TRHP Lecture Series • Mariners, Patriotism and Revolution: Tars on the Thames
Thames River Heritage Park Foundation, New London County Historical Society and Lyman Allyn Art Museum are pleased to present 2025 Lecture Series – Seeds of Revolution. Come explore events that seeded discontent and sparked the American Revolution and influenced the history of the Thames and beyond.
Mariners, Patriotism & Revolution: Tars on the Thames
by Steve Manuel, Executive Director, New London County Historical Society
November of 1775: The Continental Congress President John Hancock requested the Connecticut ship Minerva from Governor Jonathan Trumbull for mission. Minerva was to go to sea and capture two munition ships sailing from Liverpool to Halifax. On the eve of departure, the crew of Minerva refused to sail. All crewmen were released and were never to be allowed to sail on another Continental or Connecticut ship. The mariners were indifferent to this punishment. Join us as Steve Manuel discusses the complex social structure and political motivations of mariners in Southeastern Connecticut in 1775.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 29
Time: 6 PM reception | 7 PM lecture
Cost: Purchase your ticket here on the Thames River Heritage Park website (see pricing structure below)
Location: Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Regular Pricing
TRHP + LAAM Members – $20
Non-members – $25
Early Bird
TRHP + LAAM Members Early Bird* – $15
Non-member Early Bird* – $20
*Early bird rate is valid through January 22, 2025.
Presenter Bio
Steve Manuel, Executive Director of New London County Historical Society, loves maritime history. His 30-year love affair with history began while serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Constitution. He has B.S. in wildlife biology and B.A. in history from UMass along with a M.A. in world history and a certificate in public history from Northeastern University. Steve’s academic research explored the expedition and the impact of the maritime community on the professionalization of science. His professional work during this period included the Special Collections and Archives Department at the W.E.B Dubois Library and the archives at Saint Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, MA. In addition, Steve curated the Seward Natural History Collection at Connecticut’s Old State House and created digital programing for three outdoor trails at Old Sturbridge Village. Under Steve’s leadership at the New London County Historical Society, the organization pioneered a new summer education program for the low-income families of New London County, organized its collection of historical artifacts, and initiated an internship program which attracts students from across the country. A sought-after speaker and author, Steve has presented numerous lectures and written articles on topics such as Benedict Arnold, the HMS Resolute, Henry Burbeck, the Privateer General Israel Putnam.