What's Up at the

Custom House

November 15, 2026

#StandUpForScience #Museums4Science

Please support our Roof Restoration.

The Custom House Maritime Museum is open

Thursday and Friday 1-5 PM,

Sat. from 10AM-5 PM, and Sun. from 1-5 PM.

this Tuesday, November 17, 1:30 pm

JIBBOOM CLUB #1

Join us on Tuesday, November 17 for our last JIBBOOM meeting of 2026!

Our speaker will be Commander David Bourbeau, the Prevention Department Head for Sector Long Island Sound.

Commander Bourbeau is focused on meeting the demands of the Sector’s evolving marine transportation system and is directly responsible to the Sector Commander for the leadership and execution of marine safety and port operations missions. Exercising delegated authority on behalf of the Captain of the Port (COTP) and Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection (OCMI), he manages a complex two-state Area of Responsibility encompassing Connecticut and Long Island, New York, including management of the Sector Long Island Sound Prevention staff, Marine Safety Unit Coram, Aids to Navigation Teams Long Island Sound and Moriches, and the harbor tug CLEAT (WYTL 65615).

A two-time graduate of the University of Rhode Island, he holds a Master of Marine Affairs and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In 2024 he earned a certification as an Accredited Maritime Port Executive. Commander Bourbeau and his family live in Wells, Maine.

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Jibboom is not a ‘club’, but a friendly gathering, with a maritime speaker & treats.

Please come and bring a friend. It’s free -- generously sponsored by Rose & Joe Maco.

Sunday, November 22

• On Sunday, Nov. 22, the Custom House Holiday Shop will be launched. Photo, above and left.
• From 2-3 PM, pianist Linda Hinz will play the holiday music of Vince Guaraldi, Mark Hayes and more, while we serve a Holiday Tea, with tea, hot cider, and cookies. Photo, left: Turkey puzzle in the Shop.

On Sunday, December 5 we have a full afternoon of events (listed below). All events take place aboard the Munnatawket, at the Fishers Island Ferry New London dock. (The Munnatawket’s name was chosen by Islanders since it is the Native American name for Fishers Island.) Photos, above right & above: the Munnatawket. Photo, below: 2025 Annual New London Maritime Society Tuba-Euphonium Holiday Concert.

Sunday, December 5

• At 1:30 PM Rain Lawrence will play the Irish Harp as prelude to our Holiday Concert. 
• At 2 PM our Annual New London Maritime Society Tuba-Euphonium Holiday Concert takes place. 
• The concert will be followed by cake and refreshments and more Irish Harp. 
• At approximately 3:30 PM the New London Maritime Society's 44th Annual Meeting

All December 5 events take place aboard the Munnatawket. Parking is permitted in the ferry lot.

Saturday, December 12

• 11 AM to 4 PM on the day of the Santa Stroll, Santa is at the Custom House for selfies.
• Noon to 5 PM Alexander Karnes is at the museum to answer questions about lighthouse lenses. We'll also have a SALE in the Holiday Shop. The Custom House is open that day from 10 AM to 5 PM.

This Week at the Custom House

New London, the Custom House, and I lost a cheerful friend, loyal supporter, and energetic volunteer last week. Here is Margaret, at right, on our Jibboom float several years ago. Margaret Palmer, you will be missed!

--S

NLMS librarian Brian Rogers has added an epilogue to his new online exhibition. Admiral Billard Academy: The Story of New London's Nautical Prep School "By-the-Sea" Take a look!

Former New London third-grade teacher Andrea Simmons brought her new 'microschool', Tidal Wood, to visit the museum. Centered on experiential learning, students grades K-8 designed their own lighthouses, learned about sailor uniforms, and heard the Amistad story.

Saturdays, Sundays, & by appointment year-round -- a popular destination for more than two centuries.



Visit Inside NL Harbor Pequot Lighthouse

Visit Long Island Sound's oldest and tallest lighthouse. Photo: Joe Gareis.

Take a tour inside Harbor Light to see the 4th order Fresnel lens in use at the light since 1857. Climb 116 steps into the lantern room and enjoy stunning views across Long Island Sound.

Tours accommodate up to five people and last 40 minutes. Sign up today. To book a custom tour,send us an email. Through December, New London & Groton residents may purchase $5 tickets, thanks to the grant from Veolia/New London Water Authority!

SANTOS

photography by Johanna Case-Hofmeister

The exhibition features twelve images from Santos, created between 2023 and 2024. Spanning the desolate volcanic coastline of the Baja California region along the Sea of Cortez and the city of Mexicali, the photographs depict subjects ranging from whale bones to a crashed airplane.

We're pleased that Santos will remain on view at the Custom House through December 2026.

Sunday, November 29, 6-9pm

Open Mic at the Museum

Our monthly Open Mic, hosted by Kenny 'Doc' Frasier, is all about good vibes and real connection.



This is a laid-back, live show where anyone can show up and share a few minutes on the mic. Try out new material, build your confidence, or just soak in the energy—it’s all fair game. There are cookies, and new lighting! All ages, all abilities are welcome. $5.

Last Week to Double Your Impact

The Charter Oak Matching Gift Fundraiser is nearly finished!

Make a qualified donation* to the New London Maritime Society, and Charter Oak will match it!

This offer is running trough November 19, 2026, or while matching funds last.

Visit Charter Oak's Matching Gifts Site for more information.

*Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply.

Please support our campaign to restore the Custom House roof!

The photograph above is the oldest we've found of the building, possibly dating to around 1870. Look at that rooftop! The viewing platform, railings, chimneys, and flagpole were all part of Robert Mills's original design. Over time, they disappeared.

The Custom House without its rooftop platform is a little like Dolly Parton without her iconic wig: something essential is missing. Help us put it back!