Photo, above: JIBBOOM with Timothy Londregan III owner of the Niantic Bay Shellfish Farm this Tuesday.



What's Up at the

Custom House

May 17, 2026

#StandUpForScience #Museums4Science

The Custom House Maritime Museum is open

Thursday and Friday 1-5 PM,

Saturday from 10AM -5 PM, and Sunday from 1-5 PM.

Remember: red text indicates a clickable hot link!

this Tuesday, May 19, 1:30 pm

JIBBOOM CLUB #1

This Tuesday, fifth-generation New Londoner Timothy Londrigan III will share stories from a lifetime spent on the water during a Jibboom Talk on local maritime industries.

TJ got his start at the Fishers Island Oyster Farm and even proposed to his wife at New London Harbor Lighthouse. Today, he and his wife are raising three daughters while he runs Niantic Bay Shellfish Farm, harvesting Niantic Bay scallops and oysters. He also owns Marker 7 Marina and Longshore Marine Construction.

Jibboom is not a ‘club’, but a friendly gathering. Please come and bring a friend. It’s free -- generously sponsored by Rose & Joe Maco.

this Friday, May 22, at 12 noon

National Maritime Day

National Maritime Day 2026 carries the theme 'America 250!,' recognizing the U.S. Merchant Marine’s long history of service, sacrifice, and contributions to the nation’s security and prosperity as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.

All are welcome to attend a ceremony at noon at the Merchant Marine Memorial at Fort Trumbull.

Afterward, join us at Captain Scott’s for a luncheon of chowder and clam cakes, offered by donation.

We’re also looking for a few volunteers to help host the luncheon from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Please email Susan if you’re able to lend a hand.

Saturday, May 23 -- tentative departure 8 AM

Let's Clean Up Ledge Light!

-- a volunteer opportunity

Every Spring we clean and repaint at Ledge Lighthouse in advance of our public tours.

Come help us next Saturday morning.

We'll be out at the light for about four hours.

Please email Susan to let her know if you will help.

Harbor Lighthouse also needs a little help. Please let us know if you have two hours to spare.

This Week at the Custom House

New neighbors from The Vessel, Kaoru Mori and Rain Landry, (above), stopped by Saturday to lend their expertise as we reorganized the diving helmet collection. Rain, a diver at EB just across the Thames from the Custom House, suggested we begin by separating the production models from the more one-of-a-kind designs. We're on it...

Last week we received two grants. Veolia/New London Water Authority funds again will partially sponsor visits by the local community to visit both Harbor and Ledge Lighthouses. A Community Development Block Grant will be used to revamp lighting in the lighthouse gallery. Thank you!

Be aware, they're getting serious about issuing parking tickets, especially on Bank and State Streets. Says Director of Economic Development and Planning Felix Reyes, difficulty parking is a good sign: it means more people finally are living downtown. --S

SAVE THE DATE -- Saturday, June 6, 2pm, a NL First Saturday event

Shoreline Trio Concert

The trio's all-women composer program features music by

• Dianne Goolkasian Rahbee (1938- present) an Armenian-American living in Boston area
• Mel (Mélanie) Bonis (1858-1937) Parisian composer
• Louise (Dumont) Farrenc  (1804 – 1875) French composer

Melisa Trinidad, flute

Rachael Brown, cello

Linda Hinz, piano

Seating is limited. $12 admission, Free for NLMS members. Register today.

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: Joe Gareis

Take a tour of 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 about 40 minutes. 

Sign up today. To book a custom tour, just send us an email.

Photo, below: Reynolds Beal sketch of Harbor Light., NLMS collection, gift of Anne Marinakis.

Sunday, May 31, 6-9pm



Open Mic at the Museum

Our monthly Open Mic is all about good vibes and real connection. Hosted by Kenny 'Doc' Frasier, it’s a welcoming space for music, poetry, prose, stand-up—or just saying what’s on your mind.

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. And there are cookies!

All ages, all abilities are welcome—come for the creativity, stay for the camaraderie. $5.

Photo, below: Wednesday night on the NL HarborCam -- a cruise ship at the Custom House Pier.