Connecticut Open House Day & New London’s Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 10, 2023

The New London Cultural District will offer a free community shuttle service from 11am to 6pm to help visitors enjoy events, historic sites and cultural institutions here in New London on Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 10.

The shuttle will run between the Hempstead Houses, Fort Trumbull State Park, the Shaw Mansion, the Custom House Maritime Museum, Thames River Heritage Park, and the Lyman Allyn Art Museum.

Also on this day, the New London community will host its annual Juneteenth remembrance and celebration at the Hempsted Houses featuring special guest lecturers, dignitaries, vendors, and activities for all ages. This free program is presented by Connecticut Landmarks in partnership with the New London NAACP.

While you are in town be sure to explore the Black Heritage Trail celebrating three centuries of Black strength, resilience, and accomplishment in New London (more info available at visitnewlondon.org/black-heritage-trail)

The Community Shuttle will run on roughly half hour loops from 11am to 6pm stopping at these locations:

New London’s Juneteenth Celebration at The Hempsted Houses
A day of speakers, family activites, music, dance and community festivities commemorating Juneteenth at one of New England’s oldest dwellings.

Fort Trumbull State Park
Open 10am to 5pm. Immerse yourself in an interactive history lesson at the visitor center (free on this day, normally $6) or just walk the Fort and its ramparts for stunning views of the Thames River.

New London County Historical Society at Shaw Mansion
Open 10am to 1pm. Founded in 1870, the New London County Historical Society is the oldest historical organization in eastern Connecticut.

Custom House Maritime Museum
Open 10am to 5pm. Admission is Free! Telling the stories of the waterfront. Everyone receives 10% off in the Shop; as a bonus NLMS members receive 30% off!

Thames River Hop-on, Hop-off Harbor Cruise
Take a $5 harbor cruise via the water taxi to Fort Trumbull and Fort Griswold State Parks. To make a reservation scan the QR code or go to thamesriverheritagepark.org/boat-tours and enter promo code 2023CTOHD at checkout. Tickets may also be purchased on the boat.

Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Free admission to all on CT Open House Day. Explore special exhibition Barkley L. Hendricks in New London, exploring the role of place, community, and teaching in Hendricks’ career, or admire the special microphotography images of bugs in Small Wonders: Insects in Focus. Family centric exploration guides are free to pick up to help young learners enjoy the museum.