Thames River Heritage Park Performance Series – Benedict & Peggy Arnold
History takes center stage in Thames River Heritage Park’s six-part Performance Series, History Comes Alive in the Park. Through engaging reenactments, lively debates, music, and storytelling, talented performers will bring historical figures and events to life, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience history beyond the pages of a textbook.
Beginning November 10, 2026, and continuing through February 23, 2027, the series will explore the people, personalities, and events that shaped our nation, with special attention to the American Revolution, women’s contributions, and our region’s rich maritime heritage.
From the intrigue of Benedict and Peggy Arnold and the spirited debate surrounding the Boston Tea Party to the powerful voices of Harriet Beecher Stowe, revolutionary women, and New London’s own Abigail Hinman, each performance offers a different perspective on the past.
More than simply learning about history, audiences will have the opportunity to see it, hear it, and experience it firsthand. Ticket holders will also have access to museum galleries prior to the performance during the reception.
Date: Tuesday, November 10, Benedict & Peggy Arnold
Time: Reception at 6:00 pm, Performance at 6:30 pm
Cost: TRHP & Lyman Allyn Members $15 +fees, non members $20 +fees. Call 860-443-2545 ext. 2129 or email [email protected] for the Lyman Allyn Member Discount Code
Purchase online here.
Dave Loda will portray Benedict Arnold in character at two stages of his career. The first as an American Major General after Saratoga, about to take command of West Point after leaving Philadelphia with his new wife Peggy Shippen. The second will be after the betrayal as a British Provincial Brigadier General as he is about to leave NYC to attack New London in a British attempt to distract Washington and the French fleet away from Cornwallis, who was bottled up in Yorktown Virginia. Gretchen Loda will portray Peggy Shippen and talk about and perform some of the popular songs during the late 18th century in both Europe and the American Colonies.
About the Performers: