This is a fun spot to kill an hour or so. It's priced decently at $15 per adult, and kids under 6 are free. The history and submarine are cool, but what really stood out was the train exhibit on the top floor. Just a super cool and detailed train set. Very fun for younger kids! read more

We recently visited the Connecticut River Museum. I had learned that a ship that my great-great grandfather emigrated on was built in the shipyards near Essex, Ct. Wanting to learn more about the shipping history of the area we stopped in to the museum. It is packed with three floors of ship building and shipping history. The staff was excellent and helpful, and we learned so much about the history of the area. There is a replica of the "turtle" considered to be the first submarine and the history of wars and British ships in the harbors. Some exhibits are interactive. On our visit the third floor covered the history of boat racing on the river which was fascinating. We were thrilled with what we learned and saw. The museum is very well done. There is plenty of parking and it sits right on the water. Definitely worth the visit if you are in the area. read more

Connecticut River Museum - Museum Building and Entrance. - Museums Near Me - Essex, Connecticut

Had a wonderful day sailing on the Connecticut River on this wonderful piece of history, the OnRust! The crew were wonderful hosts and sailors for a very pacted trip and met all challenges of sailing this 16th century vessel with ease and grace. Wind came and went resulting in fluffed sails at times, and they did their best to keep it to the era! Do not miss the historic gem right there at Essex read more

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Great little museum with a lot of history. Went here on a day off, and absolutely loved it. I'm a student and didn't have my ID on me for the discount, but the worker at the front gave me a discount anyways and told me some history about the place. Would definitely come back read more

This review is strictly about the CONNECTICUT RIVER CRUISE offered aboard the historic Mary E, a 75-foot schooner built in 1906. The dock is located right outside the museum. Three excursions are offered daily between May and October (weather permitting) and include free admission to Museum exhibits and galleries. The departures at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm are 1.5 hour cruises. The departure at 5:30 pm (the sunset cruise) is longer at 2 hours. The cruise along the river is so peaceful and relaxing that it's perfect for a picnic. While gliding along the river, the captain and crew provide some interesting tidbits about the schooner, the area and the river's history. As much as possible the sails are used to maneuver the river, but the schooner also comes with a motor. I think the captain said something about there being more wind earlier in the day (there's some scientific reason) so the sails are used more on the earlier cruises. I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise! The waters are calm so I think it's doable for those who might otherwise get seasick. The captain and crew are very knowledgeable and are also entertaining. Please remember to tip! Come early to browse the shops in this cute area and to check out the Museum. About an hour drive from New Haven. read more

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If you're planning a trip to the museum take advantage of the river excursion and museum package. Regular admission is $8 for adults but with the package you play $26 for the museum visit and a 1.5 hr cruise on the Mary E. The hours for the cruises are 1:30 pm to 3:30pm. At sunset the 2hr sail is $30 /person. We didn't get a chance to go out on the boat because there was a rainstorm but the museum was interesting. It's not a huge place, we were able to navigate the entire museum (all 3 floors) in less than an hour. The museum is appropriate for 5th graders as many of the exhibits cover what is taught in 5th grade History. I enjoyed walking around the area. There were lots of antique shops. Most of the shops are reasonable priced. I would go back but on a sunny day and spend time in the restaurants around the area. Gorgeous view! read more

Connecticut River Museum - The Turtle - Museums Near Me - Essex, Connecticut

What a nice little museum. I just went this weekend and unfortunately part of the museum is under construction due to a fire. The museum was free but donations were encouraged. They were very friendly, informative and helpful. I hope to return when the fire damaged areas have been repaired. It was very informative and as the other poster stated it dealt with the War of 1812 and the Revolutionary War. read more

Connecticut River Museum - Museums Near Me - Essex, Connecticut

Lots of fun on the Onrust sailing ship. We boarded for the evening cruise and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure! Seeing the Swallows swarm toan island at sunset was amazing! read more

this place is great. it has three floors of exhibits. the third floor is my favorite. it is the paranormal and the spooky. the first floor has some revolutionary war stuff. the second floor has some models of ships. and the Connecticut river is right out front. admission is ten dollars. but they do have a senior citizen discount. they take two dollars off. I spent a hour in the wonderful place. they also have recordings you can listen to on various topics. read more

