Thursday,
February 28, 2026 | 2 p.m. | "General Putnam Reenactment"
At the Waterford Public Library
In collaboration with the Waterford Public Library, we will host retired UCONN Prof. Kenneth Noll who will give a dramatic presentation about the colonial figure of General Putnam. |
Early March 2026 | | “We, the Maple Sugar Harvesters. . . ” Part one
Local field trip.
During this field trip, David Lersch will demonstrate how settlers and people today have harvested sugar from maple trees in Waterford. Registration required. |
March 30,
2026 | 6:30 p.m. Social
7 p.m. Program
| “We, the Maple Sugar Harvesters. . . ” Part two
At the Waterford Public Library
David Lersch will discuss the long-standing method of creating maple syrup, with a short video presentation.
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April 15 -
Sept. 15
2026 | Daily hours
| “We, the Artists… celebrate America's 250th year!”
ART IN WATERFORD 2026: Past+Present+Future
Waterford Town Hall main corridor
Our juried art show winners will exhibit their artwork in the main corridor of Waterford Town Hall from April to September. Artwork may be purchased, but must remain in Town Hall until the end of the show. In early 2026, veterans’ artwork will be displayed there. In the final months of 2026 Waterford’s students will display their artwork.
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May 18-21, 2026
| 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Field Trips to Jordan Green
Waterford’s 3rd and 5th grade students will experience various aspects of colonial life through reenactments and participatory activities at several sites on Jordan Green.
In cooperation with the Town of Waterford Superintendent's office. |
May 23, 2026 | 2 p.m. | "Mary Goddard Reenactments"
At the Waterford Public Library
Rita Parisi will present “Mary Goddard” reenactments on Jordan Green and on the Waterford Public Library property. Goddard herself actually printed certain aspects of the original Declaration of Independence.
Co-sponsored with the Waterford Public Library.
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June 8
2026
| 6:30 p.m. Social
7 p.m. Program | “We, the Farmers…”
At the Waterford Public Library
Our town of Waterford was called the “West Farms” of New London until 1801. Descendants of our town’s farming families, including Ray Dimmock and Daneen Roth, will participate in a discussion. The Dimmock family for decades had the right to harvest seaweed at Hammond beach, which is now Waterford Beach Park. |
Late July |
| “We, the Hay Harvesters…” Part one
During this field trip, Tim Conderino will demonstrate techniques that farmers have employed for centuries to harvest hay for their livestock and other purposes, while showing contemporary methods for harvesting. Registration required in advance.
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August 3,
2026
| 6:30 p.m. Social
7 p.m. Program | "We, the Hay Harvesters..." Part two
At the Waterford Public Library
Tim Conderino and others will discuss traditions for harvesting hay over the centuries here in Waterford, as well as explaining the purposes which hay still serves. |
Sept. 14, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. Social
7 p.m. Program | “We the Fishermen…”
At the Waterford Public Library
Local fishermen will share how fishing boats have evolved over the centuries and which fish are harvested in Long Island Sound. |
October 5, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. Social
7 p.m. Program | “We, the Family Gardeners…”
At the Waterford Public Library
When people once kept “kitchen gardens” near their houses, women could tend and harvest fruits, herbs, and vegetables regularly, as well as preserve fruits and vegetables for the winter months by drying (dehydrating), placing prepared food in Ball jars, and/or placing food in ice cellars. Sheila Elliott, Phyllis Cushing, and other members of the Thames River Garden Club will present this program.
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| November 7, 2026 | 11 a.m. -
2 p.m. | "Harvest to Hearth in 1850s Waterford"
On Jordan Green
The Dirty Blue Shirts living historians in and around Jordan Green's historic buildings on Rope Ferry Road focus on the Thanksgiving holiday. What did Thanksgiving mean for our mid-19th-century Waterford ancestors? Food, family, gratitude for what they had, remembering those who were gone, and charity baskets for those who had less. Hearth cooking, cidermaking.
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