Uncovering New London Brings City's Past to Life Through New Guided Tours

Uncovering New London: One Story at a Time DBA Downtown New London Association has officially launched a new series of guided walking tours designed to bring the city's history to life through engaging stories, fascinating facts and lesser-known chapters of New London's past.

The series begins with the Black Heritage Tour, a 90-minute walking tour of downtown New London that explores the city's rich and varied Black heritage and history. Participants will learn about New London's connection to abolition, hear stories from the whaling era, and discover the role citizens of color played in the American Revolution and throughout the city's development. The tour will be offered at 10 a.m. Aug. 16 and Sept. 20, departing from the New London train station.

The Hidden Gems Tour invites participants to uncover some of the city's most surprising stories and secrets. Did one of America's most notorious gangsters enjoy dining at the Hygienic Restaurant? What was the Mohican Hotel building originally intended to be? Who built the beloved tall ship Eagle, and what was it originally used for? Those answers and many other hidden gems, fun facts and interesting historical events will be shared during this interactive 90-minute tour through downtown New London. Tours will be offered at 10 a.m. Aug. 23, Aug. 29 and Sept. 5, departing from the train station.

For those interested in the city's darker history, the Crime and Punishment Tour offers a fascinating look at some of New London's most intriguing unsolved crimes and notorious cases. During the 90-minute walking tour, guides will examine how residents viewed crime, punishment and victims across different historical eras while sharing stories of mysteries, justice served and the evolution of the criminal justice system in the city. The tour will be offered at 7 p.m. Aug. 22, leaving from the train station.

All tours are 90 minutes long and cost $25 per person. Tickets and additional information are available at Uncovering New London – One Story at a Time – Downtown New London Association.