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The Connecticut River Museum is located at the end of Main St., right on the Ct. River. It has 3 floors with different exhibits that change from time to time. Many artifacts, maps, paintings and crafts are displayed in the museum and the exhibitions frequently have a nautical and regional historic theme. Subjects like the role of Essex in the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812 or stream power on the Connecticut River are typical of what you can expect. The third floor usually is reserved for train displays and some extremely impressive historic models of not only trains but entire towns are shown. Of course a small gift store with some nice books and shirts is located within the museum. During the Essex Eagle Festival the museum is a convenient place to warm up and take in the history of the region. Not the largest museum in the world but a great one for anyone interesting in the nautical history of the region. read more

0 stars! The staff and manager here are pretentious jerks. I got a free pass from my library to visit this local spot. I left my bag in the car about 1/2 mile away, because parking was scarce, and so that I could have a nice walk unencumbered. Arriving at the front desk, I was ignored. I stood patiently looking around and waiting while two ladies had a nice little conversation about cucumber sandwiches and croquet (or some such nonsense, but, you get my point) so after being ignored for five minutes I finally said "hi." I got the look of disdain that can only come from disgruntled staff being reminded that they actually must do a job. So I presented my free library pass. They said the pass was no longer valid and curtly handed it back to me. No apology, no eye contact. I pointed out the date on the pass was still valid. They said that was irrelevant, they no longer accepted the free library passes regardless of the valid dates on the pass. I told them how I didn't have my bag or anything with me, had parked 1/2 mile away, and that it was perplexing that they would decide to no longer accept a pass that I had picked up from The library that very morning. I got the cold hard stare of disdain for the poor, a look that only the very rich New England wasp is master of. (By the way, It was mid-day midweek on a school week, in the dead of winter, so the museum was empty) still I was turned away without even a nod of apology. Outside I saw three men working on signage. One seemed in charge. "Do you work here?" I asked and yes the gentleman was in fact in charge of the place. (Director? Manager?) He echoed the staffs couldn't care less attitude about the pass. I expressed understanding that they changed their policy, but, that his staff could have handled the situation in a more courteous manner. He shrugged his shoulders and not one single f*ck was given. Come here and get a taste of charming Essex Ct, where uptight old money families huddle together in he safe glow of their own kind. read more

The Museum is three floors, and it took us an hour and change to see everything. A highlight was the replica of a Revolutionary-era wooden submarine (America's first), which was invented in neighboring Westbrook. I also really liked the aerial photography of the river that lines the walls of the museum's staircase, as well as the third floor exhibit of WPA art depicting life on the river during the Depression. Adult admission is $9, and there is a $1 AAA discount that I don't think is advertised on the museum's website. The museum is located right on the river, and there are great views from the property. It's also within walking distance of the Griswold Inn and the downtown historic district, so we left our car in the museum lot to check out all the historic homes (and get ice cream). read more

My friends and I were exploring this part of Connecticut one Saturday, and we asked our GPS to find points of interest. It gave us the CT River Museum, and it sounded interesting enough to check out. It's a small museum, mainly dedicated to the raid on Essex during the Revolutionary war, the prototype submarine built during the same period and the other vessels in use. There's also information on the history of the CT River, as well a rotating exhibit on the third floor. It's worth the small fee to check it out if you're in the area. They also offer a cruise up the river on a period sailing ship, though we didn't take part, I overheard several visitors saying how much they had enjoyed their trips in the past. read more

Small, but interesting museum documenting the past and future of the Connecticut River from the time that the white folks moved in and took over. My 8- and 12-year old kids were done after about an hour, and they're definitely at the patient end of the spectrum, so I wouldn't recommend most of the museum for the wiggliest ones. However, there are also TRAINS on the third floor. A huge, beautiful model train layout with lots of memorabilia will add a half hour to a visit with any kids, regardless of age. I would have liked to see more about the natural history of the river valley and more about the pre-Columbian human history, but still worth the half hour's drive from Portland. read more

Really nice little museum. Interesting things about the river and a lot about the Revolutionary War period of Essex. Replica of the first submarine. During the winter they have an impressive model train exhibit that adults and especially children will love. Unfortunately the artist chose to hide a racially offensive, conservative anti-ObamaCare sign in the exhibit. There's no call for that and it marred my visit. read more

