Collection: Groton Connecticut

Shop the full Groton collection below — and — knock out your gift lists early.


See our pressroom for recent national press. Items below are shown in single size/color — see also black logo and white logo options. Enjoy!

Wear Local. Feed Local. Stay Classic.

Product FAQs

How does your sizing work?

Because items are made to order, we can’t accept returns for sizing or color choices. We do accept returns for defects, misprints, or shipping damage. Please review the detailed photos and descriptions before purchasing. Women’s fitted tees run small; if you prefer a looser fit on that or any item, consider sizing up.

How do I send gifts?

All items ship without prices and include a simple packing slip for easy gifting. Enter the recipient’s shipping address and your billing address at checkout. Use your contact info to receive tracking updates. Orders typically arrive within 6–11 business days—please allow extra time for time-sensitive gifts.

How do I care for my item?

For apparel: wash cold, inside-out, with like colors; avoid bleach and high heat; tumble dry low or hang dry. For embroidery, iron inside-out to protect the stitching. See specific care instructions in product descriptions and also follow general best practices in caring for your items for long term enjoyment.

How are items made and when will they arrive?

We make each item on demand using premium blanks, embroidery, and soft-hand prints. Production usually takes 2–5 business days (excluding weekends and holidays). You’ll receive tracking once shipped. We currently ship to U.S. addresses via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Most orders arrive within 6–11 business days.

What’s the return/exchange policy?

We accept returns for defects, misprints, or damage on arrival. Report issues within 14 days with photos and your order number, and we’ll replace or refund. Size or color changes aren’t supported after purchase, so please consult size charts before ordering if you are at all unsure.

Who are we?

Merlin Classics is a volunteer-run, AI-assisted apparel project celebrating timeless local style. Every item is made to order, and profits (revenue minus external product/marketing cost) support hunger-relief programs in the communities our collections spotlight. Classic looks, real local impact—every purchase helps.

Groton Connecticut — Retro Vintage History

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Groton was settled in 1705, though the Pequot people had long lived along its coves and rivers. Early colonists farmed, fished, and built wharves, enduring hardship and conflict. The harbor location gave Groton maritime importance from its earliest days. Its founding identity reflects both Native continuity and colonial resilience. Survival meant relying on the sea while persevering against storms and raids. Groton’s origins highlight Connecticut’s shoreline tradition: cultural layers of Indigenous presence, colonial determination, and maritime abundance. These roots established Groton as a community proud of resilience, endurance, and cultural pride, central to Connecticut’s heritage.

Groton Monument at Fort Griswold towers above surrounding buildings.

By the eighteenth century, Groton was already a key shipbuilding town. The Revolutionary War brought fame with the 1781 Battle of Groton Heights, where locals defended Fort Griswold. Nineteenth-century shipyards thrived, producing whalers and clippers. In the twentieth century, submarine building defined Groton’s identity, earning it the title “Submarine Capital of the World.” The 1950s and 1960s brought suburban neighborhoods, schools, and parades. Its timeline reflects Connecticut’s duality: colonial pride adapting to industrial and suburban expansion. Groton’s mid-century decades emphasized tradition and progress, creating a layered identity balancing heritage, innovation, and suburban resilience.

Groton’s lore includes tales of Revolutionary War bravery, pirate treasure, and myths of sea monsters spotted offshore. Families recall parades celebrating submarine launches, clambakes, and football rivalries in the 1950s. Residents remembered oyster harvests and beach outings. Myths and memories together highlight Groton’s layered identity: colonial pride, maritime tradition, and suburban optimism. Lore reflects resilience and continuity, showing how heritage endured while progress advanced. Groton’s stories emphasize community pride, endurance, and adaptation. Fact and legend alike reveal a shoreline town where history and tradition blended with modern life, ensuring pride continued across centuries.

Our Groton retro logo uses Connecticut’s clam shell motif, symbolizing shoreline abundance and resilience. The clam reflects maritime pride, while “1636” ties it to Connecticut’s colonial founding. Its black-and-white styling is retro, resembling oyster crate labels and coastal signage. The motif bridges Groton’s identity: colonial pride, shipbuilding hub, and suburban community. On merchandise, it conveys authenticity, resilience, and tradition, retro in tone. The clam shell emblem honors Groton’s layered heritage, making it a vintage symbol of Connecticut shoreline pride. Retro in style, it reflects both heritage and progress, perfectly suited to Groton’s maritime identity.

Today Groton is known for its submarine base, historic fort, and shoreline pride. Its story blends Indigenous heritage, colonial resilience, and modern industry. Our Groton designs celebrate this layered identity, pairing the clam shell motif with vintage styling. They invite you to explore the Groton collection and carry forward a reminder of resilience. Retro in tone, the logo reflects toughness and pride. Groton’s emblem honors both colonial and modern identities, making it a vintage symbol of Connecticut’s shoreline tradition. Explore the collection and share in Groton’s story of resilience, heritage, and cultural strength.



Explore Groton Connecticut Offerings


Electric Boat submarine during ceremonial launch on the Thames River.

Groton Connecticut — Travel Guide

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Visiting Groton Connecticut Today

Groton faces Long Island Sound with historic forts, submarine exhibits, and coastal preserves. Visitors find museums, beaches, and easy trails near working waterfronts and campuses.

Harbors, Parks, and History in Groton Connecticut

For visitors searching for things to do in Groton Connecticut:

  • Tour the Submarine Force Museum and step aboard USS Nautilus at the rivers edge.
  • Walk Fort Griswold ramparts, scenic overlooks and Revolutionary War history.
  • Hike Bluff Point, wooded paths to tidal coves and rocky shorelines.
  • Stroll UConn Avery Point, shoreline lawns and lighthouse vistas.
  • Relax at Eastern Point Beach, small family cove with breakwater views.

Why People Visit Groton Connecticut

Groton blends maritime heritage with simple seaside time. Travelers enjoy museums, forts, and natural preserves in close reach. It is nautical, educational, and calm along the Sound. Travelers find year round appeal in parks, paths, and public spaces. The setting combines natural beauty with accessible neighborhoods and landmarks. History and everyday culture sit side by side in a welcoming way.



Explore Groton Connecticut Offerings



For more in depth history research in Groton, Connecticut it may be useful to reach out to (1) the Groton historical society, (2) the Groton public library local history room, (3) the Connecticut state archives or historical commission, (4) the Groton town or city clerk records office, and (5) the Groton preservation or conservation commission. For more travel information in Groton, Connecticut it may be useful to contact (1) the Groton chamber of commerce, (2) the Groton visitors bureau or tourist board, (3) the Groton parks and recreation department, (4) the Connecticut state park office, and (5) the Groton regional transportation or airport information desk.