New London Maritime Society's 30th - ANNUAL MEETING - November 10, 2013
by Susan on 10/21/13
At age thirty, New London Maritime Society's vision is growing. Three decades ago, the founders, The Day, and the people of this city created a new institution designed to preserve New London's 1833 U.S. custom house within an organization dedicated preserving the history of maritime New London.
Recently, for the first time in two hundred+ years, and for one time only, the federal government began divesting itself of its--our--historic lighthouses. Because preserving the region's maritime history is our mission, we rose to the challenge; if not us, who would step forward to preserve these sites for future generations?
Three years ago, the New London Maritime Society adopted the city's Harbor Lighthouse, and just two months ago took ownership of a second lighthouse: Race Rock. Now, in partnership with the Ledge Light Foundation, we are applying for a third-and last-property: New London Ledge Light.
But there's a greater plan at work, too, one that's organized geographically (not following political boundaries), for preserving the true essence of maritime New London. The idea is to look out across the waters of Long Island Sound and partner with groups along the shoreline: conservationists, historians, boaters, commercial fishermen, residents, with the hope of creating a larger mutually-supportive entity. The Maritime Society's goal now is to preserve not just the stories but the whole of our maritime resources within the framework of a national maritime-heritage park. We're already at work!
Next year is the quatro-centennial of Adriaen Block's mapping of Long Island Sound-the first chart ever drawn of this watery region. What's the connection? At our Annual Meeting coming up on Sunday afternoon, November 10, at 2 PM, NLMS will present exciting plans for 2014. Our featured speaker is historian/conservationist Tom Andersen, of Save the Sound. Tom will tell the story of Block and his fellow Dutch sailors and help launch the New London Maritime Society's year-long celebration of Long Island Sound. Hear about where we've been and what's ahead. There will be some surprises, too!
Please be a part of it. Tickets are $35. The Annual Meeting begins at 2 PM, Dinner & the Program commence at 2:30 PM. The event will be held at the Port 'N Starboard, Ocean Beach Park. Call 860-447-2501 to make your reservation, ASAP. Be part of Something BIG! We hope to see you there.
