New London's beloved 1833 Custom House, a symbol of our maritime heritage, is under siege from relentless leaks in the roof and interior gutters. Despite past efforts, the current metal roof is worn beyond repair, exacerbated by climate change.

However, thanks to YOU, we are completing Phase 1 of our roof replacement. A comprehensive preservation plan from Crosskey Architects of Hartford is in place. In Phase 1, the sloped parts of the roof and four gutters are replaced.

In Phase 2 of the plan, this design restores the original viewing platform on the roof as designed by Robert Mills in 1833 and as existed until the 1938 hurricane. But we need your support.

The Challenge

Replacing the full Custom House roof will cost $600,000. Thanks to two generous grants from the Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, we're already halfway there with $300,000 in hand. This amount should cover the Phase 1 restoration.

But now we need to restore what NLMS friend Alice calls 'the pretty part' -- the viewing platform with its iron railing, flagpole, and four chimneys.

How You Can Help

We invite you to be a charter supporter of Phase 2 of our new roof. Your contribution, big or small, will make a difference. Phase 1 replacement work should be completed by the end of October, 2026. We plan to replace Phase 2 of the roof within the next two years, and we accept pledges to be paid out across that time. Together, let's ensure the Custom House remains sound as the embodiment of New London's seafaring history for generations to come.

Join Us

You will be preserving not just a building, but our community's maritime identity.

Please make a 100% tax deductible donation to NLMS’s New Roof Fund. The New London Maritime Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tax ID # 061086688.

Be a Charter supporter: $10,000 Whale, $5,000 Harbor Seal $1,000 Oystercatcher, $750 Roseate Tern, $500 Osprey $250 Gull, $100 Scallop, $50 Quahog, $ Other

It’s a three-year campaign. Your pledge may be made in yearly installments.

New London Maritime Society / Custom House Maritime Museum -- your local, independent, community museum,

telling the stories of New London's waterfront.