Seaport Association Receives Funding from CT Humanities For Connecticut Summer @ the Museum

 

The Seaport Association was awarded a grant from CT Humanities for participating in Connecticut Summer at the Museum 2022 initiative. This program invites Connecticut children ages 18 and under plus one accompanying Connecticut resident adult to visit participating museums free of charge from July 1 through September 5, 2022. Funding for the initiative is provided by the CT General Assembly, with the support of Connecticut Humanities, the Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the federal ARPA. 

“We are very proud to be among the grant recipients,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association. “This infusion of funding will help us achieve our mission of education by introducing children from Connecticut, 18 years old and younger to our historic lighthouse and its maritime history that is such an important part of Connecticut’s cultural heritage. We are looking forward to sharing this experience with families from Connecticut this summer.” 

A day out on the water and a visit to Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a historic museum provides a special opportunity that can positively impact mental health, demonstrably improve learning outcomes among children and youth, and offer positive activities and outlets in many of the neighborhoods, towns, and cities that we serve. As children and students missed out on more than two years of group and school visits to our institutions as part of hands-on, interactive learning, the CT Summer at the Museum Program gives these children and students a chance to experience our maritime heritage and our historic lighthouse on Sheffield Island in Norwalk. 

The program, that the Seaport Association is participating in invites Connecticut children ages 18 and under plus one accompanying Connecticut resident adult to visit participating museums free of charge from July 1 through September 5, 2022. The Seaport Association is offering a three-hour cruise to Sheffield Island and Sheffield Island Lighthouse Museum as part of this program Tuesday- Sun @ 11 am and 3 pm from July 1 – September 5. Reservations must be made in advance online only. There is a limited number of tickets allocated for each day. To make reservations for a cruise to Sheffield Island Lighthouse Museum click here.   Tickets are subject to availability. Special events are excluded. Children will enjoy narrated tour on the way to the island and an hour or so of picnicking on the beach or in the new wooden pavilion, touring the historic lighthouse, looking for shells on the beach, and taking a walk to the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge to view the colorful sea birds sheltered in the marshes and sandy shores of the island. If the day is clear, the New York City skyline can be seen. An added bonus is the telescope installed by the Seaport Association that is free to use and affords fabulous views of the Connecticut coastline. 

About the Seaport Association 

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage. 

About Connecticut Humanities CT Humanities

(CTH) is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs. CTH projects, administration, and program development are supported by state and federal matching funds, community foundations, and gifts from private sources. Learn more by visiting cthumanities.org. 

About Connecticut Office of the Arts 

The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is the state agency charged with fostering the health of Connecticut’s creative economy. Part of the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, the COA is funded by the State of Connecticut as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.

Norwalk Seaport Association Offers Sunset Cruises July, August, and September

Departing from Norwalk Harbor at the Seaport Dock located on 10 North Water Street in Norwalk, guests are in for a picture-perfect experience at sunset with the Norwalk Seaport Association. Imagine relaxing on comfortable seats and watching the stunning scenery of Long Island Sound glide by as you sip on your favorite glass of wine and nibble on the goodies that you have packed to bring aboard the vessel. 

This summer the Association is offering Sunset cruises Wednesday – Sunday from June to September. Sunset cruises depart at 6:30 p.m. and return at 8:30 p.m., just in time for a late-night snack at your favorite restaurant. On a sunset cruise time seems to slow down giving you the opportunity to unwind and toast the end of the day or celebrate the end of a busy week! A special perk of taking a sunset cruise is that it allows you to spend some quality time with whomever you are with. 

The friendly crew welcomes passengers as the Captain tells stories of merchants and sailors that have used this scenic waterway for centuries. Learn how Native Americans introduced oysters to English settlers and how captains of industry used this area to develop trade routes that went as far as the West Indies. The narrative gives a new understanding of Norwalk historically, and also reflects the importance of this scenic harbor today. 