Connecticut River Museum - Out the second floor window - Museums Near Me - Essex, Connecticut

We visited the museum last week and curator Heklen Davis could not have been more welcoming and helpful. She gave us tips for touring the museum, including a path that would have us circumvent a school group then double back to that area. And she told us about a Connecticutt River schooner, the Mary E, that would do a two-hour sunset tour. It was $35 each, but that included a free admission to the museum (normally $8). We couldn't pass that up! We really liked the museum, and loved the schooner trip. I even help hoist a sail! Great experience. Thanks, Helen! read more

So maybe I didn't necessarily go IN the museum... but I just had to tell people what a great time the Mary E. sunset tour was! The Mary E. is an old schooner ship w/ a 3- man crew, that holds about 25 ppl max. They offer a sunset sail from the CT River Museum. Its a 2hr tour at $30/person. Bonus is you get to bring a picnic and enjoy the views with a little history lesson. I enjoyed this with my family while eating munchies and sipping on margaritas. read more

It was ok i wouldnt pay full price to visit. Definitely an older child to adult type thing. Not my fave i probably wont go again.

Sunset River Cruise This has to be the most wonderful sailing cruise on the Mary E along the lower Connecticut River. The captain and crew were very knowledgeable and we all enjoyed some shanty songs along the way. A bit of history was given of the area and there was a light wind blowing. The sails were set and the motor turned off so everyone could experience the serenity of this wonderful sunset cruise. This two hour voyage is something you must do if you are ever in Essex, CT. The River Museum takes reservations. This cruise was sold out so plan ahead! read more

What a beautiful location for any special event! We were attending a good friends wedding and the reception was held on site under an enclosed tent. The setting for the wedding overlooks the water with numerous sail and motor boats passing by offering a great sunset. Drinks and appetizers were had on the dock which was a really nice touch! It is centrally located to the center as well as being only 10 min from where we stayed at the comfort inn Look forward to another event at the museum! read more

What an incredible day. Went on a guided kayak paddle ($5 for non members) and the museum notwithstanding, you can bring your own kayak/canoe and have an incredible time. Wow! the guide has advanced knowledge about the geography, animals (bald eagles), and native grasses of the river. Really loved it! (Can you tell?) But more importantly, it was a great combination of light physical activity, education, and local awareness. If you live nearby or visit to this area, you must try this. REALLY! They have summer day camp for kids 12 and under, and 2x daily boat/schooner cruises in late spring, summer, and early fall. Eagle boat tours in the winter. The place is fun. Not the Museum of Natural History in NY, but doesn't plan to be either. Definitely a local "go to" stop. read more

Fun place and nice staff！It was our first time visiting Essex and we were very unfamiliar with the surroundings. The lady at the front desk was patient and friendly and introduced to us not only about the museum，but also the nice places and restaurants to visit. The exibition on the third floor was fun. I would recommand this cute unique place to my friends！ read more

If you're in the area this is a wonderful and educational museum. The staff is very knowledgeable about the museum and local area. We've been going here for years - it's that good! read more

Toured the museum for an hour while waiting for the Mary E to return from her first sail of the day. The museum was extremely interesting & the aerial photography exhibit on the third floor was particularly exceptional. The staff was very informative and helpful. Sailed aboard the Mary E on her second outing of the day. The weather was perfect, and the crew was able to deliver a detailed commentary not only on the history of the Mary E, but also of the Connecticut River and its significance to commerce and naval history in North America. It was not only informative but entertaining as well. I would recommend a trip to the Connecticut River Museum & don't miss the sail on the Mary E! read more

A hidden gem of a museum. The docent was interesting, knowledgeable and accommodating. Such a pleasant afternoon spent in the museum. We had the fun of back g the museum pup, Miso, great us and look out some Windows with us. Can't wait to bring our grandson to meet Miso. read more

This is a small gem of a museum located in the former steamboat wharf building at the end of the road in Essex. Exhibits highlight the CT river and the British burning of Essex during the War of 1812, but the star of the show are the 2 replicas (one a full scale working model that's been in the water with an operator) of the Turtle, the first known submarine vessel invented during the Revolutionary War in what turned out to be an unsuccessful small foil to the uncontested, dominants Royal Navy. This museum has great expansion potential, especially as it relates to the varied aspects of the Connecticut River as a habitat for human settlement, a transport corridor that fueled trade and as a geologic wonder. I would hope that this place evolves and grows over time as there's much more that could be explored. read more

