Custom House Maritime Museum

Custom House Maritime Museum is a maritime museum located in New London, Connecticut, showcasing the rich maritime history of the region, with connections to notable figures such as Joshua Slocum, Matthew Fontaine Maury, and Robert Fulton. The museum is situated in a historic United States Custom House building, which was designed by Ammi B. Young and constructed between 1835 and 1839. This building has been associated with various notable events, including the American Civil War and the War of 1812, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970. The museum's establishment is also linked to the efforts of organizations such as the National Maritime Historical Society and the Maritime Heritage Foundation.

● History

The Custom House Maritime Museum has a history dating back to the mid-19th century, when the United States Custom House was built to serve as a center for maritime trade and commerce in New London, Connecticut. The building was designed by Ammi B. Young, a prominent American architect, and was constructed between 1835 and 1839. During the American Civil War, the building played a significant role as a Union supply depot and recruitment center, with notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant visiting the site. The museum's history is also closely tied to the United States Coast Guard, the United States Navy, and the Marine Historical Association, which have all contributed to the preservation of maritime history in the region. Additionally, the museum has connections to other historic sites, such as the Mystic Seaport and the New London Lighthouse, which are also dedicated to preserving maritime heritage.

● Collections

The Custom House Maritime Museum boasts an extensive collection of maritime artifacts and exhibits, including ship models, navigational instruments, and maritime art. The collection features works by notable artists such as J.M.W. Turner, John Singleton Copley, and Thomas Birch, as well as artifacts related to famous explorers like Ferdinand Magellan and James Cook. The museum's collection also includes a significant number of historic ships and vessels, such as the USS Constitution and the Mayflower, which are preserved and maintained by organizations like the Naval Historical Foundation and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Furthermore, the museum has partnerships with institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and the National Archives and Records Administration, which provide access to a wide range of maritime historical records and archival materials.

● Exhibitions

The Custom House Maritime Museum features a variety of exhibitions that showcase the rich maritime history of the region, including exhibits on whaling, shipbuilding, and lighthouse history. The museum's exhibitions have been recognized by organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums and the National Maritime Historical Society, and have featured loans from institutions like the Peabody Essex Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The museum has also hosted exhibitions on notable maritime events, such as the Battle of Trafalgar and the Sinking of the Titanic, which have been curated in collaboration with experts from the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Navy. Additionally, the museum offers exhibitions on the history of maritime trade and commerce, featuring artifacts and stories related to the East India Company and the Hudson's Bay Company.

● Architecture

The Custom House Maritime Museum building is a notable example of Greek Revival architecture, designed by Ammi B. Young and constructed between 1835 and 1839. The building's design is characterized by its doric columns, pediment, and cupola, which are reminiscent of ancient Greek architectural styles. The building has undergone several restorations and renovations over the years, including a major restoration project in the 1970s led by the National Park Service and the General Services Administration. The museum's architecture is also notable for its sustainability features, which have been recognized by organizations such as the United States Green Building Council and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Furthermore, the building has been compared to other notable examples of Greek Revival architecture, such as the White House and the United States Capitol.

● Education and Programs

The Custom House Maritime Museum offers a range of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures. The museum's education programs are designed to promote an understanding of maritime history and its significance, and are developed in collaboration with organizations such as the National Maritime Historical Society and the Maritime Heritage Foundation. The museum also offers internship programs and fellowships for students and young professionals, which provide opportunities for hands-on experience in museum studies and maritime history. Additionally, the museum partners with institutions like the University of Connecticut and the Coast Guard Academy to offer academic programs and research opportunities in maritime history and related fields. The museum's education programs have been recognized by organizations such as the American Association of Museums and the National Council on Public History. Category:Maritime museums in the United States