Thames River Heritage Park Academy
History lovers, you are in for a treat!
Join the fourth cohort of the highly acclaimed Thames River Heritage Park Academy - a life-long learning history program for current and prospective volunteers. Experience scholarly and engaging presentations and private tours of heritage sites.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Academy – a 10-week program focused on the history and heritage of the Thames. Classes begin on Thursday, February 13th and meet every Thursday from 9 AM – 12:30 PM. (February 20 session is extended to 1:00).
“We are very excited to offer the fourth Academy to those interested in learning about and sharing the rich history and heritage of the Thames,”stated Catherine Foley, executive director.
A collaborative effort by Thames River Heritage Park Foundation and the 21 heritage sites that comprise the Park, the Thames River Heritage Park Academy is designed for passionate life-long learners. Through lively and informative talks and presentations and small, narrated group tours of heritage sites, participants examine the places, people, and events that have shaped life along the Thames. Sessions include presentations on the history of the Thames River estuary, the Gilded Age, whaling industry, colonial life, the battle of Fort Griswold, privateering, the burning of New London, plus local arts and culture and docent training and information.
“Excellent overview of the Heritage Park sites. I particularly liked the presentations from the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Museum and the New London Black Heritage Trail. Completely new information for me.”, wrote a member of the Class of 2024.
Upon graduation, TRHP Docent Academy participants volunteer at the site(s) of their choice. Site-specific orientation and training are scheduled on an individual basis by the host site.
Graduates are asked to commit to 4 hours per month of volunteer service for a period of 1 year at one or more of the heritage sites or institutional partner agencies.
A ‘Site Fair’ will be held on April 17, 2025, with the opportunity to speak with site representatives about volunteer opportunities and specific site requirements.
“I have a passion about our area that I did not have before, and I now act as an ambassador for the sites in Thames River Heritage Park whenever and wherever I have the opportunity. I have found my niche in volunteering,” wrote another graduate.
Registration for the program is $150 ($15 per 3-hour session) and includes private tours of heritage sites, stimulating presentations, Interpreter’s Guide to the Thames River Heritage Park, and the opportunity to graduate with new and perhaps long-time friends in the fourth class of the Thames River Heritage Park Docent Academy. New London and Groton residents are encouraged to call the office at (860) 333-6706 to inquire about potential scholarship funding.
For more information and registration go to: https://www.thamesriverheritagepark.org/docent-academy or email Catherine Foley at cfoley@thamesriverheritagepark.org or Marci Marciniak at marci@thamesriverheritagepark.org. TRHP telephone number is (860)-333-6706 – leave a message and your call will be returned.