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Essex Museum: Essex's Connecticut River Museum damaged in fire 

Connecticut River Museum administrators breathed a sigh of relief Thursday morning, saying that no artifacts were destroyed in a nighttime fire that heavily damaged the historic steamboat dock building.

Museum Director Jerry Roberts credits the quick response of local firefighters not only for saving the 1878 building on Essex Harbor, but also the priceless artifacts within the three-story, wooden structure. Roberts arrived on the scene Wednesday night and saw flames on the east side, or water side, of the building. . . .

Roberts said it appears that a carelessly dropped cigarette in the rear of the building ignited the old pilings and decking. . . .

The museum is also famous for having a replica of America's first submarine -- the American Turtle -- which saw action during the Revolutionary War.

Essex First Selectman Phil Miller, who was at the museum Thursday, said the river museum may have to consider new security measures. Essex Harbor is filled with boats, and the dock area is a popular gathering spot in the evening.

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