Uncovering New London – One Story at a Time
Historical Guided Tours – Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with Us!
Discover the people, places, and moments that shaped New London. Through guided walking tours, curated experiences, and thoughtful storytelling, we bring local history to life—one story at a time.
What We Do
New London’s history is layered, complex, and deeply connected to the sea. From Revolutionary era struggles to maritime trade, immigration, industry, and everyday life, the city’s past is all around us, often hidden in plain sight.
Uncovering New London invites residents and visitors alike to take a look closer, and discover the stories behind the streets, buildings, and waterfront.
About Uncovering New London
Uncovering New London is a history tourism initiative dedicated to sharing the city’s rich past through engaging, place-based storytelling. Our work connects historical research with public experiences, making history accessible, meaningful, and relevant today.
We believe history isn’t just about dates and monuments, it’s about people, choices, and the stories that continue to shape our community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to uncover, preserve, and share New London’s stories through inclusive, engaging, and historically grounded experiences that educate, inspire, and connect people to place.
What We Offer / Walking Tours and Guided Bus Tour
Whether it is guided walking tours or bus tours we explore New London’s neighborhoods, landmarks, and waterfront, revealing the stories you won’t find on a plaque.
If you’re a tourist, local resident, school group, summer camp, recreation department or senior center looking for a meaningful historical experience, we have the tour for you. Our programs are thoughtfully designed for all ages and interests, grounded in solid research and rich local history and we can tailor each tour to meet your needs and interests.
Tours run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 22 – Oct 11, 2026, at 10 am
Barbara J. Neff is a lifelong resident of Southeastern Connecticut and founder of Neff Productions. Having lived in New London for decades, she knows the people, the stories, and the heart of the community. With extensive experience producing events from parades to large festivals such as Sailfest and the CT Maritime Heritage Festival, Barbara brings unmatched expertise and attention to detail, turning every event into a memorable experience.
About Our Primary Docent -Gail B. MacDonald
Tours offered through Uncovering New London are led by Gail B. MacDonald, a journalist, journalism professor, and author with a deep interest in the stories of the past and their relevance today.
Gail has written three history books, and much of her journalism has focused on the people, places, and events of history as a way to better inform the present. Her approach combines careful research with engaging storytelling, making history accessible to a wide audience.
An experienced docent and tour guide, Gail leads history-themed walking tours throughout New London, as well as tours aboard Thames River water taxis and programs at New London’s historic Cedar Grove Cemetery. She is also a frequent public speaker, presenting on historic topics for community groups, educational institutions, and public events.
Gail lives in New London, and her tours are shaped by both scholarly research and a deep personal connection to the city.
Historic Haunts of New London
Walk the historic streets of the Whaling City and uncover stories of the people who shaped New London—and the mysterious tales of those who may have never left.
Hear stories of reported encounters, unexplained happenings, and fascinating history surrounding some of the city’s historic buildings. Discover what historical research can reveal about the people who lived here and explore the possibility that their stories may still linger long after they are gone.
Who might still roam New London’s historic streets and inhabit its significant buildings? Are these stories simply legends, or could there be something more?
You’ll hear the stories. You’ll learn the history. You decide what you believe.
Nicole Thomas is a lifelong New London resident and dedicated historian specializing in the city’s Black heritage and maritime history. As Assistant Site Administrator for the Southeast Region of Connecticut Landmarks and co-researcher of New London’s Black Heritage Trail, she brings more than 20 years of research and lived connection to her tours. Nicole’s engaging style makes history tangible and deeply human, guiding guests through the overlooked voices, tensions, and triumphs that shaped New London.
