Contribute to the 2025 Annual Fund
The CHMM has multiple galleries, each focused thematically on historical narratives unique to the Custom House and its collection.
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 Kevin J. MacDonald Endowment Fund
The Kevin J. MacDonald Endowment Fund will support a new, paid internship program at the CHMM. The first scholarships will be awarded in late Spring 2026. Ten students participated in the pilot program in 2025, proving its importance.
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.
The Board is thrilled to announce that in just 6 months we have reached our goal of raising $100,000 to start the Kevin J. MacDonald Endowment Fund. This achievement encourages us to set a new goal of $250,000, all of which will provide stipends for local students annually.
Contributed funds will be invested in a segregated, managed fund. 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
All events are at the CHMM unless otherwise noted. Please check below for details.
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.
Friday, November 7th
Reception: 5:30 pm | Lecture: 6:30 pm
November First Friday Lecture: The Importance of Accessibility
The CHMM is pleased to welcome Russ Hoyt for an uplifting presentation. The story of Rick and Dick Hoyt became synonymous with triumphing over adversity. "Empowering Together YES YOU CAN!" tells the story of how a family's love has changed the world so that everyone has a place in it. His story tells how a disability cannot stop you if are willing to say three simple yet powerful words - YES YOU CAN.
In 2026, the museum will install an accessibility lift to its Discovery Center, along with refurbishing the bathrooms to make them accessible too.
Thursday, December 4th | 4 - 6 pm
Holiday Party & Member Thank You Event
The CHMM is excited to host an event to thank our volunteers and members for their continued support over this past year.
Year-long programs brought to you, in part, by
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
- Museum Hours
Thursday – Saturday: 10AM-5PM
Sunday: 12PM-5PM
Closed Monday – Wednesday
- 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.