New London, CT

Local Events

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

List Calendar

Upcoming This Year

Sep

– 7

ReenactmentFeatured

Battle of Groton Heights Reenactment and Commemoration

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, Groton (directly across the Thames from New London)

Annual commemoration of the September 6, 1781 Battle of Groton Heights and Benedict Arnold's raid on New London. The event features living history reenactments, musket and artillery demonstrations, period-dressed interpreters, wreath-laying ceremonies at the Groton Monument, and guided tours of Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. The event honors the defenders who fought against Arnold's forces during one of the last major engagements of the Revolution.

FreeHeld on or near September 6, the anniversary of the 1781 battle; weekend closest to the date. Contact Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park to confirm exact dates.

Jul

Guided Tour

Shaw-Perkins Mansion Colonial Heritage Programs

Shaw-Perkins Mansion, 11 Blinman Street, New London, CT

The New London County Historical Society hosts seasonal living history programs and guided tours at the Shaw-Perkins Mansion, which served as Connecticut's Naval Office during the Revolution. Programs highlight the mansion's role as headquarters for Naval Agent Nathaniel Shaw Jr., who coordinated privateering operations out of New London. Events may include lectures on privateering, period demonstrations, and exhibits of Revolutionary War-era artifacts.

Suggested donationPrograms run during summer months, typically June through September. Contact the New London County Historical Society to confirm specific dates and schedules.More info →

Jul

Guided Tour

Hempsted Houses Colonial Life Programs

Hempsted Houses, 11 Hempstead Street, New London, CT

Connecticut Landmarks operates seasonal educational programs and special event days at the historic Hempsted Houses, one of the oldest surviving house complexes in New London. Programs explore colonial and Revolutionary-era daily life, featuring period cooking demonstrations, hearth-side talks, and discussions of the Joshua Hempsted diary—one of the most detailed colonial-era diaries in existence. Special programming around Independence Day and during September connects the site to New London's Revolutionary War story.

Small admission feeOpen seasonally, typically May through October with special programs in summer. Contact Connecticut Landmarks to confirm current schedule.More info →

Sep

Ceremony

Burning of New London Anniversary Ceremony

Downtown New London historic sites and waterfront area

An annual memorial ceremony commemorating the burning of New London on September 6, 1781, when British forces led by Benedict Arnold set fire to much of the town. The observance typically includes remarks by local historians, readings from primary source accounts, a procession, and wreath-laying at significant sites in downtown New London. The event serves as a solemn remembrance of the devastation suffered by the community during the raid.

FreeHeld on or near September 6; sometimes combined with the Battle of Groton Heights commemoration across the river. Contact the New London County Historical Society to confirm.

Sep

Reenactment

Fort Trumbull State Park Revolutionary War Living History Day

Fort Trumbull State Park, 90 Walbach Street, New London, CT

Fort Trumbull State Park hosts a living history day featuring Revolutionary War-era reenactors demonstrating military drills, camp life, and the role Fort Trumbull played in defending New London's harbor during the American Revolution. Interpreters explain how the original fort was overrun during Benedict Arnold's 1781 raid, and visitors can tour the fort's exhibits on New London's military history from the Revolution through the Cold War.

Free; standard state park parking fees may applyTypically held on a weekend in September near the anniversary of the 1781 raid. Contact Fort Trumbull State Park to confirm dates.More info →