The Griswold Inn

09/13/2026

Love the Griswold Inn and the history of Essex? Follow for more stories from the past. https://www.facebook.com/faithandfortunebook

For 250 years, the Griswold Inn has been surrounded by stories.

They can be found throughout Essex, in the families who helped shape the community and even on the walls of the Gris itself.

The Inn is home to an extraordinary collection of historic marine art—the largest privately held collection of its kind. Historian and author Geoffrey Paul brings the collection to life through the Griswold Inn’s art tours, sharing the history and stories behind its paintings and artifacts.

That same passion for history and storytelling inspired Geoffrey to join historian and author Steven Ujifusa in co-authoring Faith and Fortune: Henry and Amelia Champlin and America’s Maritime Ascendancy. Together, they tell the story of one Essex family against a century of profound change in America, weaving together maritime history, family, faith and fortune.

The stories are all around us. ⚓

Faith and Fortune arrives November 17, 2026.

and Fortune Book

09/06/2026

We are grateful to have enjoyed many years with the talented musical duo of Ray Churchill Jr. and Bob Price. With Ray on the piano and Bob on the banjo, the beloved pair brought their spirited form of entertainment to our Tap Room entertaining crowds from near, far and wide.

Raymond Charles Churchill, Jr.
1937 - 2026

RIP Ray - PLAY ON! 🎶✨


08/27/2026

You never know what magic is in store at The Gris! This wonderful impromptu performance by The Snow Goose cast from Goodspeed Musicals happened during our popular Sea Chanty Night. It's always a spirited night of music and fellowship with The Jovial Crew - every Monday night. ⚓🎶✨ 🍻

Love this so much and can't wait to see the show!

08/17/2026

We're feeling good about this one and we're in great company! 😉Thanks for the shoutout Visit New England!!!

Join us in celebrating 250 years of history and hospitality! ✨

https://www.griswoldinn.com

08/12/2026

For centuries, Essex has welcomed visitors with its rich maritime history, and this November, a new book explores one of the remarkable stories that unfolded right here!

⚓ If you love Essex and The Griswold Inn's rich maritime history, we encourage you to follow Faith and Fortune Book on Facebook and Instagram.

Co-authored by The Griswold Inn's Geoffrey Paul and maritime historian and bestselling author Steven Ujifusa, Faith and Fortune explores the lives of Capt. Henry L. Champlin, his wife Amelia, and the Essex community during a pivotal period in American history. Through years of research, personal letters and archival records, the book reveals how this small Connecticut River town helped shape the nation's maritime legacy and connected Essex to New York, London and beyond.

The Griswold Inn is part of that story. As one of America's oldest continuously operating inns, it has welcomed generations of travelers, mariners and local residents, serving as a lasting landmark in the community where the Champlin family's story unfolded. We invite you to follow along to learn about some of the fascinating stories from the archives, historic photographs and a behind-the-scenes look at the journey leading up to the book's November 17 release.

Faith and Fortune Book

08/10/2026

Thanks so much for the shoutout New England Inns & Resorts! Whether a drink, lunch, dinner, an overnight... We're here to welcome you - 250 years and counting! ✨

Historic Hotels of America

Covered Bridge Room Caryn B Davis

08/09/2026

We continue to hear from so many regarding Stroll magazine's issue featuring none other than...😉 Thanks so much for sharing a small part of our story! For those that live beyond Essex, as a matter of interest...

07/13/2026

250 years and counting!

We've received so many wonderful messages and heartfelt congratulations as we celebrate this special milestone in our history. This one comes from our friend, loyal patron, and founder of Highclere Castle Gin - a favorite pour in our Tap Room! 😉Thank you, Adam, for your friendship, support, and kind words. 🥂✨

07/07/2026

On this day in history... A father penned a note to his son. This, along with the Revolutionary War musket in which it was found, is now on display in one of our Historic Dining Rooms, 'The Gun Room.'

7th month, 7th day, 1776.

My dear son Jared,

I send you this my gun,
Do not handle it in fun,
But with it make ye British run.
Join ye ranks of ye Washington,
And when our independence is won
We will talk a drink of good old rum.

~ John Francis Putnam

07/02/2026

Thank you Fox News and Bill Hemmer for the America250/Gris250 shoutout!

Happy Fourth to all and... Happy Birthday America! 🇺🇸✨

A historic Connecticut tavern, the Griswold Inn in Essex, celebrates 250 years since its opening in 1776.