;

Touch tank, walk-in models, play space & more

SEAFARING SOIREE gala:  letter of thanks, photo montage & drone video

Custom House Maritime Museum Exhibits

Get a virtual sneak peak at our exhibits through Curator Kevin’s video tour.

Moseley Gallery

The Moseley Gallery is our largest gallery, providing many highlights of what made Newburyport a rich maritime town. This includes the Newburyport Marine Society and cutting-edge ships like the Dreadnought.

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.

Subject matter is geared towards those in Grades 1-6 who are interested in learning about art, history, maritime and marine topics. The classes will be held in the museum, located at 25 Water St, from 10am—noon.This program is free of charge, thanks to the generous support of the H. Patterson Hale Jr Charitable Foundation.

A community conversation hosted by area high school students.

By historian and author Alexander Cain, 7:00 pm at Firehouse Center for the Arts, and in partnership with the Museum of Old Newbury and funded in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

How Newburyport was saved from the Urban Renewal bulldozer. Plus “History Walking Tours” by John in May, Friday 5pm.

Wednesday, March 19th: 12pm

A Village Talk on Whales and Whaling

At the Newburyport Senior Center.

by Graham McKay, of Lowell’s Boat Shop, and Bethany Groff Dorau, Museum of Old Newbury. Funded in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

Unveiling of a major donation of a James E. Buttersworth oil on canvas.

at Museum of Old Newbury. Funded in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

"Historic New England: Preservation and Transformation in Essex County” by Vin Cipolla, President & CEO, Historic New England.

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 8th at 7pm

Nbpt’s Road to Revolution, Part IV—Black Newburyporters

at Museum of Old Newbury. 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.)

Every Saturday: July Until mid-Sept.

Lawn Fest & Fun

Indoor and outdoor kids’ activities.

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.)

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
Through December 31st, admission has been reduced to $0 thanks to the support of our generous sponsors.
  • 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.

Accessibility

Accessibility: The CHMM building is not ADA compliant due to the configuration and physical constraints of this unique and historic building.