Tag: family events

Mystic Seaport Museum Hosts JAWSFest in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of JAWS

Post author By Sherri Ramella
Post date June 17, 2025

Mystic, CT — June 17, 2025 — Dive into the deep this summer at Mystic Seaport Museum as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary thriller, JAWS! Islanders, tourists, and locals alike are invited to join us for JAWSFest, a day-long celebration of the classic movie, culminating in an evening of live music, local food, and an outdoor screening of the original JAWS film under the stars.

Date: Saturday, July 5
Time: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Tickets: One general admission ticket covers all daytime and evening programming!

Activities and programming 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:

Meet the Experts: Hear a panel of shark scientists from the Atlantic Shark Institute and Atlantic White Shark Conservancy discuss their research.
Exclusive Screening: Watch the pre-premiere of National Geographic’s “JAWS @ 50”: The Definitive Inside Story with opening remarks and Q&A by Wendy Benchley, renowned public speaker, ocean advocate, and wife of the late Peter Benchley, author of JAWS.

Behind the Scenes of Shark Week: Listen to a talk by Joe Romiero, award-winning cinematographer and naturalist who specializes in shark behavior and research, on his work with the Discovery Network’s Shark Week.

“From Junkyard to Museum”: NPR’s Cory Turner shares The Unlikely Journey of the Last JAWS Shark

Explore the Living Sharks Museum Pop-Up Exhibit: This JAWS Anniversary Exhibition tent will feature original artifacts and memorabilia from 1975, with curator Keith Cowley sharing knowledge on the film’s impact and the evolution of our relationship with sharks over the past 50 years.

Family-Friendly Fun: Enjoy story time, shark-themed crafts, face painting (12:00–3:00), and unforgettable photo ops with a 25-foot inflatable shark and an anti-shark cage!

Water Rescues: Watch Newfoundland dogs perform live water rescues in a display of aquatic teamwork.

Stop by the Narragansett Beer tent on the Village Green and interact with local shark conservation organizations.

Evening Programming on the Village Green, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Live Music, Lawn Games, and Concessions

Outdoor Screening of JAWS: Cap off the night with an outdoor showing of the movie that started it all, introduced by special guest Wendy Benchley.

It’s gonna be JAWS-ome!

This unique event promises to thrill fans of all ages, educate curious minds, and honor the legacy of a film that left an indelible mark on pop culture and ocean awareness. General admission will cover both daytime and evening programming. Spend the whole day with us, or come back for the evening events, all for one special JAWSFest price.

For tickets and more information visit mysticseaport.org/jawsfest.

Tags family events, festival, jaws, movie

News Press Releases

Mystic Seaport Museum Announces Exciting Lineup of Activities, Events, and Exhibitions in June!

Post author By Sherri Ramella
Post date May 29, 2025

Mystic Seaport Museum Announces Exciting Lineup of Activities, Events, and Exhibitions in June!

Mystic, Conn. (May 29, 2025) – This summer, Mystic Seaport Museum invites visitors of all ages to explore, connect, and discover their sea story at the nation’s largest maritime museum. Rooted in the belief that the sea connects us all, the Museum offers an enriching lineup of events, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences designed to inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.

From daily water excursions and historic demonstrations to family-friendly exhibits and live performances, the Museum’s 2025 summer season is filled with opportunities to engage with New England’s maritime heritage and spend quality time with your family and friends.

Ongoing Daily Activities Include:

Summer of the Morgan: special activities onboard the Charles W. Morgan, scavenger hunt and activity booklet, storytelling, photo opportunities, Moby-Dick marathon, and the Morgan’s 184th birthday celebration on July 19 and 20.

Get out on the Water: Rowboats, pedal boats, and sailboats from the Boathouse, and captained cruises aboard the National Historic Landmark vessel Sabino.

Seaport Village Games and Demonstrations: Traditional trade demonstrations, historical storytelling, and interactive learning throughout the Seaport Village.

Family Fun: Discovery activities at the Funk Children’s Museum, Toy Boat Workshop, Discovery Barn, and ships playscape. Daily educational and immersive shows in the Treworgy Planetarium.

World-class Exhibitions: Powerful exhibitions explore the maritime histories in Indigenous, African, and African-descended worldviews and experiences; the local commercial fishing industry and regional connections; the history and lasting impact of whaling in our newest exhibition Monstrous: Whaling and Its Colossal Impact; and more.

The Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard: Traditional shipbuilding techniques are kept alive as skilled shipwrights maintain historic wooden vessels.

The Summer Activity Schedule: Look for an array of games, tours, music, performances, storytelling, and demonstrations all summer!

June Highlights:

Newfoundland Dog Water Rescue Demonstrations, June 8 and 22
Witness trained Newfoundland dogs showcase their remarkable water rescue skills in partnership with the Land & Sea Newfoundland Training Group.

Mystic Seaport Ship Modelers Model Train Show, June 12–15
Explore a detailed 1:48 scale On30 modular railroad inspired by New England’s coastal rail history, “the Narragansett Bay Railway & Navigation Co.”

Father’s Day Weekend Festivities, June 14–15
Enjoy the Revolutionary War Encampment on Saturday, and on Sunday, relax by the river with live music. All weekend, visit the model train show, take a ride in a vintage Model A truck, get out on the water, and give dad a special Father’s Day card from the Print Shop.

Revolutionary War Encampment, June 14
Step into 18th-century life with reenactors from Connecticut regiments. Activities include demonstrations of historical medical practices, trades, and shipboard life, culminating in a celebratory parade at 3:30 p.m. as news of the signing of the Declaration of Independence reaches the seaport!

New London Big Band Father’s Day Concert, June 15 at 2:00 p.m.
A live performance by Sean Nelson’s 17-piece jazz orchestra. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of upbeat jazz and swing classics. Concert is included with Museum admission and free for Members.

Juneteenth Commemoration Ceremony, June 19 at 3:00 p.m.
Join the Museum in honoring Juneteenth with poetry by Rhonda Ward, a presentation by historian John Mills, and music by the Niantic Community Church Gospel Choir.

WoodenBoat Show, June 27–29
Hosted in partnership with WoodenBoat Publications, this annual event features over 100 traditional and classic wooden boats of every type, from handcrafted kayaks to mahogany runabouts, and classic daysailers to schooners, along with expert demonstrations and vendors. One-day and three-day passes available. Free for Museum Members.

Small Craft Workshop, June 27–29
In collaboration with the Traditional Small Craft Association, the John Gardner Small Craft Workshop offers skills demonstrations and free boat rentals during the WoodenBoat Show.

After-hours Music Series, Fridays through August (excludes July 4)

Enjoy live music at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern overlooking the Charles W. Morgan and the beautiful Mystic River.

Mystic Seaport Museum is open daily with activities and programs suitable for all ages. Whether you’re sailing on a historic vessel, participating in living history, or simply enjoying the scenic waterfront, there’s something for everyone to discover this summer.

For tickets, a full calendar of events, and the latest updates, visit: www.mysticseaport.org.

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

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Tags Exhibit, exhibition, family events, father's day, get out on the water, henry b du pont shipyard, Juneteenth, live music, museum news, outdoor concerts, wooden boat show

Press Releases

MYSTIC SEAPORT MUSEUM PARTNERS WITH WESTERLY SOUND ON NEW MUSIC SERIES

Post author By Sophia Matsas
Post date September 21, 2022

Mystic, Conn. (September 20, 2022) – Mystic Seaport Museum has launched a creative partnership with event production agency Westerly Sound, founded by nationally-recognized artist, musician and Westerly resident, Sean W. Spellman. The new collaboration seeks to expand the current live music programming at the Museum, providing visitors with diverse performances from musicians and bands from around the country. The new partnership is discussing a monthly music series as well as a potential multi-day music festival on the Museum’s 19-acre campus sometime in the future.

The kickoff event, dubbed “Mystic Folkways,” will happen as part of the Museum’s 3-day Riverfest celebration happening October 8, 9, and 10. Mystic Folkways (presented by Westerly Sound) will take place on Sunday, October 9 and feature a number of national and regional acts, as well as notable locals. The lineup includes Deer Tick (acoustic), Ian Felice (Felice Brothers), Martin Courtney (Real Estate), Nick Panken (Spirit Family Reunion), Tim Easton, James Maple, Karl Blau, The Can Kickers, Wildflower, and Sol/Rio Family Band. The event will run 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Sean brings a ton of experience, creativity, energy and vision to this partnership, as well as a deep appreciation for the Museum’s unique location and long tradition of offering affordable, family-friendly entertainment.” says Kevin O’Leary, VP of Marketing & Business Development for Mystic Seaport Museum. “The whole area around Mystic is really buzzing, the state is enjoying live music more than ever, it’s the right time and place for a partnership like this.”

