Our Story
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a dedicated group of local citizens with a vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve the rich maritime heritage of the area. The inaugural Oyster Festival was organized to raise awareness of Norwalk harbor and to serve as a fundraiser for the newly established organization. Achieving IRS 501(c)(3) status in March 1980, the Seaport Association became a catalyst for the creation of the Maritime Aquarium of Norwalk, which has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of South Norwalk.
In 1986, the Association expanded its mission by acquiring the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Keeper’s Cottage, which were subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Each year, over 6,000 visitors embark on the Seaport ferry to Sheffield Island to tour the historic lighthouse, explore artifacts, and learn about maritime history from knowledgeable guides. Additionally, nearly 1,000 local school children benefit from educational trips to the island, where they engage in lessons on maritime history, marine biology, and environmental sciences.