
HISTORY
The Connecticut River Foundation at Steamboat Dock was established in 1974 as a small, all-volunteer organization dedicated to the dream of establishing a museum that would preserve the history of the Connecticut River and its people. The purchase of the 1878 Steamboat Warehouse building, docks and surrounding property was the beginning of that dream becoming a reality. Today, the Connecticut River Museum is a private, not-for-profit, education institution that is fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the Council of American Maritime Museums and the International Congress of Maritime Museums. In 2012, the Museum expanded its ability to tell the
stories of the Connecticut River and its people through the purchase of the historic Samuel Lay House, which adjoins the Museum campus. The Connecticut River Museum currently plays an important role in collecting and protecting manuscripts, books, art and artifacts of regional significance. It also delivers high-quality exhibitions and educational programming to visitors and local residents alike, and each year introduces thousands of school children to the important stories of the River and its people. We maintain our National Registered buildings on Steamboat Dock in Essex, and provide a spectacular waterfront park as a venue for museum functions, community events and quiet reflection.
Elizabeth D. Kaeser
Executive Director
ekaeser@ctrivermuseum.org
Samantha Barney
Manager, Membership and Special Events
sbarney@ctrivermuseum.org
Lauren Bennett-Dionne
Assistant Director of Education
lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org
Cathy Malin
Director of Visitor Experience
cmalin@ctrivermuseum.org
Michelle Porter
Gift Shop Buyer
shop@ctrivermuseum.org
Reception
crm@ctrivermuseum.org
Marketing
Dan Thompson
Watercraft Operations Manager
captain@ctrivermuseum.org
Amy Trout
Curator
atrout@ctrivermuseum.org