Ryback Award Ceremony – POSTPONED
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.
Weekends in September and early October
Merrimack Mishoon
Stop by the museum to see the master craftsmen at work!
The Custom House Maritime Museum is honored to host master mishoon makers Darius Coombs and Jonathan Perry. Over a period of four weeks, they will craft the traditional dugout canoe behind the Custom House. The mishoon will launch on October 11th on the Merrimack River in recognition of Indigenous People's Day.
Burn Schedule
- Sept. 26th - 29th
- Oct. 3rd: First Friday lecture on the mishoon @ 6:30 pm
- Oct. 4th: Morning burn, Celebration Feast from 3 pm - 7 pm
- Oct. 11th: Mishoon launch from the public boat ramp next to Tuscan Grill @ 12:30
Friday, October 3rd | 5:30 reception, 6:30 lecture
October First Friday Lecture: Master Mishoon Craftsmen Darius Coombs & Jonathan Perry
Join Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag and Jonathan Perry of the Aquinnah Wampanoag for a discussion of the construction of a mishoon (traditional dug out canoe) on the Newburyport Waterfront, taking place this Fall.
This First Friday is part of the month long process and culminates with a celebratory feast on October 4th and the official launching of the mishoon on October 11th.
This initiative seeks to honor Indigenous maritime traditions engaging Indigenous apprentices in the process. This celebrates cultural craftsmanship, educates and engages the community in Indigenous maritime history on the Merrimack River, and includes public demonstrations and educational programs at Newburyport's Waterfront Park, and at partner organizations, including the CHMM and Lowell's Boat Shop.
TBD
Admiral Richard I. Rybacki Award Ceremony - POSTPONED
Due to the federal government shutdown, the Rybacki Award ceremony is rescheduled. A new date will be announced shortly.
Saturday, October 4th | 3 pm - 7 pm
Merrimack Mishoon Celebration and Fundraising Feast
Join us for a fundraising feast to celebrate the completion of Merrimack Mishoon dugout canoe project!
Master mishoon makers Darius Coombs and Jonathan Perry will craft the traditional dugout canoe behind the Custom House over a period of four weeks and host a meet and greet on October 4th. The mishoon will launch on the Merrimack River in recognition of Indigenous People's Day.
We are honored to welcome Chef Sherry Pocknett, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northeast, to the museum when she will create an intimate gastronomical experience with a unique indigenous flair and foods native to the Northeast. The meal will include a raw bar and cocktail hour with beer, wine, and a seasonal punch.
Tickets are $125 each and includes a complimentary membership to the Custom House. PLEASE NOTE: This event will be held outside on the back lawn - dress accordingly.
Year-long programs brought to you, in part, by
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
- Museum Hours
Thurs-Sat: 10AM-5PM
Sun: 12PM-5PM
- Tickets
Admission is $5 for adults, free for NBPT residents, active duty military, students, ENHA volunteers, and kids under 12.
Museum memberships include free admission.
- 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.