Westport's CLUB203 To Host Friendsgiving Celebration At Maritime Aquarium

WESTPORT, CT — CLUB203, a program of Westport's Commission on People with Disabilities and Westport Human Services, will host a Friendsgiving celebration at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The after-hours event will provide CLUB203 members and their families with private access to the aquarium, including its exhibits and touch tanks. Aquarium staff will be available to facilitate interactive experiences throughout the evening.

The Maritime Aquarium, located at 10 North Water St. in Norwalk, houses more than 8,000 animals representing 285 species across 75 exhibits. The aquarium offers programs and initiatives aimed at making its facilities and educational experiences accessible to people of all abilities.

"At the Maritime Aquarium, we believe the wonder of the ocean should be accessible to everyone," said Tom Naiman, vice president of education, in a statement. "We're delighted to partner with CLUB203 for this special Friendsgiving celebration, opening our doors to CLUB203 participants for an evening where they can explore, connect, and experience the Aquarium together. Creating welcoming experiences for people of all abilities is central to our mission."

The event will also feature a Thanksgiving-themed art project led by CLUB203's longtime creative partner, MoCA CT (Museum of Contemporary Art).

Guests will be served turkey sandwiches provided through the aquarium's food service partner, along with cookies from Sweet P Bakery, which provides employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.

The celebration is supported by the Maritime Aquarium and grant funding from the Westport Woman's Club and Westport Rotary Club.

"Friendsgiving is a wonderful reminder of what makes CLUB203 so special — the friendships, the sense of belonging, and the extraordinary community partnerships that bring it all together," said Elaine Daignault, Westport's director of human services. "We are incredibly grateful to Maritime Aquarium, the Westport Woman's Club, Westport Rotary, and MoCA CT for helping us create an evening where our members and their families can celebrate, explore, and make lasting memories together."

Now in its fifth season, CLUB203 organizes monthly social gatherings for adults with disabilities, with a focus on friendship, independence and community participation.

Event Details

• What: CLUB203 Friendsgiving at the Maritime Aquarium
• When: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Where: Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., Norwalk
• Who: CLUB203 members and their families

About CLUB203

CLUB203 is a Westport-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing fun, inclusive social experiences for adults with disabilities. Through monthly gatherings and partnerships with local organizations, CLUB203 creates opportunities to build friendships, enjoy new experiences, and strengthen community connections. To learn more, go to www.club203.org.

About the Maritime Aquarium

The Maritime Aquarium's mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. An accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Maritime Aquarium welcomes nearly 450,000 guests annually and is committed to making its exhibits, educational programs, and experiences accessible and welcoming to all. To learn more, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org.