New London Maritime Society's 29th Annual Founders Day Celebrates Those Who've Risen to the Challenge
NLMS founder Lucille Showalter
& the USCG International Ice Patrol
New London, CT -- Celebrating imaginative & resourceful 'founders'--local and global, who took the initiative in times of crisis, the New London Maritime Society (NLMS) celebrates NLMS founder Lucille Showalter, and the United States Coast Guard International Ice Patrol, with a special 29th Annual Founders' Day Luncheon. The event takes place Sunday, March 25, from 12:30 to 2:30 PM at the USCGA Officers Club. NLMS member donation is $35, non-member donation is $40. Please call 860-447-2501 to reserve your spot.
On a local level, we recognize the late historian Lucille Showalter. In the early 1980s, Lucille Showalter rose to become leader of the impassioned band of volunteers who established the New London Maritime Society - Custom House Maritime Museum. This happened at a moment when the fate of New London's 1833 custom house, designed by Robert Mills, the nation's first federal architect, was in jeopardy. Ms Showalter's fierce dedication to the organization will be formally acknowledged at the luncheon with the unveiling of a portrait, commissioned from artist Michael Peery by the New London Maritime Society. The portrait will then go on permanent display at the Custom House Maritime Museum
On a global level, the New London Maritime Society recognizes the achievements of the United States Coast Guard International Ice Patrol (IIP). The tragic sinking of the luxury passenger liner RMS TITANIC 100 years ago this April prompted maritime nations with ships transiting the North Atlantic to establish an iceberg patrol in the area. Since 1913, the United States Coast Guard has been tasked with the management and operation of the patrol, known as the International Ice Patrol, and which is based at Fort Trumbull. The mission of the International Ice Patrol is to monitor iceberg danger near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and provide the iceberg limit to the maritime community. Since the patrol was established, no ship heeding their warnings has struck an iceberg.
To tell the International Ice Patrol story, our guest speaker at the luncheon is oceanographer Dr. Donald L. Murphy, the Chief Scientist of the United States Coast Guard International Ice Patrol for 28 years and a native of New London. Dr. Murphy's talk is entitled, "International Ice Patrol: For the purpose of safeguarding life and property at sea."
The world needs its champions! Join us in celebrating New London Maritime Society Founder Lucille Showalter and the USCG International Ice Patrol on March 25.
Call: 860-447-2501
or mail your check to
Custom House Maritime Museum
150 Bank Street
New London, CT 06320
