Connecticut River Museum

Benjamin Waldo

2024-04

My visit to the Connecticut River Museum was beyond amazing. For a college class that I am in, I had to research and work with a local museum before writing a paper on, and so I chose the Connecticut River Museum. Lauren Bennett-Dionne, a member of the museum's staff welcomed me in a perfect way that was so incredibly appreciated. Although I had never been to the institution before, I came to find the museum set in a refurbished steamboat dock was filled to the brim with wonderful and intriguing information. The way she assisted me in any way I needed and provided a tour of the museum was wonderful. I will definitely be visiting again in the future due to the welcome and kindness the staff provided to me.

Dan Ireland

2024-01

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Janet Richey

2023-05

This was a cute museum and a relaxing ride on the Connecticut River. The two guys working the tour were charming, knowledgeable and complimented each other well. Some folding chairs were set out in full sun, while others, plus tables, were under an awning. We saw several families pack a cooler and had lunch. We purchased our tickets on line, and were pleased to discover that the price of the tour included admission to the museum. The people at the museum desk were all friendly. While the museum itself isn't that big, it had some cute, quirky artwork on the stairway walls that was interesting enough to take a closer look at.

Jesse Moy

2023-09

Wonderful experience in Essex!You are able to go on the rustbuckets tour, which is on the boat that goes along the river.Very family oriented!Fishing along the docks... Fam everywhere, all smiley and dandy!Up main st are some wonderfshops, gift/souvenir /coffee etc.Lots close at 5p tho.Enjoy!Oh. Heres the plan id recommend...If coming from south or west, go to the LPF, its a lavender pond farm.Their schedule is kinda odd, so look it up first.Go there for like a nice walk aroumd their pond/flowers.Now head to the museum.Then... Go to mystic! Head to the village, not aquarium. Either get tix early or utilize the ct summer program if you're a ct resident. If nkt then get memberships cus one visit there as a fam as regular admissions is legit a years worth membership.Plus its tax deductible, watever that means.At the mystic village... Well.. Roam around, its a tourist destination for many! Legit 3min walk from aquarium!Ok! Byeee! Have fun!

Robert Sanders

2022-05

Great museum, that’s all about the history of the Connecticut River, and the People who have lived along it. We enjoyed our visit, and it was very informative. We especially enjoyed the Bushnell “Turtle” submarine. Bushnell invented the first submarine to be used in battle, as well as a floating mine triggered by contact. Plenty of history in this place. The employee at the counter was terrific as well.

Terrence Irving

2023-05

In addition to its great historical value, Connecticut River Museum is an underrated wedding venue! I photographed an awesome celebration there recently and can’t recommend this venue enough. The staff are wonderful, the tent and outdoor setting are great, and the Connecticut River (and downtown Essex) is the perfect backdrop. Highly recommended!

Marc Williams

2024-02

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Jimmy Gonzalez

2022-05

Went to see the Train show and what a train show it was!! The coolest part was the scavenger hunt. We did both the Advanced and the kids, both were harder that you thought based on the size of the display!!! Like trains, love museums? This is a must!

Nadira Begum

2023-07

Essex is one of my favorite town in Ct..I love to go there.I haven't gone inside of the museum..it closed in Monday..open in Tuesday to Sunday till 5 pm..really nice place..❤️

Sher

2022-05

My husband and I recently hosted a wedding celebration at the River Museum. It was absolutely stunning. The Event Coordinator, Michelle, was a pleasure to work with and very accommodating. Absolutely gorgeous view with the boats and town of Essex in the background and they let us use the house behind the museum to get ready, which the photographers loved using for the getting ready pictures. 10/10 would do it here again

Jessica Tyrol

2023-07

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Boris Maillard

2022-05

We have learned a lot about the history and foundations of the CT State when visiting the Connecticut River Museum. This is really an amazing museum, with many captivating spots telling you about shipbuilding, whaling, trades with the Indians, defense against British invaders. We loved the story of the Turtle, the world first combat submarine (it failed but was audacious). You will be welcomed by an affable staff and spend a great time in this lovely place. Highly recommended.

Leah Good

2022-05

Spent two and a half hours browsing through the exhibits about the history of the Connecticut River Valley. Everything from Revolutionary war history (including a replica of The Turtle submarine) to War or 1812 to trade with the West Indies to Industrialization. The gift shop has a lot of intriguing books, both fiction and non-fiction. If you're a AAA member, the entry fee discounts to $10.

David Schwartz

2023-05

Maritime Museum in the delightful, charming and fun town of Essex. Home of the amazing Connecticut Sea Music Festival. Don't waste your time and money on Mystic Seaport, this is much much better.

Marjorie Chapski

2023-11

Lovely museum. Really told the story of the CT River from Canada to the LI Sound. Seeing the Turtle was pretty cool! Nice location on the shore with benches & grassy area. I also heard that a schooner is utilized as an educational tour, or something like that. I'll have to check that out another time.A real thrill was meeting the Conductor on the 3rd floor! This display with the model trains was great. And, talking with its creator was cool.

Sarah Gingerella

2024-01

We booked the RiverQuest sunset cruise for our rehearsal dinner, and honestly it is one of the best memories of our wedding. The boat is beautiful, the scenery is stunning, but most of all the staff is absolutely fantastic. They were both funny and informative, and the capitain took it upon himself to point out all the bald eagles to our youngest guest (9 years old) taking her under his wing, so to speak. She was over the moon. Cathy Malin was my point of contact for the organization, and she is terrific too. Everything was very clear and easy to organize. Thank you!

Xander Cage

2023-12

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Sandra Becerril

2022-05

The place is very interesting with a lot of history. The lady in the front desk was so kind, we went to visit the special holiday train show, that is amazing.

Jörg Buchberger

2024-01

We enjoyed visiting this small museum a lot. You can learn a lot about local history of this area. A must see place when you are in town.

Robert Blackman

2023-05

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Katy Phillips

2023-09

This museum is a little gem in the heart of Essex. They have a perfect spot on the harbor. You can walk around part of the dock without entering the museum.The museum itself is small and well done. It’s has two regular floors and the third floor has rotating exhibits. At Christmas they have a fabulous train display on the third floor that we always go to see. The stairwells have incredible aerial views of the CT river.You can take two different boats from the museum. One is historic and the other is an eco tour boat.This museum is worth a stop if you are touring Essex. It will give you a great history of the area. There are a few things for kids to play with and interact with such as a boat and submarine they can sit in.

judd0112

2020-05

Nice place with good history of the Connecticut river valley and the mouth of the river area. Nice spot also for viewing the river.

Yvonne LaLuna

2024-04

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E Mont

2019-05

Very nice exhibit, interesting artifacts, but a bit pricey.... $10 for a small place. However, the shore side view and parking is worth it.

Matthew Rausche

2023-08

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Andrew

2024-02

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David Powers

2019-05

This is a great museum about the history of the Connecticut River. The museum has things on hunting and trapping during Colonial times as well as Riverboats and trains. It also features the Boatyard that built ships that fought in the Revolutionary War. In addition, it covers the War of 1812 where 27 American ships were lost to the British navy 206 years ago along with many other things in American Maritime history

Pete Leis

2018-05

2nd annual visit did not disappoint. Loved train layout on 3rd floor, nicely designed exhibits on 2nd and 1st floor focused on the river. Fascinating combination of history, transport, environment and more.

rcserra1

2020-05

A Museum dedicated too the CT River from NH to Essex CT. Cool model train exhibit on display Late Nov thru Jan.

Tim Lindquist

2021-05

Really enjoyed visiting the museum, and went on the sailboat tour of the Connecticut River. Awesome I would recommend that for everyone