The Custom House Announces Their Upcoming Events

New London Maritime Society's 2010 ANNUAL MEETING takes place Sunday afternoon, November 28, at 2 o' clock.
In fact, November, 2010, marks the 175 anniversary of the opening of New London's U.S. Custom House (in 1835)--the oldest, continuously-operating custom house in the country.

There's a lot to celebrate from this past year, please join us!
Meanwhile, please take a moment to click on these links and review all the past year's events: October-November 2010,
July-August 2010, summer festivities in June-July 2010, special Amistad events in April-May 2010, and winter January-March 2010..

NEWS

November 6, 2010: We are pleased to announce receipt of an Historic Preservation
Technical Assistance Grant from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.
This grant allows us to make an architectural assessment of the lighthouse structure
& prepare a preservation plan for its future. Thank you Connecticut Trust!

Although we did not win the New England Museum Association Leaders in Innovation Award,
we were honored to be among the seven museums nominated. The judges said, "It is heartening
that the [Custom House] has been revitalized and has re-engaged with its community."

Congratulations to New London Local First, which just published its 2011 New London directory.
We are please to be a sponsor of this spirited community effort.

FAMILY

Save the date for the New London Maritime Society's WINTER CELEBRATION.
It's December's Third Thursday presentation, December 16, at 6:30 PM
Concert by the S.S. Chanteens with Holiday Good Cheer
FREE for NLMS members, $8 all others

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December's Third Thursday presentation will be both our annual Winter Holiday gathering and a special concert by New Haven's
youth chanty group, the S.S. Chanteens.
The Sound School Regional Aquaculture Center located at City Point, on New Haven Harbor Connecticut, has proven to be an
ideal home for sea chanteys. The introduction of sea music to the school started during a week-long sailing trip in Maine several
years ago. This sparked the formation of a Maritime Culture class the following year. Song filled the air around campus, and the
magic of this language became contagious. The S.S. Chanteens formed in 2002, with many of its members coming from the rowing
and sailing teams. Paula Daddio, previously of the trio Shipping News acts as the group's advisor. Although the members of the
group change every few years, they all have an incredible love of the water and a passion for chanteys and other traditional music.
They perform with the expected enthusiasm of a bunch of teenagers.

RENT

Don't forget: You can rent the Custom House for your Holiday Gathering. With our impressive
architectural design and unique waterside location we are a venue unlike any other in New London.
Offering a number of adaptable spaces and nearby parking, we provide the ideal setting for any
corporate event or private occasion.

To get more information on renting a space within the Museum, please contact Susan, who will be
more than happy to discuss your ideas: 860-447-2501. We can provide catering & logistics help, too.

SHOP

Visit our Museum Shop, with its vintage books on nautical topics, and maritime & New London
history. We've nautical matches, cookie cutters, toys, beautiful ribbons, hand-made baskets, whale bottle-cap
openers & New London souvenirs, too! (above: 2011 Abolution of Slavery calendar from the Gilder
Lehman Institute).

TALK

TODAY - Groton Bank Historical Association Meeting, November 8, 2010, 7 PM
Groton Congregational Church, 162 Monument Street, Groton

Bill LaRoue of the New London Maritime Society will speak about the Polaris Expedition originally led by explorer
Charles Frances Hall. In 1871 Hall, who had no sailing experience, set out to be the first to reach the North Pole
having named Groton's arctic whaling captain Sidney O. Budington as his sailing master. The expedition set a new
record reaching northern latitudes but, troubled with personnel and management problems, dissension of crew
dissension of crew and staff, and Hall's suspicious death, ended before achieving its objective. The ship was wrecked
but the crew were rescued in 1872. Bill will discuss this intriguing story and a new Custom House exhibit being built
about this venture.

 

 

Visit Blissworks Yoga & Healing Arts, now celebrating 6 years in New London.

Make a day of it: visit the Thames River Greenery, Thames River Beanery, City News, Thames River Wine & Spirits
(free wine tastings every Friday at 6), and Brie & Blue when you next come to New London.

THE GALLERY AT FIREHOUSE SQUARE is New London's only art gallery focusing primarily on maritime art from the 19th,
20th and 21st centuries. Touched by Africa opens November 18.

To see all the events going on Downtown, visit the District Community Calendar.
nlmaritimesociety.org

The Custom House Maritime Museum
open year-round - telling the stories of New London's waterfront!

The Custom House Maritime Museum is always FREE for current members
and children under age 14 (with adult). A $5 donation is asked for all others.

April through December, we're open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday), from 1-5 PM,
& by appointment - call: 860-447-2501, fax: 860-447-8086, email: nlmaritimedirector@gmail.com

January through March, we're open Thursday through Sunday, from 1-5 PM, & by appointment
call: 860-447-2501, fax: 860-447-8086, email: nlmaritimedirector@gmail.com
New London Maritime Society
Custom House Maritime Museum
150 Bank Street
New London, Connecticut 06320

 

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