Custom House Maritime Museum | New Bedford

The Custom House Maritime Museum, located at 25 Water Street in Newburyport, Massachusetts, is a distinguished historic site and museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich maritime heritage of the Newburyport region and the broader New England seaboard. The museum is housed in the iconic United States Customhouse, a building of significant architectural and historical importance, constructed in 1834 and designed by renowned architect Robert Mills, who also designed the Washington Monument. This imposing granite building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as a lasting symbol of Newburyport’s past prominence as a vital American port.

Historical Background

Newburyport was a bustling seaport during the 18th and 19th centuries, with a thriving maritime economy based on shipbuilding, trade, fishing, and privateering. The Customhouse itself served as the federal government's point of entry for collecting tariffs and duties on goods imported into the United States through the port. The building’s construction during the early 19th century reflects Newburyport’s economic prosperity and importance as a maritime hub.

The museum preserves this legacy by offering visitors a detailed view into the lives of sailors, shipbuilders, merchants, and customs officials who shaped the region’s maritime identity. It also highlights Newburyport’s significant role in early American naval defense and commerce, including its historical connection to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Architecture

The Custom House is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture, distinguished by its solid granite construction, symmetrical form, and classical details. The design features include:

A sturdy granite façade sourced locally, symbolizing permanence and strength.

Large, imposing columns and pediments reflecting the Greek temple style.

Spacious interiors originally used for customs operations, now adapted as exhibition spaces.

This architecture not only reflects the building’s federal purpose but also Newburyport’s 19th-century stature and ambitions as a center of maritime commerce.

Museum Exhibits and Collections

The Custom House Maritime Museum offers a wide range of exhibits that bring Newburyport’s seafaring past to life. Key highlights include:

Ship Models and Artifacts: Detailed models of sailing ships, privateers, and merchant vessels illustrate the technological advancements and variety of ships that sailed from Newburyport’s docks.

Maritime Tools and Equipment: Navigation instruments, shipbuilding tools, and sailors’ personal effects provide insight into daily life at sea and in the shipyards.

Historical Documents and Records: Customs logs, shipping manifests, letters, and photographs document the commercial and social history of the port and its people.

Privateering and Naval History: Exhibits highlight Newburyport’s participation in privateering during wartime, a practice where privately owned vessels were authorized to capture enemy ships, contributing to the city’s wealth and naval tradition.

U.S. Coast Guard Origins: The museum emphasizes the city’s connection to the founding of the U.S. Coast Guard, celebrating Newburyport’s maritime defense legacy.

Changing Exhibits: Rotating exhibits focus on varied topics such as maritime art, local maritime heroes, environmental conservation of marine habitats, and the impact of globalization on shipping.

Educational Programs and Visitor Experience

The museum is deeply committed to education and public engagement, offering:

Docent-Led Tours: Guided tours provide detailed historical narratives and context, enhancing visitor understanding of exhibits and the significance of the Customhouse building.

Interactive Kids’ Discovery Center: Designed to engage young visitors, this area includes touch tanks, hands-on exhibits, and play spaces that encourage learning about marine life, navigation, and maritime culture in a fun and tactile way.

Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages, audio guides supplement tours and allow visitors to explore the museum at their own pace.

Lectures and Special Events: The museum regularly hosts talks by maritime historians, authors, and environmentalists, as well as themed events such as maritime festivals, craft demonstrations, and educational workshops.

Practical Information

Hours:

Mid-October through April: Thursday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

May through Mid-October: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Admission:

Adults: $7

Seniors and Students: $5

Newburyport residents: Free entry

Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible to visitors with mobility impairments.

Location: The Custom House is situated in the heart of Newburyport’s historic waterfront district, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and other cultural attractions.

Contact: Phone (978) 462-8681, email [email protected].

Gift Shop

The museum operates a gift shop offering maritime-themed merchandise, including books, nautical gifts, artisan crafts, and educational toys. The shop serves as a valuable resource for visitors to take home souvenirs that celebrate Newburyport’s maritime legacy.

Cultural and Community Importance

The Custom House Maritime Museum plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Newburyport’s maritime identity. It serves as an educational resource for the local community, schools, and tourists, fostering a deeper appreciation for the city’s historical contributions to American commerce, naval defense, and maritime culture.

Through its exhibits, programs, and events, the museum connects past maritime traditions with contemporary issues such as marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and ocean stewardship, ensuring that Newburyport’s maritime story remains relevant and inspiring for future generations.

Summary

The Custom House Maritime Museum is a historically significant and culturally rich institution housed in a landmark 19th-century Greek Revival building. It offers an immersive exploration of Newburyport’s maritime history, highlighting the city’s role as a thriving port, shipbuilding center, and naval stronghold. With carefully curated exhibits, interactive educational programs, and community engagement initiatives, the museum provides visitors with a comprehensive and meaningful understanding of maritime life, past and present, in New England.