Custom House Maritime Museum | New London

Information

Landmark: Custom House Maritime Museum
City: New London
Country: USA Connecticut
Continent: North America

Custom House Maritime Museum, New London, USA Connecticut, North America

The Custom House Maritime Museum is located in New London, Connecticut. It is housed within the historic Custom House building.

Visual Characteristics

The Custom House is a granite structure built in the Greek Revival style. It features a prominent portico with four Doric columns. The building is two stories high with a central entrance and regularly spaced windows. The roof is low-pitched and covered with slate.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 150 Bank Street in downtown New London. It is approximately 0.2km from the New London Waterfront. Limited street parking is available on Bank Street and surrounding avenues. The New London Union Station, serving Amtrak and Shore Line East rail lines, is located 0.5km North. Several local bus routes, including the Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) 2, 3, and 6, stop within a 0.3km radius of the museum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Custom House was completed in 1833. It was designed by architect Robert Mills, who also designed the Washington Monument. The building's original purpose was to serve as a U.S. Customs House, collecting duties on goods imported through the Port of New London.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibits focus on maritime history, including shipbuilding, whaling, and naval activities in the region. Visitors can view artifacts related to local seafaring traditions. The museum offers information on the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, located nearby.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited seating is provided within exhibit areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this downtown location. No food vendors are located within the museum; however, numerous restaurants and cafes are present on Bank Street and adjacent streets.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is best visited during its operating hours, typically Tuesday through Saturday. Weekday mornings often have lower visitor numbers. Lighting within the museum is artificial and consistent year-round.

Facts & Legends

During the American Revolutionary War, New London served as a vital port for privateers. The Custom House building itself has survived numerous hurricanes and coastal storms, standing as a testament to its robust construction.