Friendly, local, authentic -- New London’s “Gem on the waterfront” the Custom House Maritime Museum celebrates the stories of our local waterfront. 

The building was designed in 1833 by Robert Mills, the country’s first federal architect and designer of the national Washington Monument. A maritime museum since 1983, the Custom House houses a rich local maritime history collection, with exhibitions on local lighthouses, the Amistad story (some of which happened in New London), whaling (New London is the Whaling City), sailors' knots, and New London's harbor. 

Explore inside the region's lighthouses with the one who know them best. The Maritime Society owns the three major lighthouse leading in to the historic port of New London: Race Rock, Ledge, and New London Harbor Lights. Every summer, NLMS presents new iterations of the Yankee Magazine award-winning 'Best Lighthouse Tour'. Located onshore, New London Harbor Lighthouse can be visited year-round. Visit the website nlmaritimesociety.org to discover our latest trips! 

New London Harbor Lighthouse, the oldest and tallest on Long Island Sound, is located onshore, approximately three miles from the downtown, and offers breathtaking views over Long Island Sound. According to the United States Coast Guard, at night more lighthouses can be seen from the lantern of this lighthouse than from any other place on earth. Harbor Light can be visited year-round by appointment. Race Rock and Ledge Lighthouses can be visited by boat every summer. 

The Custom House Maritime Museum runs a full schedule of performances and special events. Watch the website nlmaritimesociety.org to learn more.