There’s a legend in the Connecticut River Valley, whispered by paddlers, storytellers, and river dwellers alike. It’s the tale of Connie, the mysterious sea serpent said to lurk in the river’s depths since the 19th century. First sighted in Cromwell, Connecticut, Connie reportedly startled fishermen and farmers, sparking a legacy that lives on today in parade floats, plushies, and the imaginations of the people who call the river home.
Our documentary invites you to join us—three curious college students—as we embark on an adventure to uncover Connie’s story. From the serene curves of the Oxbow in Northampton, Massachusetts to the historic Connecticut River Museum in Essex, Connecticut, our journey takes us through firsthand accounts, local folklore, and the soundscape of the river itself. Rejecting a purely objective mindset, we chose to meet Connie’s myth on its own terms, embracing a spirit of curiosity that allowed us to explore not just the legend, but the magic of the river’s community and culture.
Through our exploration, we discovered that Connie exists not just in printed records or sightings, but in the soundscape created by the river and the stories told by those who live alongside it. Connie’s legend invites us to listen deeply—not just to the river’s waters but to the voices of the people who share its rhythms. What other stories might we find if we approach the world with open hearts and a willingness to believe?