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 -- 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, December 16, 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.
on view through January 15
Jon Buller: Sailing Alone
Nineteen of Jon Buller's original artworks for his new graphic novel version of Joshua Slocum's 1900 Sailing Alone Around the World.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
The greatness of Joshua Slocum’s writing sort of sneaks up on you. At first it seems unpretentious and charmingly folksy. But you gradually come to realize, as you accompany him on his voyage, that, although he had only a few years of formal schooling as a boy, he is great master of mood, description, and storytelling. Cartooning is a combination of drawing and writing, In choosing Joshua Slouch for my writing partner I felt that this book would have a sort of insurance policy. Whatever skill might be lacking in my artwork, Joshua’s prose and charm would have my back.
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.
Sunday, December 7 at 2 PM
We’ve set the date for the 3rd NLMS Annual Tuba-Euphoniam Holiday Celebration, featuring Gary Buttery & friends — Sunday, December 7 at 2 PM. Tubaist Gary Buttery has once again gathered a merry band of tuba and euphonium players to toot out your holiday favorites — always fun! This will be their 3rd year performing at the Custom House and we love it! The hour-long concert is free to all.
Sunday, December 7 at 4PM
After a short break, the 42nd NLMS Annual Meeting follows at 4 PM. Come hear all about NLMS world and what’s ahead in 2026.Special guests: students from Christopher Kervick's New London Stories class at Mitchell College. Free. There will be cake.
Sunday, November 30 6-9 PM
Open Mic at the Museum (see below)