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  • EHS Collections at the Library: Game Night

    Recurring
    Essex Historical Society 22 Prospect Street, Essex, CT, United States

    Please stop by and see EHS's new exhibit at Essex Library. "Game Night!" has been curated by EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak, and the Collections team. Items and photos in the exhibit are all part of EHS collections, and will be on display through March. As part of EHS’s continuing efforts to share our collections objects with the community, we are presenting quarterly exhibits in cases at the Essex Library (33 West Ave.). These objects will be available to view during the Library’s regular hours operation. Essex Historical Society (EHS) stewards over 7,000 objects spanning 10,000 years of history, representing the villages of Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton.  While the majority of EHS’s collections arrive through private donations, some objects arrive as discoveries, unearthed from surprising places.  In a few cases, their journey is more interesting than the stories they tell. The Essex Library collections cases will rotate out again in April, so please visit the cases to see the current showcased items.

    Free

  • Tapping into the Past: Tavern Life in Early Connecticut

    The Griswold Inn 36 Main Street, Essex, United States

    During America’s 250th year, Essex Historical Society is excited to bring the community a number of special programs to mark this historic occasion. We are especially thrilled to partner with the Griswold Inn for a featured event, as 2026 also marks the Gris’s 250th year in business — a remarkable milestone for one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating inns. Taverns in early Connecticut were far more than just places to drink. For travelers and locals alike, they served as hubs of entertainment, news, gossip, good food, and overnight lodging. Taverns were an essential part of every Connecticut town and played a vital role in social and civic life. Join the Essex Historical Society (EHS) and the Griswold Inn (the Gris) for this special program from the Connecticut Museum of History and Culture exploring the rich history of tavern life in early Connecticut. Begin your evening by grabbing a pint or a hot buttered rum in the Gris Tap Room before settling into the Covered Bridge Dining Room for this engaging presentation. We recommend arriving by 4:30 PM to allow time for parking and a visit to the bar before the program begins. Registration required NOTE: If you would like to stay for dinner […]

    Free

  • Essex Celebrates America 250 Gala

    Essex Steam Train One Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT, United States

    Join us for a night that honors where we’ve been—and where we’re going. The Essex 250 Gala will be held April 18 from 7–10 PM at the historic Essex Steam Train. • A celebration of America at 250 • Dancing, music, and community spirit • Creative attire encouraged—Past, Present, or Future. Period dress welcome. Black Tie optional. An evening rooted in history and brought to life by Essex. Get your tickets today! Click here to purchase  

    $125

  • Connecticut Spring Boat Show 2026

    Safe Harbor Essex Island 11 Ferry Street, Essex, CT, United States

    For the 10th year, the Connecticut Spring Boat Show returns to historic Essex, uniting boaters, builders, and marine businesses along the Connecticut River—set within a town celebrating 250 years and honoring the past, present, and future of boating.  Please click for tickets:  https://www.windcheckmagazine.com/shop/ The 2025 Show featured 70 boats on display and over 50 exhibitors. Together with our sponsors and 2,000+ attendees, we raised over $17,000 for Sails Up 4 Cancer. While weather dampened some of the action planned for the five bands on the docket, 2026 promises even more—with expanded performance and exhibit areas and an even larger lineup of boats. This is a rain or shine event. Children 13 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult; please be sure to select a Children’s ticket when purchasing online. Each ticket/bracelet provides entrance for all three days. The show is produced by WindCheck Magazine and hosted by Safe Harbor Essex Island. 2025 sponsors include Essex Boat Works, Maritime Insurance International, Surfridge Brewing Co., Mohegan Sun Casino, Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA), Risk Strategies/Gowrie Group, The Griswold Inn, The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Experience Essex, and Saybrook Point Resort & Marina.

  • EAA Spring Open Show Opening Reception

    The Essex Art Association 10 N Main Street, Essex, CT, United States

    Please join us at 6 pm on Friday, April 24th, for the EAA Spring Open Show juried by Eddie Hall, along with Alex Wetmore's solo show in the Gantner Gallery. Award presentation at 7 pm. We are located on 10 North Main Street in Essex, CT. Gallery hours are Wednesdays thru Sundays from 1 to 5 pm starting April 17th. Admission is free!

    FREE

  • Connecticut Spring Boat Show 2026

    Safe Harbor Essex Island 11 Ferry Street, Essex, CT, United States

    For the 10th year, the Connecticut Spring Boat Show returns to historic Essex, uniting boaters, builders, and marine businesses along the Connecticut River—set within a town celebrating 250 years and honoring the past, present, and future of boating.  Please click for tickets:  https://www.windcheckmagazine.com/shop/ The 2025 Show featured 70 boats on display and over 50 exhibitors. Together with our sponsors and 2,000+ attendees, we raised over $17,000 for Sails Up 4 Cancer. While weather dampened some of the action planned for the five bands on the docket, 2026 promises even more—with expanded performance and exhibit areas and an even larger lineup of boats. This is a rain or shine event. Children 13 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult; please be sure to select a Children’s ticket when purchasing online. Each ticket/bracelet provides entrance for all three days. The show is produced by WindCheck Magazine and hosted by Safe Harbor Essex Island. 2025 sponsors include Essex Boat Works, Maritime Insurance International, Surfridge Brewing Co., Mohegan Sun Casino, Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA), Risk Strategies/Gowrie Group, The Griswold Inn, The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Experience Essex, and Saybrook Point Resort & Marina.

  • Connecticut Spring Boat Show 2026

    Safe Harbor Essex Island 11 Ferry Street, Essex, CT, United States

    For the 10th year, the Connecticut Spring Boat Show returns to historic Essex, uniting boaters, builders, and marine businesses along the Connecticut River—set within a town celebrating 250 years and honoring the past, present, and future of boating.  Please click for tickets:  https://www.windcheckmagazine.com/shop/ The 2025 Show featured 70 boats on display and over 50 exhibitors. Together with our sponsors and 2,000+ attendees, we raised over $17,000 for Sails Up 4 Cancer. While weather dampened some of the action planned for the five bands on the docket, 2026 promises even more—with expanded performance and exhibit areas and an even larger lineup of boats. This is a rain or shine event. Children 13 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult; please be sure to select a Children’s ticket when purchasing online. Each ticket/bracelet provides entrance for all three days. The show is produced by WindCheck Magazine and hosted by Safe Harbor Essex Island. 2025 sponsors include Essex Boat Works, Maritime Insurance International, Surfridge Brewing Co., Mohegan Sun Casino, Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA), Risk Strategies/Gowrie Group, The Griswold Inn, The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Experience Essex, and Saybrook Point Resort & Marina.