What's Up at the

Custom House?

January 5, 2025

Download our 2024 ANNUAL APPEAL pdf.

This week at the Custom House

In twenty-twenty-four, things got sorted at the Custom House.

• We now have a plan as well as seed money for replacement of the museum roof. In November the board had the architect divide the plan into two phases. With what's been donated so far to our campaign, we are considering going ahead and completing the first part this summer -- that part being replacement of the roof perimeter & gutters: the worst leaky bits in the past!
• Winter tours to Harbor Lighthouse have never been more popular. A cedar picket gate, donated by Louise Novitch, was installed last fall and the landscaping is now all-but complete. (We just need the entry plaque.)
• In October a major repair was made at NL Ledge Light. The engineer's exploration within the lighthouse wall indicated this was the first step in what promises to be a very long haul towards full restoration. Grant applications are in the works...
• Race Rock's historically-accurate replacement railing is being drawn up at Stonington Steel, with a plan to construct it onshore in April and install it as early as possible next summer. Fishermen all, the installation crew is looking forward to being out on the Rock.

That's the plan. Here's to 2025! --Susan

Saturdays, Sundays, & by appointment year-round

a popular destination for more than a century.

Visit Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light

Visit Long Island Sound's oldest and tallest lighthouse. Photo: Ford Garrett.

Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern. We offer tours every Saturday & Sunday at noon. The views are spectacular!​ Tours for up-to five people take approximately 40 minutes. To book a tour at other times, send us an email.

Thanks to our friends at the Chelsea Groton Foundation, New London residents may visit inside New London Harbor Lighthouse with a $5 ticket, and admission to the Custom House is free through May. Don't miss this opportunity. Sign up today.

Sunday, January 26, 6-9 pm

Open Mic at the Museum

Co-hosted by Kenny 'Doc' Frazier and Christina Corcoran, our monthly open mic welcomes music, poetry, prose, stand-up, or just state what is on your mind. Show up at 5:45 and get on the list! Open to all ages and abilities for fun and camaraderie. It's a friendly crowd!

Sponsored by Kozmik Music Services.  Admission is by donation.

The evening is live streamed on the Open Mic at the Museum Facebook page. The page also posts many of the individual performances from past sessions.

Photo, above: December Open Mic.

The NL HarborCam now has 6.8M views! It's your 24/7 eye on the harbor, above.

Photo, below: Race Rock Light. David Zapatka.