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.
"Road to Revolution" -- a partnership exhibition with the Museum of Old Newbury
This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of our late curator Kevin MacDonald (1969-2025)
Funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
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.
1850’s Newburyport Waterfront Diorama: Created by David Vine and with research and assistance from Paul Henault, Scott Nason and Sharon Spieldenner, this remarkable diorama transports the visitor back to a time when merchant vessels docked along the many wharfs in the town.
Dedication of the USCG 4th Order Fresnel Lens, on long term loan from the USCG
Funded in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism and the Newburyport Cultural Council.
MEMBERS’ TOURS
Newburyport Urban Renewal walking tour with John Macone
Join John on a ramble through the downtown and learn about Nbpt’s transformation in the 1970s.
- Tuesday, June 24, 5 p.m., rain date Wed, June 25.
- Tuesday, July 1, 5 p.m., rain date Wed, July 2.
- Limited to 25 spots
- Tickets $15, on the day
- Sign-up: jbradley@thechmm.org
Monday, July 28th: 1pm-3pm
Historic New England's new Haverhill Preservation Facility
We will move from station to station through the historic building with HNE staff discussing the collections and the challenges faced in converting the building into an archival center. The facility has elevators and is wheelchair accessible. There is ample parking.
- Monday, July 28, 1:00-3:00pm
- Limited to 40 spots
- Tickets $15, on the day
- Sign-up: jbradley@thechmm.org
Once again you have a chance to win 2 tickets to the 2026 Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. As you well know, this is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the US.
- The Masters Package is worth over $10,000
- Only 400 tickets available (same as 2024 / better odds than hitting a hole in one!)
- The winner will be drawn on September 25, 2025 at the Museum Gala
- You do not have to be present to win
- Raffle tickets are $100 each!
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 info@thechmm.org for special arrangements and private tours.