The American Turtle in the Revolutionary War at Connecticut River Museum
A fascinating chapter in early submarine warfare comes to life during Live from the Boathouse! Fred Fresé and Roy Manstan present The American Turtle in the Revolutionary War on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6 to 7 pm.
The lecture explores the story of David Bushnell of Saybrook and his American Turtle, the first combat submarine, which was built in 1776 and deployed in New York Harbor in an attempt to attack British warships. The Turtle carried Bushnell’s primary invention, a highly destructive underwater mine, and is considered a forerunner of modern submarine warfare.
Roy R. Manstan, co-author of Turtle: David Bushnell’s Revolutionary Vessel, will share his expertise on the historic vessel. Manstan is a former mechanical engineer and Command Diving Officer of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. Fred Fresé, who constructed the first Turtle replica in 1976, will also take part in the presentation. That replica is currently housed at the Connecticut River Museum, while a second replica built with students from Old Saybrook High School is displayed at Westbrook Town Hall.
The program is available both in person and via Zoom. In-person admission is free for members and $10 for non-members, while virtual admission is free for members and $5 for non-members. All attendees, including members and virtual participants, must reserve a spot in advance. Virtual attendees will receive the livestream link after purchasing a virtual ticket.
Live from the Boathouse! takes place at the Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main Street, Essex, Connecticut 06426, on September 16 from 6 to 7 pm. Reservations are available through Connecticut River Museum registration. Additional event information is available at Connecticut River Museum event page.
