Connecticut River Museum | History and Nature on New England's Great River

Get out on the River. Book a sail or cruise today. • Booking Calendar

Upcoming Events

Special Exhibit: Rhythm of the River: Music and Memory Along the Connecticut

Special Exhibit Rhythm of the River: Music and Memory Along the Connecticut On view: July 30, 2026 — October 11, 2026 Rhythm of the River examines the Connecticut River and its surrounding valley as an acoustic space, exploring both the […]

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Watershed Week

Watershed Week September 18 – 27, 2026 Join us in celebrating the Connecticut River Watershed Partnership’s (CRWP) second annual Watershed Week beginning on September 18, 2026. Hosted by many partners across all four watershed states, Watershed Week will increase awareness […]

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Tree Swallow Sunset Trips on Onrust & RiverQuest

Tree Swallow Sunset Trips on Onrust & RiverQuest August 21, 2026 through September 23, 2026 Join us aboard RiverQuest & Onrust as we sail to a special spot on the Connecticut River where 100’s of thousands of Tree Swallows […]

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Featured Collection

Jetsam

Class B Frostbite Dinghy
Designed by Charles D. Mower (1875-1942)
Ca. 1933
Gift of Mark Ellis, 2021

Essex was the home of the first Eastern Frostbite Dinghy Regatta in March of 1933. A fleet of 23 Class A and B dinghies competed off the old Steamboat Dock. Jetsam represents the hardy spirit of those early Frostbite racers.

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The story of the Museum and River are intertwined and ongoing. Share your stories of the Museum and the River and help us celebrate 50 years!

Oral History Project: Share Your Story

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Become a Member

When you become a Member, you support our mission and benefit from special perks. Explore all that the Connecticut River Museum has to offer. Discover the River’s past. Get out on the water to experience it today. Make a commitment to support the River for generations to come.

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