Connecticut River Museum

Sea Lamprey have a bad reputation: they invaded the Great Lakes in the mid-1800s, they suck the blood of other fish, and many consider their appearance to be off-putting. But these parasitic creatures are not all that they seem. Sea Lamprey play an important and under-recognized role in the Connecticut River ecosystem, providing food for other river species and bringing in vital nutrients from the ocean. Join Steve Gephard for a talk that dissects these misunderstood fish and challenges our ideas of which species are “good” and worthy of our appreciation. As a Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection fisheries biologist, Steve Gephard worked tirelessly for 42years to restore a viable population of Atlantic salmon and other migratory fishes in the Connecticut River. Now, he educates the public about the role fish play in the ecosystem and works with governments in North America and Europe to conserve salmon populations in the North Atlantic.

Join us aboard RiverQuest and Onrust for a magical evening on the Connecticut River to witness the incredible Tree Swallow phenomenon. Each night at sunset, hundreds of thousands of Tree Swallows gather and perform stunning aerial ballets before settling into the reeds for the night. Enjoy over two hours on the water, taking in the breathtaking scenery and the unique show the swallows create. This small group experience offers a special, ever-changing glimpse into the river’s natural wonders.

With generous support from The Petit Family Foundation, the Connecticut River Museum is pleased to provide sensory friendly items including bean bag chairs, noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys available for this special one-hour program. Exhibits with loud noises and/or bright lights are modified to allow people with a range of abilities to experience all the Museum has to offer. A designated quiet room is set up for the duration of the event to allow visitors to decompress, take a break, and experience the Museum at their own pace.