As the vessel travels into Long Island Sound it will give passengers a close-up view of several of Norwalk’s islands and the beautiful homes that are built on them. The cruise also passes three historic lighthouses, Peck’s, Green Ledge, and, the maritime icon of Connecticut, Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Architecturally stunning the Sheffield Island Lighthouse is a perfect example of Victorian stone masonry. Green Ledge and Peck’s are fine examples of sparkplug lighthouses, of which only 33 remain in the United States. The view of these three lighthouses up close as the sun begins to set is magical. 

Guests will travel in safety and comfort with no more than 49 passengers on board the vessel owned by the Seaport Association. Passengers can eat, drink, and be merry on the sunset cruise because alcoholic beverages and snacks are allowed, just don’t forget to bring cups and openers! A sunset cruise is a magical time of day. The sky is filled with various hues of blue, yellow, pink, and orange making it a relaxing experience that is hard to forget. 

Sunset Cruise Schedule & Parking

The boat leaves from the dock on 10 North Water Street at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday evenings, June through September. The Seaport Dock is adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and North Water Streets. Parking is available in the adjacent lot or at the Maritime Center Parking Garage. For tickets visit http://www.seaport.org or call 203-838-9444. Sunset cruises are $33 per person. The boat sails promptly as scheduled so it is best to arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure to facilitate the boarding process.

What to Take On Our Harbor and Sheffield Island Cruises

One of the highlights of summer is getting out on Long Island Sound with the Norwalk Seaport Association. We offer a variety of on-the-water excursions from outer harbor cruises and sunset cruises to a journey to Sheffield Island Lighthouse where people can tour our ten-room historic lighthouse, have a picnic in our wooden pavilion, stroll along the beach, or hike in the adjoining Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.

Here are six tips on what to bring on one of the Norwalk Seaport Association's cruises so that you make the most out of your excursion.

1) Get A Marine Navigation App

If you like to know where you are going there are many helpful marine navigation apps that give you real-time animated weather radar on a background map that is easy to zoom in and out of. Many include short-term and long-term weather forecasting. For a reliable free marine app, download the NOAA Marine Weather app.

2) BYOB On A Sunset Cruise

We allow BYOB on our vessel, many people have enjoyed a glass of wine or a beer on our sunset cruises. Remember to bring a bottle opener and plastic cups, glass is not allowed on the boat. Pack a picnic of cheese, crackers, and fresh fruit to enjoy onboard. 

3.) Enjoy A Picnic on Sheffield Island

Sheffield Island is the perfect place for a picnic!  Sheffield Island's beach offers so many scenic nooks and crannies to enjoy a feast! Remember to bring a blanket if you want to dine al fresco on our beach and bug spray, just in case. If you prefer,  you can have a picnic in our open-air wooden pavilion that has picnic tables with picture-perfect waterfront views. 

For your picnic basket, make sure that your food is prepared or cooked ahead of time. If you are not bringing disposable forks and spoons, make sure that your goodies are finger-friendly. A knife can be one of the handiest tools in a picnic basket because you can spread condiments, slice fruit, or cut sandwiches.  Cold, plastic bottled beverages are a great option, they quench your thirst and act as extra icepacks to keep your food chilled. 

 Tuck a trash bag into your basket so everything makes it to a trash can or home with you.

4) Don't Forget Your Camera

Taking a cruise with the Norwalk Seaport Association is not only a scenic adventure, it is a memory for a scrapbook or family photo album, so make sure your phone is charged up or, bring your camera. 

If you are sticking to your phone, you might consider packing a portable charger to make sure you never run out of battery power. The Anker Power Cor+ Mini is a lipstick-sized portable charger that is compatible with iPhone Xs/XR, Android Smartphones, and more. To check out this charger click here.

5.) Take A Pair of Binoculars

Bird watching is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. On our cruises, passengers often see a number of birds and other wildlife that make Long Island Sound their home. If you want to get a good look at our avian friends, bring along a pair of binoculars. The best way to watch animals from a distance without disturbing them or to see the outline of Manhattan from our island is to use a pair of binoculars. If you forget your binoculars, no worries, our new telescope on the island is also available and free to use.

