Groton, CT

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Oct

Guided Tour

Fort Griswold Lantern Tour

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, Groton, CT

An atmospheric evening walking tour through Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park conducted by lantern light. Guides in period attire lead participants through the fortifications and grounds, recounting the events of September 6, 1781 — from the British landing to Colonel Ledyard's death, Jordan Freeman's heroic stand, and the brutal aftermath. The nighttime setting lends a somber, powerful dimension to the storytelling.

Free or small donationTypically held in September or October; exact dates vary by year. Contact Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park or the Groton Public Library (Bill Memorial) to confirm scheduling.

Earlier This Year

Sep

– 7

ReenactmentFeatured

Battle of Fort Griswold Commemoration and Reenactment

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, Groton, CT

Annual commemoration of the September 6, 1781 Battle of Fort Griswold, one of the bloodiest engagements of the American Revolution. The event features living history reenactors portraying Continental and British forces, musket and artillery demonstrations, and a solemn ceremony honoring Colonel William Ledyard and the defenders who were massacred after surrendering. Interpretive programs tell the stories of Jordan Freeman, Lambert Latham, and other patriots who fell that day.

FreeHeld on or near September 6, the anniversary of the 1781 battle; typically the first weekend of September. Contact Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park for exact dates.More info →

Sep

Ceremony

Groton Monument Day / Groton Heights Day

Fort Griswold Monument, Groton Heights, Groton, CT

A longstanding community observance marking the anniversary of the Battle of Groton Heights. The day includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Groton Monument (the 134-foot granite obelisk honoring the fallen defenders), patriotic speeches, tolling of bells, and a reading of the names of those killed in the massacre. Community members and descendants of the original defenders often participate.

FreeTraditionally observed on September 6 or the nearest Saturday. Contact the Groton Monument Committee or local historical society to confirm.

Sep

Guided Tour

Ebenezer Avery House Open House and Colonial Life Programs

Ebenezer Avery House, Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, Groton, CT

Seasonal open house events at the historic Ebenezer Avery House, the 18th-century home where wounded survivors of the Fort Griswold Massacre were brought for care after the battle. Costumed docents lead tours of the restored house, demonstrate period domestic crafts and medicine, and share the harrowing stories of the wounded defenders who were sent down the hill on a cart after the British attack.

FreeThe house is typically open for tours during the summer season and especially during the September battle anniversary weekend. Contact the Avery Memorial Association or Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park for current schedule.

Sep

Lecture

Revolutionary War Lecture Series at Bill Memorial Library

Groton Public Library (Bill Memorial), Groton, CT

The Groton Public Library (Bill Memorial) hosts periodic lectures and presentations on local Revolutionary War history, including the Battle of Fort Griswold, the New London raid by Benedict Arnold, the role of African American patriots like Jordan Freeman and Lambert Latham, and the community's long recovery from the 1781 massacre. Guest speakers include local historians, authors, and representatives from the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office.

FreeLectures are often scheduled around the September anniversary of the battle; additional programs may occur throughout the year. Contact the Groton Public Library (Bill Memorial) to confirm dates.