Thames River Heritage Park Receives Grant

New London, CT – The Thames River Heritage Park Foundation (TRHPF) has received a grant from the Panoram Foundation for $30,000 for operational support and the development of collaborative efforts among the 17 sites that comprise the Park experience. A collection of national and historic sites and institutions on both shores of the Thames River linked by a seasonal water taxi, the Thames River Heritage Park is the only heritage park in Connecticut and operates as a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization.
 
“The Panoram Foundation has believed in the Park from the beginning by providing the funding that allowed the Yale Urban Design Group to complete the Park plan in 2015. Since that time it has continued to support our growth as demonstrated by this generous grant, which is the second consecutive five-figure grant they have awarded us,” said Executive Director Amy Perry. “They are a key partner not unlike the heritage sites and cultural institutions that play an essential role in our growth and success. We are grateful for the confidence they have in us today and for our future.”
 
TRHPF President Marian Galbratih adds, “Panoram’s vision and commitment to our historic institutions has proven to be a true asset to our community.”
 
Officially opened in 2016 and entering its fourth season in 2019, the Park operates the hop-on hop-off water taxi Friday – Sunday in New London and Groton, Memorial Day Weekend through mid-September and will be expanding its offer with historic boat and land tours.

Heritage sites within the Park include in Groton, the Avery-Copp House, the Bill Memorial Library, the Ebenezer Avery House, Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, Ledge Light, the Submarine Force Museum, and the Subvets World War II National Memorial East and, in New London, Fort Trumbull State Park, the Garde Arts Center, Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, Shaw Mansion, the Hempsted Houses, Monte Cristo Cottage, and Lyman Allyn Museum. For more information on the park and the water taxi, visit www.thamesriverheritagepark.org.