To celebrate his own 80th birthday, Eli Rose's grandfather gave his grandchildren money with which to do 'acts of kindness'. Eli bestowed his kindness dollars to Ledge Lighthouse.

What's Up at the

Custom House

October 25, 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.

NOW in the SHOP: 20% off SALE through November 1.

NLMS members receive a 30% discount!

tonight Sunday, Oct. 25, 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.

Elliot, currently a freshman at the USCG Academy, gets around. He made it through SWAB Summer, and sailed to Greenport aboard the Eagle. Next summer he will be touring Europe on the Eagle, once again. This week he performed four hours of Community Service at the Custom House.

Photo, above: Elliot filled the Custom House dumpster with our clippings from the back yard; below: he also cleaned two model battleships; below right: Eliot aboard the Eagle last summer.

This Week at the Custom House

On Saturday Elliot helped out at the museum: thank you, Elliot!

Two cruise ships stopped in town this week and visitors from throughout the country toured the museum. Photo, right: guests from Chicago, Texas, and Louisiana try lifting a vintage dive boot.

Photo, below: Sara Munro framed our 2nd recent Ft. Trumbull auction find. Both new-to-us works are now on view at the museum.

Work continues on the Phase 1 restoration of the museum roof. Two weeks ago, the old standing-seam metal covering was removed. This past week the foundation layer of plywood was examined -- some of it replaced, and finally a weather-tight covering was applied over everything. Next week the new metal roof will be installed. Photo,above: Alice Houston.

We'd love to have the roofers just move on to Phase 2 of the roof work -- what my friend Alice calls 'the pretty part': restoring the flat central viewing platform to it's original design, with iron railings, flagpole, a new hatch, and four 'chimneys'.

Funding is the issue. We need to raise an additional $290,000 to completely complete the roof.

Please help, if you can. Please donate to our Phase 2 Custom House Roof Restoration. Thank you.

--Susan

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!

Tuesday, November 17, 1:30 pm

JIBBOOM CLUB #1

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

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.

from the Hartford Courant October 14.2026: Exclusive community in CT seeks to take over historic lighthouse.

What to know about the plan.

You have three more days to weigh in with the GSA.

Alex, Rain, and Mark Munro were at the Custom House on Thursday.

We are completing Mark's display of artifacts from the wreck of the Volund.

Alex and Rain will be having an exhibition of their drawings in Spring of 2027.

Meanwhile, election season is in full swing! Vote early. When your ballot is safely cast, there’s far less opportunity for last-minute disruption or voter suppression.