Groton Bank Day is June 9

Come by land or by sea to explore art and history in the historic Groton Bank Neighborhood

Historic and cultural sites in the Groton Bank neighborhood will be collaborating to provide a special experience for visitors as we celebrate the statewide Connecticut Open House Day on June 9.  All events are free and family friendly.   Free boat service will be available between Groton and New London on the Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi, sponsored by Electric Boat and operating from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.  Ample free parking is available on Groton Bank, and a free shuttle bus will operate all day to transport guests between participating sites.

Passports will be issued to all visitors, listing the neighborhood sites and providing directions.  Guests are encouraged to have their passports stamped at each location they visit; those collecting at least 5 stamps are eligible to enter a prize drawing.

Bill Memorial Library will be presenting the 11th annual Art on Groton Bank festival, featuring arts and crafts, food vendors, and music.  The Avery-Copp House will offer museum tours, children’s games, kitchen demonstrations, and a chance to visit with a Revolutionary War soldier.  Visitors to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park will be able to enjoy guided tours of the fort, explore the Monument House Museum, and climb 166 steps to the top of the Groton Monument.

The Ebenezer Avery House on the grounds of Fort Griswold will be open for tours of the 18th century homestead, provide demonstrations of traditional sewing skills, and offer visitors a chance to try their hand at a needlework craft.  Friends of the Mother Bailey House will be offering a rare glimpse inside the historic structure, and will provide information about efforts that are underway to preserve this notable building.

The stone and slate Groton Congregational Church will open its doors to showcase beautiful stained glass windows.  The Thames River Heritage Park will launch four downloadable walking tours of Historic Groton Bank: Whaling, Revolution, Defense & Submarines, Development of Groton Bank, for those who would like to explore the neighborhood on foot.  The app platform for the walking tours is Izi.  Many architectural styles can be seen in this area, spanning the past 200 years, and representing the tastes of the prosperous sea captains who once lived here. 

All sites will be open from 10:00 to 4:00, passports can be picked up at any location, and transportation is available all day.  To learn more, visit https:/groton-bank-day7.webnode.com or email grotonbankday@gmail.com.