“Kevin’s vision for growing the Museums live music programming is something we immediately connected on” Spellman says. “I’m super excited to work with him and the rest of the staff there to do some really cool things at such a unique location. It’s an incredibly valuable cultural asset to our community and I’m grateful to be a part of it, and to work alongside a person with equal passion and understanding of the positive role music can play in bringing people together.”

All shows are included with the Museum’s general admission and free for current Museum members. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at www.mysticseaport.org.

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Media Contact

Sophia Matsas
Director of Marketing & Communications
Mystic Seaport Museum
860.572.5317 (o)
sophia.matsas@mysticseaport.org

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

About Westerly Sound

Westerly Sound is an ongoing series of cultural events programmed in and around the coastal community of Westerly, RI, midway between New York City and Boston. Each with a music component, Westerly Sound presents art, food, film and concert events in unique spaces throughout Westerly and surrounding areas. Curated by Sean W Spellman, and first introduced as the United Folk Festival in July ‘17, Westerly Sound has grown to include a diverse lineup of artists in a constantly evolving series of locations…from music venues and historic buildings, to public parks and small studios. It has brought nationally recognized artists and musicians to the Westerly area and hopes to continue to do so in an attempt to support a creative community by promoting diverse cultural events of quality and recognition, open to people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy. For more information, please visit westerlysound.org and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Tags fall happenings, family events, museum news, music festival, mystic folkways

News

Labor Day Weekend at the Museum!

Post author By Mystic Seaport Museum
Post date September 1, 2021

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Mystic Seaport Museum with a Panorama Festival

The weather looks great for Labor Day weekend, and we are ready to celebrate the end of an amazing summer with our Panorama Festival, which runs from Saturday, September 4^th – Monday, September 6^th.

This adventure-packed event celebrates cultural diversity and will feature hands-on activities for kids and adults as well as food trucks, live music, dancing, crafts, demonstrations, and more. From the Azores to West Africa, and Brazil to Hawaii, visitors will experience different cultural activities and cuisine from around the world.

The festival is centered around a 1275-foot-long painting, A Spectacle in Motion: The Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage ‘Round the World, which details the fascinating voyage of a typical mid-19th century New Bedford whaleship on its journey ‘round the world’ in pursuit of whales. Along the way, it depicts scenes (some from the artists’ experiences, some historic, and some imagined) in such far-flung places as the Azores, Cape Verde, Brazil, Tahiti, and Hawaii. People, places, vessels, wildlife, and events spring to life as they were seen from a 19th-century perspective. The painting is being shown in sections in an exhibition at the Museum, which runs through March 2022.

Among the highlights of this event is an authentic Hula Demonstration by the Kaiholunuie Polynesian Dance Company (KPDC). Their performance company consists of a thriving multicultural group who come together as extended ohana (family), to teach the art of, and deeper meanings of the hula, as well as other forms of Polynesian dance. Their performance will be on Saturday from 3 – 3:45 p.m. and includes audience participation.

For the sea-chantey-loving crowd, the cast of the hit Off-Broadway musical comedy The Imbible: Rum and Pirates will perform a selection of sea chanteys and nautical songs on Monday from 2:30 -3 p.m. to provide a unique a cappella soundtrack to The Grand Panorama voyage.

Those who enjoy food trucks and authentic cuisine from around the world will be happy to feast on eats from Merengue & Reds (Dominican), Suya (Nigerian), Captain Scott’s (local seafood), Go Truck Yourself (Peruvian), and Hometown Poke (Hawaiian).

The Mystic Seaport Museum is happy to present this event and all its accompanying activities as part of the Museum admission, with no extra cost. It will also be the last weekend to take advantage of Connecticut’s Summer at the Museum program, where all Connecticut children and one accompanying adult are admitted free of charge. Hope to see you there!

Tags ct kids free, cultural events, family events, food trucks, labor day weekend, live music, panorama festival, the grand panorama, weekend, whaling voyage

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