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CHMM Awarded Cummings Foundation Grant – Click here for more info!

Learn about greater Newburyport’s extraordinary maritime history as its mariners forged a legacy that spanned the seven seas.

Through its extensive collection, stories from 10,000 BCE to 1975 are showcased in nine galleries, highlighting exemplary art and artifacts. A Discovery Center is pitch perfect for children with a focus on STEM maritime learning.
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Illustrated historical infographic titled “Patriotism Over Profit” showing Nathaniel Tracy’s privateer fleet during the American Revolutionary War (1775–1784). The image includes a timeline of ships launched each year, a large sailing warship at sea, and text describing Tracy’s contributions to the revolutionary cause, including financing the war effort and operating a fleet that captured enemy vessels. The infographic also highlights the eventual loss of most of the fleet and Tracy’s financial downfall.

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, an ardent spirit, and a 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.
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The Kevin J. MacDonald Endowment Fund

The Kevin J. MacDonald Endowment Fund will support a new, paid internship program at the CHMM. The Board is thrilled to announce that the fund has topped $181,000 to date thanks to a colossal outpouring of support. In 2025, the Finance Committee recommended investing all donations. The Finance Committee oversees these investments. The funds are in a restricted account. The Board elected not to draw down endowment funds so that earning could be reinvested. The goal is to build the fund to $250,000 and then draw down 5% to support stipends for a new youth & college internship program.

In the 2026 budget, the Board set aside $40,000 in separate funds to launch the youth & college internship program. The CHMM accepted 12 paid summer interns into the program. 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 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.

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Note: a $10,000 matching challenge is in effect through March 2027.

Plan Your Visit

Museum Hours

Monday: closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 12 pm - 5 pm

Summer hours run Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

Tickets

$8 for adults
$5 suggested donation for Newburyport residents
Free for kids under 12 and museum members

Cost of admission includes access to the Discovery Center.

Parking

City parking is available adjacent to the museum. View parking lot directions.

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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.

Accessibility

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