent and politically driven revolt on the part of the East. Join Matt Warshauer as he presents this lecture to learn more!

Matt Warshauer is a CSU (CT State University) Distinguished Professor of History at Central Connecticut State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in American Studies. Fascinated by what he calls “the American paradox,” the ever-challenging conundrum between the nation’s founding document and the difficulties of pursuing essential ideas of freedom,

Book your spot at ctrivermuseum.org

10/14/2026

Can Ai read historical archives?

AI might be everywhere, but there’s one place where historians still have the advantage: the archives.

A lot of historical documents are handwritten in cursive, but there’s no universal pattern to follow. Every person had their own handwriting, quirks, abbreviations, spacing, and style. Some handwriting can be incredibly difficult for AI to interpret because there simply isn’t a consistent system to learn.

🎃 Join us for a fun and spooky time aboard the RiverQuest for a special Kids Halloween Cruise on October 31st!Dress up i...
10/13/2026

🎃 Join us for a fun and spooky time aboard the RiverQuest for a special Kids Halloween Cruise on October 31st!

Dress up in your spookiest, silliest, or most creative costume and cruise down the beautiful Connecticut River.

October 31st 1:30–2:30 PM

Bring the whole family for some Halloween fun on the water! 👻

Book your Halloween cruise at ctivermuseum.org

Set sail for a memorable day on the water! ⚓️Join us for a Lighthouse Cruise on October 12 at the Connecticut River Muse...
10/07/2026

Set sail for a memorable day on the water! ⚓️

Join us for a Lighthouse Cruise on October 12 at the Connecticut River Museum and enjoy a scenic journey along the river with beautiful lighthouse views.

Book your tickets at ctrivermuseum.org 🌊

A heartfelt thank you to 1772 Foundations for their incredibly generous $10,000 donation to the Connecticut River Museum...
10/06/2026

A heartfelt thank you to 1772 Foundations for their incredibly generous $10,000 donation to the Connecticut River Museum! 💙

Your support helps us preserve and share the rich history of the Connecticut River and inspire future generations to connect with this remarkable place. We are so grateful for your commitment to our mission and to the community we serve.

Thank you, 1772 Foundations, for helping us keep the story of the Connecticut River alive!

Fall is calling! 🍂🌊Ride aboard the Onrust or RiverQuest and experience the stunning colors of fall from the Connecticut ...
10/05/2026

Fall is calling! 🍂🌊

Ride aboard the Onrust or RiverQuest and experience the stunning colors of fall from the Connecticut River. Sit back, relax, and take in the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as the autumn landscape comes alive around you.

There’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of fall than from the water! 🍁

10/02/2026

Welcome to Archives Month at the Connecticut River Museum!

Throughout the month, join Jane Bowers, our Curator, for a behind the scenes look at the Museum’s archives and the stories they hold. We’ll be exploring where the archives are kept, how the collection is cared for, and the important pieces of history preserved within it.

First up: Where are the archives kept? Join Jane as she takes us behind the scenes and shows us where the Museum’s archival collections are carefully preserved. 🗄️✨

Follow along throughout the month as we explore the archives and discover more about the history they hold!

10/02/2026

In celebration of the Connecticut River Conservancy’s 75th anniversary, we invite artists to submit work for a curated group exhibition, The River We Call Home. This exhibit honors the Connecticut River watershed as a place of wonder, belonging, and relationship—one that sustains both human and ...

Address

67 Main Street (Foot Of Main)
Essex, CT
06426

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+18607678269

Website

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