Connecticut River Museum

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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In September, Connecticut River Museum members are invited to visit Mystic Seaport Museum for FREE and view the new exhi...
08/31/2026

In September, Connecticut River Museum members are invited to visit Mystic Seaport Museum for FREE and view the new exhibit, BRICKWRECKS: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks. The exhibit brings stories of exploration, trade, tragedy, and discovery to life through an extraordinary blend of LEGO® models, real artifacts, and hands-on experiences. Mystic Seaport Museum is the first North American venue for this exhibition, developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum in partnership with the Western Australian Maritime Museum and Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught one of only 14 LEGO® Certified Professionals in the world.

Check out other exhibits, explore the historic vessels, and learn more about the maritime history that connects our region.

Make the most of your membership and plan your visit to Mystic Seaport this September!

At Connecticut River Museum camp, learning comes to life through hands on experiences, exploration, and adventure.During...
08/25/2026

At Connecticut River Museum camp, learning comes to life through hands on experiences, exploration, and adventure.

During a recent camp, our young sailors faced an unexpected pirate invasion. Campers kept watch for approaching pirates, worked together to spot the threat, and defended their ship from attack. Through imaginative play and active learning, they experienced what life on the river might have been like while building teamwork, problem solving skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to the history of the Connecticut River.

Camp at Connecticut River Museum gives kids the chance to step into history, explore the river, and learn by doing. Each experience encourages curiosity, creativity, and a sense of adventure while connecting campers to the stories of the river and the people who have lived and worked along it.

Visit ctrivermuseum.org to explore upcoming camp opportunities and programs.

As the season begins to change, the Connecticut River comes alive with the beauty of fall 🍂 Make plans to stop by the Co...
08/21/2026

As the season begins to change, the Connecticut River comes alive with the beauty of fall 🍂 Make plans to stop by the Connecticut River Museum to take in the foliage, explore the riverfront, or set sail on a Swallows Cruise.

Visit ctrivermuseum.org for more events and cruises.

08/19/2026

Log of the brig "Peggy" and other ships, including the brig "Cleopatra," opened to a page featuring a portrait of the "Cleopatra." She was built here in Essex in 1795 and destroyed during the famous raid on Essex in 1814.

On the opposite page are the lyrics to a version of a mid-19th century song titled Lovely Nancy, probably copied by a sailor from a broadside.

Singing on ships was a very common pastime - music and sailing have always been close companions. If you look on the wall beside this case you will see examples of sheet music embellished on the reverse with portraits of ships painted by Capt. Henry C. Arnold in the mid-19th century.

Opening night of Rhythm of the River at the Connecticut River Museum brought members together for an evening of music, c...
08/17/2026

Opening night of Rhythm of the River at the Connecticut River Museum brought members together for an evening of music, conversation, and discovery as we celebrated the opening of our newest exhibition.

Rhythm of the River invites visitors to listen closely to the Connecticut River and explore the many ways sound, music, history, and life along the river are connected. From the sounds that have defined the river over generations to the stories and traditions carried along its shores, the exhibition offers a new way to experience the history of this remarkable place.

While opening night was a special Members only evening, Rhythm of the River is now open for everyone to explore. We invite you to visit, take a closer listen, and discover the sounds and stories of the Connecticut River for yourself.

08/14/2026

From handcrafted craftsmanship to riverside commerce, the Connecticut River was once a vital transportation route connecting communities throughout New England. Roy Brothers Inc. of Barnet, Vermont, manufactured croquet sets that traveled down the Connecticut River to reach customers near and far. Before modern highways dominated freight, the river served as a commercial lifeline, carrying locally made goods including beloved lawn games to markets across the region. This story is a reminder that the Connecticut River didn't just shape the landscape, it shaped the region's economy, linking small town manufacturers like Roy Brothers Inc. to a wider world.

Experience one of the Connecticut River's most remarkable late summer traditions aboard RiverQuest & Onrust. Each evenin...
08/11/2026

Experience one of the Connecticut River's most remarkable late summer traditions aboard RiverQuest & Onrust. Each evening, hundreds of thousands of Tree Swallows return to the river's reeds to roost after spending the day feeding on insects, creating spectacular aerial formations at sunset.

This 2+ hour cruise takes you to one of the river's seasonal swallow roosts while offering beautiful views of the Connecticut River, abundant wildlife, and the opportunity to learn from the captain and crew along the way. Every sailing is a small group experience, making each trip unique.

🎟️ Space is limited. Reserve your spot and witness this incredible natural phenomenon from the water. Book at https://ctrivermuseum.org/booking-calendar/ or click the link in our bio.

Among the many recovered pieces of the Osage is this unusual relic: a charred portion of a small boat that was carried a...
08/07/2026

Among the many recovered pieces of the Osage is this unusual relic: a charred portion of a small boat that was carried aboard the vessel.

The chalk and paint markings identify it as a burned section of one of the Osage’s boats. Large merchant vessels like the Osage carried smaller boats onboard to shuttle men and cargo between the ship and nearby wharves. This fragment provides a direct connection to the night the Osage and the rest of the fleet were set ablaze during the burning of the fleet.

Though small in size, this artifact preserves a powerful reminder of the destruction that took place and the stories that continue to emerge from the remains of the Osage.

Join us for another Thursday on the Dock at the Connecticut River Museum!Enjoy an evening on the waterfront with activit...
08/06/2026

Join us for another Thursday on the Dock at the Connecticut River Museum!

Enjoy an evening on the waterfront with activities, community, and views of the Connecticut River. Attendance is free, so bring your friends and family and stop by the dock for some summer fun.

We look forward to seeing you there!

08/03/2026

Before steel and concrete shaped America's skyline, there was brownstone.

For nearly three centuries, Portland, Connecticut supplied the iconic brownstone that built churches, schools, courthouses, row houses, and landmarks across the country. The Connecticut River made it all possible, carrying massive blocks of stone from the quarries to cities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and beyond. The stone that helped build America began its journey right here.

Today, the former quarry is home to Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park, where the towering rock walls and deep blue water offer a completely different kind of experience. What was once one of the nation's most important quarries has become a place for adventure, recreation, and a connection to Connecticut's remarkable history.

From building cities to creating memories, Portland's brownstone legacy continues.

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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