Hours: Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 5 PM, Saturday from 10 AM. Call 860-447-2501 or email.
The Frank L. McGuire Library is open by appointment, email.
Admission: FREE for current members, individuals with current military or USCG cadet ID and children under age 14 (with adult), admission $7 suggested donation.
■ Tours to climb HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE run year-round. The views at the top are spectacular! We meet at the lighthouse, then climb 116 steps to the lantern room – all the while learning about the 261-year history of Harbor Light, the oldest and the tallest lighthouse on Long Island Sound. Sign up online at https://harborlighthousetour.bpt.me/ or send an email to schedule your tour:[email protected]
■ Open Mic at the Museum meets from 6-9 PM the last Sunday of the month: Share your original music, poetry, prose, stand-up, or just say what is on your mind. Open Mic welcomes performers of all kinds. Perform, or just enjoy. By donation. September 29, October 27, November 24.
■ JIBBOOM CLUB #1 meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1:30 PM. Join us for a talk, good company, coffee & cookies. Sponsored by the Maco Family Fund, the gatherings are FREE and open to all.
~ September 18 -- NLMS' own Steve Hambey is our September 17th speaker talking about the ill-fated ship Essex. It is a history over 200 years old, but it still intrigues and fascinates today. The story of the Essex served as the inspiration for Herman Melville's novel Moby Dick, as well as numerous books, documentaries, and motion pictures. Stop by the Custom House for some refreshments and a classic maritime history.
~ October 15 -- Claudia Kenyon hosts a Jibboom Open Mic, with stories from six JIBBOOMers on Oct. 15.
■ Excursions to LEDGE LIGHT and RACE ROCK LIGHTHOUSE are delayed this season, due to restoration work. Please watch nlmaritimesociety.org for updates on all summer lighthouse tours & special programs.
New London's Custom House Maritime Museum!
Photo: Mark Bigelow.
this Thursday, September 5, at 7:00 PM
Book talk and signing
They were 'entirely deceived.'
Why the British Attacked New London in 1781 -- with historian Matt Reardon
'Remember New London!' was General Lafayette’s battle cry to Connecticut troops at the siege of Yorktown. Lafayette was of course referring to Benedict Arnold's burning of the city's waterfront earlier that year, on September 6, 1781.
On the eve of that notorious anniversary, author Matt Reardon will present and sign copies of his latest book The Traitor's Homecoming at the Custom House. The Traitor’s Homecoming uses dozens of newly discovered British and American primary sources to weave a balanced military study of an often forgotten and misunderstood campaign. Indeed, Reardon achieves a major reinterpretation of the battle while dismantling its myths. Thirteen original maps and numerous illustrations and modern photographs flesh out this provocative and groundbreaking study. As space is limited, pre-registration is recommended. Learn more and register. Admission is by donation.
