Touch tank, walk-in models, play space & more
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.
Custom House Maritime Museum Exhibits
Get a virtual sneak peak at our exhibits through Curator Kevin’s video tour.
Moseley Gallery
Marquand Gallery
The Custom House’s Marquand Gallery details Newburyport’s golden age—the first 50 years after its founding before and during the Revolutionary War.
Coast Guard Gallery
This gallery shows off many aspects of the U.S. Coast Guard. Founded in 1791 as the United States Revenue Service in Newburyport, the Coast Guard got its name change from President Woodrow Wilson in 1915.
Collector of Customs Gallery
The Collector of Customs Gallery talks about what our museum building was used for. Ship captains coming to or from other parts of the globe would need to stop at the Customs House and pay taxes on the goods being imported or exported.
Learn 10,000+ Years of Newburyport History in 5 Minutes
In the video above, Curator Kevin tells the story of Newburyport and the exciting collections of the Custom House Maritime Museum.
The CHMM has multiple galleries, each focused thematically on historical narratives unique to the Custom House and its collection.
Want to Plan Your Event?
Upcoming Events
At the CHMM unless otherwise noted, please check the website for details.
As a leader in preservation from national park stewardship to New York City advocacy, Vin Cipolla presents the exciting work happening at Historic New England within the broader context of opportunities and threats facing preservation and cultural heritage in our country today.
Vin Cipolla was appointed President and CEO of Historic New England in 2020. A lifelong preservationist and cultural leader, Mr. Cipolla was the President and CEO of the National Park Foundation (and later its citizen Chairman), and President and CEO of the Municipal Art Society of New York, the oldest, and only city-wide, preservation organization in New York City. Among his leadership roles in both public and private sectors, he was also an Executive Director with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York and was the Chairman and President of the ICA/Boston for nine years. He taught at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at Columbia University.
Members & Donor Preview Party. Reserve your spot, details to come.
The museum will be festooned with floral displays. Tickets: $50pp includes hors d'oeuvres and complimentary drinks.
Thursday, May 15th at 7pm
Nbpt’s Road to Revolution, Part IV—Black Newburyporters
at City Hall auditorium. Funded in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. (Registration details will be provided shortly.)
Thursday, May 22nd at 7pm
Nbpt’s Road to Revolution, Part V—Powder and Shot
at Museum of Old Newbury. Funded in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. (Registration details will be provided shortly.)
The Playwrights Collaborative returns to the CHMM, details TBD.
The Playwrights Collaborative returns to the CHMM, details TBD.
Friday, June 18th at 7pm
Nbpt’s Road to Revolution, Part VI—Bunker Hill: Heroes and Cowards
at Firehouse Center for the Arts. Funded in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. (Registration details will be provided shortly.)
Exhibition curated by Kevin MacDonald.
Saturday, June 28th - 10am
250th ANNIVERSARY REVOLUTIONARY WAR PARADE
Location and muster TBD. 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 [email protected] for special arrangements and private tours.