Our monthly OpenMic welcomes performers of all kinds. Share your original music, poetry, prose, stand-up, or just say what is on your mind. Bring your bongos. Perform, join in, or just enjoy. Admission by donation.
Marcus Milukas
Northeast Aerial Imaging
Saturday., September 14
Take our excursion to Fishers Island to view the 2019 exhibitions 'Against the Tide: Prohibition on Land and at Sea, 1919-1933', and 'The English Springer Spaniel on Fishers Island', both curated by Pierce Rafferty, at the Henry L.Ferguson Museum. A light lunch will be provided.
We thank our Friends and Sponsors
Anonymous,Nick Korstad, John Steffian, Jr., The Maco Family Fund, DOCKO, the State of Connecticut, CtHumanties, USLHS, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, Chelsea Groton Bank, the City of New London , IMLS, United Rentals, & CDBG
New London Maritime Society (NLMS) CUSTOM HOUSE MARITIME MUSEUM l 150 Bank Street l New London, Connecticut 06320 l 860-447-2501 l email
EXHIBITIONS now on view
The
museum's most important artifact may well be the building, itself. Built
in 1833 as New London's U.S Custom House and designed by architect Robert Mills. NL's Custom House opened in 1835. It is the longest-operating custom house in the country. The building has been the museum's home since 1983.
Search our library collection online HERE
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NLMS is in the NEWS Read about us HERE
The Custom House Maritime Museum - your local, independent, community museum - open year-round - telling the stories of New London's waterfront!
WHAT'S UP at the CUSTOM HOUSE ?
EVENTS
SUPPORT US
Our MUSEUM SHOP offers all kinds of unique gifts. See what's NEW.
Our gifts have an extra feel good factor: when you shop with us, your purchases support the museum exhibitions & educational programs.
Keep in Touch
Volunteer at the Custom House - we need you!
Seafood WATCH - What seafood to buy now.
FISHWATCH The nation's database on sustainable seafood
For all events going on in the region, visit the
What's new in the MUSEUM SHOP?
Support NL Maritime Society
Saving our local maritime heritage sites through education, advocacy, & preservation.
New London Maritime Society is a New London-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You may make a donation online (above), or by mail.
Support us on Amazon SMILE
Our rooftop New London HarborCam is now live with over 2.6 million views since July 10, 2019! Many thanks to our anonymous donor for this exciting transformative gift.
New London Maritime Society - open year-round
your local, independent, community museum,
telling the stories of New London's waterfront.
150 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320
$7 Admission; $5 Children age 7 to 14; Free for NLMS members, New London students & their families (with local ID), USCG cadets, active-duty military & their families. If you require accommodations due to a disability please email us to discuss your needs. The request should be provided with enough time to reasonably set up the accommodation.
The Custom House is open Wednesdays through Sunday, from 1 to 5 PM and Saturdays from 10AM until 5 PM.
We practice COVID-19 safety. Everyone wears masks!
ZOOM recordings
The US Lighthouse Service and Women Lighthouse Keepers, Illustrated Lecture with historian Mary Rasa. March 28.2021.
SHIPWRECKED, Coastal Disasters and the Making of The American Beach,with author Jamin Wells. January 31, 2021
Claudia's family has been on the water for generations -- both in New London and the West Indies -- one relative working for the TA Scott Company at the time of the infamous Deutchland submarine incident. She shares her stories at a Jibboom Club gathering, November 16, 2021.
We Stand With Black Lives Matter
New London Maritime Society stands with others for equity and justice, and in denouncing racism, intolerance, and exclusion. We will pursue cultural consciousness throughout our organization through substantive learning and transparent policies. We will dismantle any inequities within our policies, programs, and services; and we will commit time and resources to expand more diverse leadership within our board, staff, and advisory bodies.
The Custom House Maritime Museum strives to be a place where the entire community can learn from our shared history in order to build a more just & compassionate future.
NLMS acknowledges that the land, Nameeg, meaning fishing place, is the territory of the Western Nehântick, Mohegan, and Pequot, who have stewarded this land for generations. We thank them for their strength and resilience in protecting this land and its waterways, and aspire to do better to uphold our responsibilities according to their example.
SECONN Skin Divers annual photography exhibition
AMISTAD: A True Story of Freedom -- a permanent exhibition at the site of the original Amistad events of 1839.
Kids Ahoy! Tracing the Nautical Influence on Children's Clothing, Toys, and Entertainment
Vintage Dive Helmets
from two private collections: Jay Kane and Ed Uditis
View Online Exhibitions
of New London Maritime History
local friendly authentic
In everything we do, we work to support our community.
In 1983 NLMS was formed by citizens who who stopped an impending federal sale and kept NL's US Custom House intact & accessible. That's still who we are.
We believe in preserving our community's historic maritime structures. We believe in defending access to our local landmarks. We believe in free museum admission for New London students & their families!
Today we run a local maritime history museum, provide a free education program in NL Public Schools, and preserve three lighthouses.
Thaler's into it! Stone mason Thaler Hefel started the Landscaping at Harbor Lighthouse last week.
Thanks to a grant from the State of Connecticut, we commenced masonry work at New London Harbor Light November 17. We'll keep you posted on all developments!
Wine Tasting at the Lighthouse Inn, & Online Auction
Date TBD due to workmen shortages and permit issues.
Join us to relaunch New London’s newly renovated Inn, which was closed for over a decade. Salute its devoted champions Alwyn Christy and Ned Hammond. Ed Cramer of Gordon’s Yellow Front Wines & Liquors presents the wine tasting as a fundraiser for us. https://lighthouseinn.bpt.me/ SOLD OUT
2021 Charter Oak Federal Credit Union Matching Gifts Program
Charter Oak is giving away $100,000 in 100 days by matching
members' donations of up to $500 to the 501(c)(3) organization of
their choice! Ends November 24, 2021 Matching Gifts Program
photo: Marlin Bloethe FI, NY
Meet at the lighthouse, then climb 116 steps to the lantern room -- all the while learning about the 260-year history of Harbor Light, one of the oldest lighthouses in the country, and the tallest on Long Island Sound. The views at the top are spectacular!
The visit takes around 45 minutes. Everyone uses hand sanitizer and we all wear masks. Book a tour for one small Covid pod of up-to four people.
It's a terrific way to have fun, find gifts, and
support New London Maritime Society.
Event postponed - date TBD
COVID-19, again!
Due to the recent COVID spike, the Custom House Maritime Museum will close through January 31. We still are working behind the scenes to answer your questions & tours may be arranged. You also may schedule a Lighthouse tour.
