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

RiverFare - June, 6th - Tickets NOW ON SALE!

Upcoming Events

Connecticut River Museum Celebrates 50 Years

50th Anniversary Celebration October 12, 2023-October 12, 2024 “The most historic property on the Connecticut River.” It all started over a bowl of clam chowder at the Griswold Inn. It was 1972, and Tom Stevens—historian, former director of the […]

Learn More
CRM Cares Donation Drive

May 15 – June 12 May is CRM CARES month! This year we are supporting the Valley Shore Animal Welfare League. Valley Shore Animal Welfare League (also known as ‘VSAWL’) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1972 by […]

Learn More
RiverQuest Kid’s Cruise

On select Saturday mornings 9:00am, we offer a special cruise, designed for young children and their parents, grandparents, etc., aboard RiverQuest. On this cruise, we will show young children how to use binoculars, teach them about the birds we see, […]

Learn More

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.

BUY NOW

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

LEARN MORE

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.

JOIN TODAY