Tuesday, April 18, 1:30 PM

JIBBOOM CLUB #1

April's Jibboom brings Louise Harrison, of Save the Sound, to present an update on the campaign to preserve Plum Island. Says Louis: It certainly is time for us to provide the latest information! There has been progress and we are feeling quite optimistic.



Jibboom Club #1 meets at 1:30 PM on the third Tuesday of the month, with a speaker, good fellowship, and coffee. It's fun. Please come and bring a friend.

Sponsored by the Maco Family Fund. Photo, below: Plum Island Light.

Saturdays & Sundays at 11:45 or by appointment.



Visit Inside New London Harbor Lighthouse!  

We give tours year-round!

Harbor Light visits take 40 minutes. Book one for up-to five people: click to sign up online, or email to schedule a tour during the week. Tickets are $35, $30 for NLMS members, $25 youth through age 18. Sign up today!

We will be listing our Ledge Light tours very soon! They start in June

Photo: Visitors to Harbor Light. Estlin Davies-Smith.

This week at the Custom House...

With approximately 100,000 individuals checking in every 3-4 weeks, the NL HarborCam just passed the 4 million viewers mark! We love watching it, too, and want to thank everyone who donated to the camera replacement. We especially thank Andy Champagne, who purchased our first HarborCam in July 2019. We also thank Chelsea Groton, which with your donations, sponsored the 2nd.

Have you been reading about AI -- artificial intelligence? Last week, I asked the AI program Chat CPT: What are the benefits of climbing a lighthouse?

Chat CPT responded, instantaneously, as follows:

Visiting inside lighthouses can offer a unique and rewarding experience for several reasons, including:

1. Historical and cultural significance: Lighthouses have played a vital role in maritime history and served as beacons of hope for seafarers navigating treacherous waters. Many lighthouses have fascinating stories, and visiting them can provide insight into their cultural and historical significance.
2. Spectacular views: Lighthouses are often located in stunning coastal locations, and climbing to the top can offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
3. Educational opportunities: Many lighthouses have museums or interpretive centers that offer educational programs and exhibits about maritime history, lighthouse technology, and the importance of lighthouses in navigation.
4. Adventure and exploration: Climbing the spiral staircase to the top of a lighthouse can be an exhilarating adventure, and exploring the structure and learning about the mechanics of the light can be a fascinating experience.
5. Unique photo opportunities: Lighthouses are often photogenic landmarks and offer unique photo opportunities that can make for memorable souvenirs.

Not bad. But one thing AI cannot convey is the surprise and excitement of the actual experience. We see it, ourselves, when we give a lighthouse tour, and we try to give you some sense of the happiness it give our guests with our photos. We have trips in the works to visit inside four or five local lighthouses this summer. Details will be posted in May.

I was prompted to try Chat CPT after a discussion about AI (as related to grant writing) in an online clinic. The Funding Booster Clinic is a program of the Cultural Coalition, and in addition to the AI discussion, the clinic provided the opportunity to say good bye to Wendy Bury. Wendy is the founding director of the Cultural Coalition. Over the past decade, she has shaped that organization and developed art-related programs state-wide. Well done, Wendy!.

--Susan Tamulevich