We thank Tracey Sheak/Bailey Family (Tracey shown here), who donated a wonderful mid-career painting by Ellery Thompson on Wednesday. It's a picture of Ellery's own boat, the Eleanor, named for his sister. The painting belonged to Tracey's parents.

Ellery wrote on the back of the painting: The Eleanor of Stonington written up in Draggerman's Haul has caught some 10,000,000 fish in 30 years.
Meanwhile, Tracey is about to move to New London! Good news, all-round.
What's Up at the Custom House - May 2, 2021
New London Maritime Society - local friendly authentic
Telling the stories of New London's waterfront
& preserving four historic maritime sites
New London Maritime Society thanks our Friends & Sponsors 
Anonymous, Nick Korstad, The Maco Family Fund, DOCKO, the State of Connecticut, CtHumanties, USLHS, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, Chelsea Groton Bank, the City of New London , IMLS, PPP, United Rentals, & CDBG.
Would you like to sponsor one of our Sunday blasts?
Email or call Susan at 203-444-2884 to discuss the details. Thanks!
Keep Up with What's Up
Sign up to receive this weekly email newsletter.
​Our doors are closed but we are open online | Visit us on social media and our website | Facebook | Instagram |NL HarborCam
Below, NL HarborCam Image from May 01, 2021 at 7:01 PM Temp: 61°F, RH: 23.00%, Dew Point: 23 °F

NLMS is a nonprofit and relies on the generosity of supporters who share our passion for the maritime world.

At this challenging time, your support is needed more than ever. Please give today.
The best link for donating online can be found on the HOME page of our website: nlmaritimesociety.org.
Many thanks!
Visit inside New London Harbor Lighthouse.
Can't guarantee you'll see a submarine. But the views at the top are spectacular any time! Take the tour. We meet at the lighthouse, then climb 116 steps to the lantern room -- all the while learning about the 260-year history of Harbor Light, one of the oldest lighthouses in the country and the tallest on Long Island Sound. photos: Christina Corcoran

The visit takes around 45 minutes. Everyone must be vaccinated. We all use hand sanitizer and wear masks. Tours for one Covid pod of up-to four people may be arranged by emal. Suggested donations are $35 for adults, $30 for NLMS members, & $25 for youth 7-to-18 years old.

What's new at Ledge Lighthouse?
Here's a report from Bruce Buckley, president of the Ledge Light Foundation.

We had to cancel 2 trips out to Ledge so far this spring. One because of rain and the other due to wind. We have one rescheduled for early May.

The goals of the trip is twofold. 
#1. To show the State of CT team what we plan to do with the Grant money and get their approval as it is different that what we originally submitted. Need to get the final Ok.

#2. Detailed plan for the solar install cable runs, measurement of the mounting brackets, space on the CG 4x8 mounting backboard in the utility room and location of the batteries in that room as well.

Three other projects for 2021. 
1. Repair cement landing collar foundation ( I spoke to the contract that repaired the foundation in 2017) He can do the work in in August. 

2. Install a marine toilet with a holding tank. 

3. Patch and paint the white foundation. I have found some rubberized material that I applied last year as test. It is white so requires no painting (Flex-Seal). The patch made it through the winter and we will patch with that and then paint the entire foundation using the paint from Edison Paint Company in Ridgefield that was used on the NL light.

We have a CT license master electrician on the LLF BOD. He will do all the electric connections and testing to ensure all is within code.
We are looking to hire a captain w/boat to handle our trips out to Ledge Lighthouse this summer.

If that's you, please give us a shout!
If we can find a captain, we plan to start boat trips to NL Ledge Lighthouse in mid June.

Keep Up with What's Up
Sign up to receive this weekly email newsletter.
Heading Here


Fine art appraiser and NLMS trustee Ann Marenakos has begun work assessing the Custom House collections.

NL HarborCam Image from May 01, 2021 at 8:21 PM Temp: 57°F, RH: 22.40%, Dew Point: 19 °F




  • Facebook the Custom House MUSEUM SHOP for gifts with an extra feel good factor -- when you shop with us your purchases support our exhibitions, & educational programs. We'll be reopening soon.

Below, found on our front steps last week.

Have A Sparkling Day!

150 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320 | 860-447-2501

The Custom House Maritime Museum is closed until further notice | 203-444-2884