A New Roof for New London's 1833 Custom House museum!

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.

Emergency repairs over the past year have bought us time. Now, a comprehensive preservation plan from Crosskey Architects of Hartford is in place. In addition to finally fixing the roof, the gutters, and replacing the flagpole – and as this is NLMS’s 40th anniversary campaign – this design restores the original viewing platform on the roof as designed by Robert Mills in 1833 and as existed until the 1938 hurricane. It also allows for installation of a WWII periscope. But we need your support.

The Challenge

Replacing the 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.

How You Can Help

We invite you to be a charter supporter of our new roof. Your contribution, big or small, will make a difference. We plan to replace the roof within the next three 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 40th anniversary 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.