She's back in the Navy now! Photo, above: A re-up ceremony held last week at the Custom House.

What's Up at the

Custom House

October 11, 2026

#StandUpForScience #Museums4Science

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 Week at the Custom House

Photo, above: We brought third graders to the fort!

Over the course of one week, Friday to Friday, we brought ten classes to Fort Trumbull.

Our mission was to teach New London 3rd graders their Social Studies. At Fort Trumbull views out to the water show students where they are, and what natural features shaped the city. We talk about how the first people inhabited the land for 10,000 years before the Europeans arrived. Benedict Arnold -- New London's one attack -- features prominently. With the museum's three dioramas, it's a good way to chart changes at the site has over time.

NLMS educator Jody Barthel developed our 'Local-History & Landmarks' course 17 years ago. It's a year-long grant-funded program we provide without cost to the NL public schools. From time to time Jody is assisted by Jim Fitzmorris, a former submariner and 3rd-grade teacher. With that duo, this year is off to a great start.

We've had some amazing visitors lately at the museum. It's a little different crowd once summer is over. Some have unusual expertise: for example, one engineer from Ohio wanted to see the 'woolies' -- he's an embroiderer! A visitor from 'old' London, also an engineer who currently is working in Manhattan, wanted to learn about the New London -- he was blown away by the richness of our harbor. Two librarians from NYC had a depth of knowledge and added details to every story.

Serving as a docent at the Custom House truly is a privilege. Yes, there are times when visitors are few and far between. But there are those visitors who remind us why we do it and make all our efforts worthwhile.

Fingers crossed: they start work on the museum roof this Monday!

--Susan

Former NLMS VP, Andrew Blacker, asked us to post a question. He wrote:

I recently received a large monumental carved antique candle. I believe it may be spermaceti. I was wondering if you knew anyone who could verify that?

Or if there were any records of whale captains in the candle business. Looks like Captain Billings and Charles Morgan were both in the wax business. 

Please send an email if you know about whaling captains & candle making.

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!

NEW in the SHOP: Seaweed note cards, pencils, tea towels & a seaweed press. The New Farmer’s Almanac Vol. 7: Premonition -- a literary journal created by and for farmers, artists, writers, and others working in close relationship with the living world. Volume 7, explores the ways we sense change, remember, imagine, and respond to the world around us.

Shop SALE: 20 % off Scarves and umbrellas!

NLMS members get a 30% discount! Valid today through next Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Tuesday, October 20, 1:30 pm

JIBBOOM CLUB #1

In October, John Wilbur will talk about the Coastal Picket Patrol of World War II. These were yachts that were taken into military service, crewed to a large degree by yachtsmen who were otherwise disqualified or unfit for active service in the armed forces. John is the author of An Unusual way to Fight a War: At Sea with the Offshore Patrol.



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, October 25, 6-9pm

Open Mic at the Museum

Come for the creativity, stay for the camaraderie.

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.

We were sad to learn of Gary Melanson's passing. There was no one like him. Gary was a terrific musician and puppeteer whose performances always were a delight. He will be missed.

Photos, above: visitors at the Custom House; below: at Fort Trumbull last week!