6.) Bring Your Sense of Curiosity & Fun

A visit to Sheffield Island is the opportunity to delve into Norwalk's maritime history by exploring our ten-room 153-year-old lighthouse. Learn about the importance of this lighthouse and about the lifestyle of the lighthouse keepers that lived here. If you are a Nature Lover, go on an eco-inspired walk in the adjoining Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge where you may spot seabirds and wildlife. Along the way, you will also see the ruins of a grand Spanish-inspired villa built on the island in the 1900s.

With these boating tips, we hope that you enjoy each bright sunny day and the on-the-water excursion that you have chosen. For tickets and more information click here.

Sheffield Island Gets Ready For Summer 2022

Sheffield Island Lighthouse located off the coast of Norwalk has been renovated and maintained by the volunteers of the Seaport Association since 1978 so that summer visitors taking the Association's ferry to the island can enjoy its' unspoiled natural beauty. The outing to Sheffield Island is one of the most popular activities in Connecticut, not only because of the thrill of being out on the water but also for the chance to tour a historic lighthouse on the National Register and, explore a private island. 

Paul Lourd cleans up the Memorial Brick Walk in front of the entrance to the Lighthouse

Seeing how beautifully maintained the island is, it begs the question, what goes into opening Sheffield Island for the season? The short answer is a lot! Linda Cappello, a long-time Trustee on the Executive Board has taken on the task of putting together a team of volunteers that get Sheffield Island ready for summer guests that take the Seaport's ferry to it. "The first thing I do is visit the island prior to putting together a work party to see how the island and lighthouse have weathered the winter. I have to access if there are any particular concerns that need to be addressed in addition to the routine tasks that have to be accomplished each year before we open," Cappello said. "I inspect the interior and exterior of the lighthouse and grounds to determine what tasks need immediate attention, as well as those that require eventual attention." 

On the initial trip to the Island, the work party spends about five hours cleaning the place up. Tasks like cutting up fallen limbs, painting picnic tables, cutting down all seagrass, and weeding the pathways are just some of the many things to do. Lighthouse tasks are a bit more challenging. All the windows, that were boarded up have to be uncovered, the gutters and downspouts have to be cleaned and checked for damage, the tower has to be checked, the lighthouse rooms have to be cleaned, and the furniture and displays polished and set -up for the season. The work party, consisting of 20 to 25 volunteers will go out to the island several times before Memorial Day Weekend in order to make sure everything is in tip-top shape. 

Sheffield Island Getting Ready for Summer 2022

When asked, why she organizes this seasonal pilgrimage, Cappello says, "It is my passion. I have cruised the waters of Long Island Sound and the Norwalk Islands for as long as I can remember. My father introduced me to the Sound when I was a child, and I have loved it ever since! If I could live on the Island I would! As for our volunteers, and we always welcome the help, just contact us. I think it offers them a unique opportunity for a good cause, especially if they have a love for Norwalk's maritime history and Long Island Sound,” Cappello concluded. 

The work of course doesn't end there. Throughout the summer season, the lighthouse has to be cleaned, the grass has to be mowed, and the shells along the pathways have to be maintained, along with a myriad of other tasks to keep Sheffield Island and Lighthouse welcoming for visitors. 

This year, the Seaport Association is offering a sunset cruise on Thursday, May 26, Friday, May 27, Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. A cruise to Sheffield Island is scheduled for Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Special bird cruises departing at 8 a.m. are scheduled for Sunday, May 15, and Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. Beginning in June sunset cruises will run from Wednesday to Sunday and three-hour cruises to Sheffield Island and Lighthouse will run on Saturday and Sunday. Starting June 28, cruises to Sheffield Island will run twice a day, Tuesday – Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The vessel does not offer cruises on Mondays. For tickets and more information http://seaport.org. 

Passengers are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. The vessel leaves from the Seaport Dock on 4 North Water Street in Norwalk. The dock is adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and Water Streets in South Norwalk. Parking is available at the adjacent lot or at the Maritime Center Parking Garage across the street from the dock. Tickets are available online in advance by clicking here. 

A cheerful welcome awaits summer visitors to Sheffield Island Lighthouse

About the Norwalk Seaport Association 

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.