Connecticut River Museum

The Connecticut River Museum is a maritime museum housed in a restored 1878 warehouse originally built for steamboats. The three-story building displays historic vessels, maps, navigation instruments, and other items that document the region's nautical past.

The building was constructed in 1878 as a warehouse for steamboats and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The region was a major center for shipbuilding and maritime activity during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The museum tells the story of how the river shaped life in this region and the importance of boats and shipbuilding to the community. You can see old vessels and tools that show how deeply connected local people were to the water.

The museum has a research library with historical documents and offers boat tours on the river during warmer months. It is easy to reach on foot from downtown Essex and has a small shop with books and maritime-themed gifts.

The museum features a full-scale replica of the Turtle, a submarine built in Essex in 1776 that was the first to see use in an American military engagement. This vessel reveals early attempts at innovation in warfare.

Website: https://ctrivermuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 41.35136,-72.38473

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43