A fun and unique little museum. Parking was ample and it was easy to find. The galleries and exhibits were interesting and both my wife and children enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Essex. read more

A lovely small museum which gives a good picture of the history of the CT River, which now seems so quiet but which was once a very bustling waterway. We also took advantage of the Mary E. schooner trip offered three times a day from the museum, which was a real treat (times are 1:30, 3:30 and sunset). The crew was very knowledgeable, and we got a great insight into life and wildlife along the river. The schooner ticket includes museum admission. read more

8/19/11 We took our sailing friends from Wappinger Falls, NY to the museum before dinner at the Black Seal. The museum was wonderful! It has such a complete history of the Connecticut River & the museum staff was enthusiastic. She encouraged our decision to take the sail excursion aboard the 1906 sailing schooner Mary E. Our entire "crew of paying customers" enjoyed acting as real crew. My husband took great pride at the helm, others took the lines to hoist the sails and others furled the mainsail coming back to dock. The Mary E's captain and two mates not only were the working seamen, but also gave us an oral history of the ship and photos or her restoration. As the captain suggested, I want to go sailing on other restored schooners and the Mary E again...Linda read more

We just held our son's wedding rehearsal dinner at CRM on 9/8 and it was a magical evening! Michelle Porter, Events Coordinator, did an excellent job working with us and our various vendors. Our guest were blown away with the venue and the service and everyone had an amazing time. I would highly recommend this as an event venue!! read more

I had a blast on the 1906 wooden schooner the Mary E! I've been several times - the sunset cruize is a two hour vacation!

Great informative museum about the commercial and political history of the river. As a passing note don't forget to see the see the first wooden submarine. The exhibits also give passing mention of areas of MA and Vermont where the river runs. While not a destination trip to me the museum is well worth a visit if one is in the area. Unlike one Yelp reviewer's experience the staff woman at the desk yesterday was very friendly and informative . Outdoor benches are provided by the river if you would like to linger and enjoy the view. read more

We visited Essex yesterday, 7/17 to today and while there went to the Connecticut River Museum and went on the Mary E Schooner Sunset Cruise. I normally get a little seasick when on a boat, but was pleasantly surprised that on this cruise, I felt nothing! It says on their website that you can bring a picnic on board, but the seating is a bit random, so eating a normal picnic supper might be a bit hard. Munchies and drinks would be a better choice. The cruise is very peaceful and picturesque. The crew is informative and very friendly. If you are lucky enough to have great weather as we did, the sunset is absolutely amazing! Would recommend this cruise to anyone looking to have a relaxing experience with great views and hopefully a great sunset to enjoy! read more

We expected the museum to primarily focus on the mouth of the river, and local history. As it turned out, it covers from where it begins in northern NH, until it empties into the sea. Having lived in and visited many of the cities, towns and villages along the banks of the river we found it fascinating and spent a significant amount of time wandering the exhibits learning new things about familiar places. The "first submarine" exhibit was interesting. You could feel what it would have been like to be manning it. It is well worth a visit. read more

What a great resource! The museum and the schooner ride on the Mary E are a great way to experience the geography, culture, and history of the CT River. The exhibits in the museum provide a broad view of people and environment. The cruise on the Mary E was pleasant as a passenger; but, it gave a real insight into the age of sail and the work/knowledge/wisdom required to sail a schooner. read more

This review is in response to some excellent customer service I received from the museum (though I have not actually visited the museum). I live out of town, and wanted to purchase tickets for the museum and the Schooner trip for my father, who lives near the museum. Tickets were not available for purchase online, so I contacted the museum for help. I was contact by an extremely helpful woman named Helen, who spent 15 minutes on the phone with me creating a custom gift certificate for my father. She mailed the gift certificate and a brochure about the museum/boat ride to me so that I could in turn mail it to my father so he'd have something to "open" on his birthday. I could tell this was not an every day occurrence for the museum, but Helen handled it like a champion. Great customer service, and clearly very willing to work with special requests. read more