We're open Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 5 PM, Saturday from 10 AM. Call 860-447-2501 or email.
The Frank L. McGuire Library is open by appointment, email.
Admission: FREE for current members, individuals with current military or USCG cadet ID , adult: $10 suggested donation, child to age 18: $5 suggested donation.
New London's Custom House Maritime Museum!
Community Collection -- Bob Tellier's Brownie Cameras. Bob Tellier, a native of Norwich has developed a collection of Kodak Brownie Cameras some of which date back to the 1920’s. These cameras were simple to use and were made for the masses. They were priced so that anyone could afford to buy them. He collected them mainly at yard sales over the years. My first camera is in this collection, the Brownie Hawkeye with the attached flash. I enjoyed taking pictures with it and later graduated to a 35mm camera. As with everyone else today I use all digital, my phone and a Nikon with interchangeable lenses. I still enjoy taking pictures and when you come on
a lighthouse tour with me, I will be taking a lot of pictures of you.
Community Collection -- Antique Miniature & Children's Sewing Machines from the collection of John Desjardins. John Desjardins's interest in sewing machines started eight years ago when he discovered a portable antique model in his in-laws' garage. Soon he was seeking out sewing machines on eBay where he found his first miniature. Invented in France in 1829 -- a mere four years before the New London Custom House was built, the sewing machine revolutionized how clothing was made. miniature sewing machines are smaller working versions of regular-sized machines. Both beautiful and useful, the earliest models date from the latter half of the 19th century.
NLMS librarian Laurie Deredita's annotated 1874 map of the New London waterfront. Laurie Deredita, librarian of the New London Maritime Society's Frank L. McGuire Library, has researched the owners along the New London waterfront, who were named on an 1874 railroad planning map.
third Tuesday of the month -- Tuesday, November 18, 1:30 PM
JIBBOOM CLUB #1
Jibboom is not a 'club', but a friendly gathering with a speaker and refreshments. Please come and bring a friend.
FREE -- generously sponsored for another year by Rose & Joe Maco!
Nov. 18—Jon Buller on Sailing Alone.
Dec. 16—Claudia Kenyon & the Ukeladies.
There is no Jibboom in Jan. or Feb.
Opening & Book Launch
Saturday, November 15, 2-4 PM
On November 15 the Custom House Maritime Museum will open an exhibition of Jon Buller's original art for his new graphic novel version of Joshua Slocum's 1900 Sailing Alone Around the World.
The event also is a Book Launch. Jon Buller will be there with copies of his new book to sell and sign.
2026 exhibitions
Seals & Society -- January 17- March 22, 2026
Greg Shea Tintypes -- opening January 31, 2026. In conjunction with the exhibition, Greg will schedule a day to create custom tintype portraits, watch for details.
last Sunday of the month, 6 to 9 pm
OPEN MIC at the MUSEUM
Open Mic at the Museum meets from 6-9 PM the last Sunday of the month. Share your original music, poetry, prose, stand-up, or just say what’s on your mind. Hosted by Kenny 'Doc' Frasier.
$5 donation. November 30, December 28, Jan. 25
Some dates to put in your calendar for 2026.
22–25 April 2026: Council of American Maritime Museums Annual Conference Mystic Seaport, CT. 27–31 May 2026: NASOH Annual Meeting, New Haven, CT.