250th ANNIVERSARY: Learn About Newburyport’s Role in the American Revolution
On the road to and during the Revolutionary War, Newburyport contributed greatly to the struggle for independence. The town contributed immediately to the war effort, sending men to Concord and Bunker Hill. It staged the ill-fated Quebec Expedition. An abundance of skilled shipwrights, seasoned sailors, savvy merchants, ardent spirit and protected harbor made Newburyport into a hub for privateers thus helping to disrupt enemy shipping and supply lines. It built one of the 1st thirteen frigates for the nascent Continental Navy. Many paid the supreme sacrifice and more were imprisoned.
The CHMM has multiple galleries, each focused thematically on historical narratives unique to the Custom House and its collection.
Learn 10,000+ Years of Newburyport History
The CHMM remembers Curator Kevin as he told the story of Newburyport
The Kevin J. MacDonald Endowment Fund
The KJMD Endowment Fund will support a new, paid internship program at the CHMM. The first scholarships will be awarded no later than spring 2026 when a minimum of two recipients will be announced.
The internship is focused on 1) Grades 8 through College, 2) students interested in maritime history, collections research and related exhibition preparation; 3) on-site; students residing in the greater Newburyport area. The internships can take place at any time period throughout the course of a fiscal year and at times that best align with the CHMM’s needs.
A generous donor has offered a matching challenge of $25,000 to launch this campaign. The CHMM has until Labor Day (approximately 6 months) to meet this challenge which will then total no less than $50,000. The CHMM expects to continue raising funds to grow the principal over the next 4 years with a goal of $100,000 by 2029.
Contributed funds will be invested in a segregated, actively managed fund at Merrill Lynch. Annually the CHMM Finance Committee determines the appropriate draw on these funds. The CHMM drew down 4% from its Board endowment in 2025. The first drawdown of funds will not be until summer ’26, thus allowing the principal to grow.
The Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) protects donor-restricted endowments and provides direction to endowment committees regarding investment and spending from these funds.
Want to Plan Your Event?
Upcoming Events
At the CHMM unless otherwise noted, please check the website for details.
NOW OPEN
Children's Discovery Center
Eight new and original plays, featuring 20 of the North Shore’s finest theater-makers. Tickets $15 with proceeds benefiting the museum.
Program Details
The Not So Lonely Widow by John Van Drie
Directed by Stefan Tsiplakis, with Susan Van Drie and Peter Nawrocki
Fly Right by Amanda Hanrahan
Directed by Amanda Hanrahan with Sherry Bonder. Ian Owens, and Michelle Mombrinie
The Quiet Madness by Lenora Salvucci
Directed by David Houlden, with Alan Huisman and Lenora Salvucci
We’re Going to Try Harry on Cialis by Lawrence Hennessy
Directed by Lawrence Hennessy, with Kari Cretella-Nickou
ACT TWO:
The Doorbell by Bruce Deveau
Directed by Bruce Deveau, with Bruce Deveau and Shannon Muhs
Chasin’ Greenlights by Camille Garro
Directed by Camille Garro, with Alan Huisman and Ian Owens.
Just Upriver by Chet Hertz
Directed by Chet Hertz, with Michelle Mombrinie and Lenora Salvucci
The Ice Queen by Jack Rushton
Directed by Jack Rushton, with Bruce Deveau, Sherry Bonder, Ian Owens, Susan Van Drie, and Jack Rushton
Join the Custom House and local author Cyd Raschke for a celebration for the release of her new work of historical fiction: Home of the Spirit Animals.
Nine years ago, Cyd Raschke was writing Home of the Spirit Animals, a novel set at the time horses returned home to America, when she faced a quandary: how to describe sailing on a 15th-century Spanish ship. When the CHMM invited El Galeon from Spain to the Newburyport harbor, Cyd visited or volunteered every day, where she was able to confer with the crew.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing, with half of the proceeds going to the museum.
To RSVP, please contact the author at the link below.
Ribbon Cutting for the USCG 4th Order Fresnel Lens and 1850’s Nbpt Waterfront Diorama by David Vine.
"Road to Revolution" exhibition. Funded in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, in partnership with MOON, Nbpt Library, Central Congregational Church.
Saturday, June 28th - 10am
Funded in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism and the Newburyport Cultural Council.
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
- Museum Hours
Thurs-Sat: 10AM-5PM
Sun: 12PM-5PM
- Tickets
- Parking
City parking is available adjacent to the museum. View parking lot directions.
Docent-led Tours
Join our volunteer docents for a tour of the museum. Registration is not required and tours are on a first come, first served basis. Tours are included with admission.
Contact 978-462-8681 or info@thechmm.org for special arrangements and private tours.