About the Norwalk Seaport Association
March 22, 2018
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 first Oyster Festival was planned to increase awareness of Norwalk harbor and as a fundraiser for the new organization. The Norwalk Seaport Association received IRS 501(C) (3) status in March 1980.
The Seaport became the catalyst in the drive for a maritime center, now the Maritime Aquarium of Norwalk, which sparked the resurgence in South Norwalk that continues to this day. The Norwalk Seaport Association is a founding member of the Maritime Aquarium and has a seat on its Board of Directors.
With the goal of building a maritime center accomplished, the Norwalk Seaport Association continued to fulfill its mission through the purchase of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Keeper’s Cottage in 1986. The Lighthouse and Cottage were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
The annual Oyster Festival, sponsored by the Norwalk Seaport Association, is an integral part of the culture of Norwalk, has evolved into a community service event, where over $200,000 is raised by various community groups to be distributed throughout the region in fulfillment of their missions.
About the Norwalk Seaport Association
The Norwalk 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 which strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for our environment and how the preservation of historic buildings and nature contribute to our quality of life.
It is our belief that preservation strengthens the perpetual partnership between the past, the present, and the future. 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 maritime heritage.
Norwalk Seaport Association Blog
Yo, ho, ho—and a barrel of fun is headed for Sheffield Island Lighthouse when the annual Pirates Weekend & Cruise sets sail on July 18 and 19, 2026. Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association, this wildly popular event turns a scenic island getaway into a full-on high-seas escapade for the whole family, complete with treasure hunts, sea chanteys, and enough swashbuckling spirit to make your inner captain shout, “Ahoy!”
Docktails & Oysters A Seaside Celebration of Flavor & Tradition Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association June 20, 2026 Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 20, 2026, and prepare for an unforgettable evening on the water. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Norwalk Seaport Association , in partnership with fourth-generation oyster farmers Norm Bloom and Son , invites you to its signature summer celebration — Docktails and Oysters. Set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of the historic Norm Bloom and Son dock in Norwalk, this one-of-a-kind event blends fresh-from-the-Sound oysters, live music, local flavors, and maritime tradition into a celebration like no other.