Changes at the helm!
By: Jack Santos, CHMM Board of Directors Chair SLAINTÉ ! For those of you I haven’t met, I was recently elected the Board Chairperson of the Custom House Maritime Museum. It is quite an honor to help lead such an important Newburyport institution. I joined the museum as a director in 2019, at almost the same time we welcomed our then new Executive Director Joan Whitlow. Joan came to us from the MIT Museum, and boy what a force of nature she has been these past three years! When she was hired, Joan was clear that we could only expect a three-year commitment, as she transitioned to retirement – and (potentially) more travel with her husband Scott. It’s really been an exciting three years. Since the Museum opened its doors almost 50 years ago, have we ever seen this amount of change to the exhibits and programs? Joan brought her expertise in collections and exhibits and literally changed every room in the building. It’s cleaner, more modern, more engaging, and closer to the standards of an accredited museum. One need look no further than the Moseley Gallery to really see the impact, and (of course) the recently opened “Legendary Newburyporters” exhibit is a testament to Joan’s tenacity and commitment – it’s been a huge hit and is breaking all exhibit attendance records! And the events! Nary a weekend goes by when something isn’t happening at the museum – whether its on the lawn or inside. Lectures, classes, parties, weddings. The building and grounds are ALIVE! During Joan’s tenure we established a new Newburyport tradition “The Maritime Tree”, and even during COVID (Yes! This all happened during a PANDEMIC!) we never skipped a beat with our popular members First Friday members event, by pivoting to Zoom. That’s why the Custom House Maritime Museum has become a “Destination within a Destination” – a proud part of the Newburyport community and a draw to visitors from around the country. And we have Joan (and Scott, her husband supporting her behind the scenes) to thank in a large part for all the great things that have happened the past 3 years. As Joan is proud to say, we consistently opened our doors during scheduled hours throughout the pandemic – quite a feat! Well, three years went by in an eye-blink. Joan and Scott are planning for their new life on the road, and we at the museum, over the last three months, have been interviewing for a new person to lead the organization (I won’t use the word “replacement” since one can hardly replace Joan.) I am proud to announce our new Executive Director is Chris Silva, and he comes to us with experience at the Harvard Museums, as well as the Boston Athenaeum. Chris’s expertise in facilities management will come in real handy for our building projects. He also knows events – Chris has led the Gloucester Harvest Music festival for many years. Chris brings to the role energy and new ideas that will build on the last three (and almost 50) years. Chris joined us on May 2nd and is working closely with Joan as part of a transition during the first two weeks of May. He’ll be Joan’s shadow during that time. Beginning May 16, Joan steps back to focus on some special wrap-up activities, while Chris takes the helm. I hope to introduce Chris personally at our May 6 First Friday event. So, join me in welcoming Chris Silva to his new role in our museum: Welcome Aboard, Chris! And lets all give Joan Whitlow a grand thank you and sendoff as she starts her new travel life in retirement. And – oh yeah! – Scott too! From the Newburyport Maritime Society members, and everyone who has been touched by the museum the past 3 years, Thank You Joan. Let me end with this blessing: May you see the way wherever the journey takes you, sailing safely over rough waterand weathering the waves’ dips and crests.May you find treasure in Earth’s infinite variety, beauty and surprise.May you hear the ocean’s music in every shell you hold to your ear.May your boat fill with insight, laughter, generosity and love as you discover new landscapes and explore the wide expanse of our country. May you have Fair Winds and Following Seas, Joan and Scott, and thank you for all you have done for the Newburyport Custom House Maritime Museum.
A Docent’s Quest
The Things We Find!
By: Gregory Colling, AIA The CHMM is currently working with Merrimack Design Architects and Tripi Engineering Services on an Interior Climate Control Feasibility Study with funding provided by the Newburyport Community Preservation Act. The purpose of the current work is to assess the exterior wall (building envelope) conditions in the Bushee and Marquand galleries on the second floor of the museum, in order to prepare for the design of a new heating and cooling system. A new interior climate control system complying with American Alliance of Museums (AAM) standards will allow us to better preserve the collections from excessive temperature and humidity fluctuations, and make the museum eligible to lend and borrow objects from other museum collections for exhibition, research, and educational purposes. The work includes cutting four test holes in the gallery walls and removing the brick backup masonry behind the granite facades to assess moisture movement through the walls and any possible evidence of damage from freeze/thaw cycles. The building interior finishes were originally plaster, applied directly to the interior side of the exterior masonry walls. In 1972, new insulated interior stud walls were framed over the perimeter masonry walls as part of the building rehabilitation and restoration project. Insulating the interior side of the wall has had the unintentional effect of limiting moisture movement through the wall. Moisture vapor moves through the exterior wall from outside-in during the summer, and in the winter moisture vapor from indoor humidity moves outward which can condense against the interior wall surface. Damage to interior finishes occurs when moisture vapor moves inward through the masonry during the warmer months, condensing behind the cool interior painted wall surfaces, and causing the paint to blister. The feasibility study findings will guide proposed solutions to manage moisture movement within the exterior walls to prevent damage to the masonry from freeze/thaw cycles in the winter, and better preserve our historic building, while also preventing damage to the interior finishes during the summer with the introduction of a new heating and cooling system. Concurrently, we are working with an electrical engineering team from CSI Engineering, Inc. to assess the existing electrical system and design new electrical system upgrades to comply with the current MA electrical code, in preparation for a new heating and cooling system. The new system will be designed to reduce energy consumption. We will also be locating the system to prepare for climate change with the increased threat of flooding along the Merrimack River.
Museum Receives Painting of Ship Anahuac
This beautiful, moody painting depicts the ship in the middle of a “whirlwind” that struck on May 11, 1873, 400 miles W.N.W. of the Azores, while under command of Captain Spalding. The ship limped into the Irish Sea, and was finally towed into Liverpool on May 28.
Jacob Little: “Great Bear of Wall Street” & “Railroad King”
Little made large, early investments in the railroad construction industry at a time when many of his peers were suspicious of that kind of investment.
Fresnel Lens Heading Home: Interview with a Lampist
In September 2021, Kurt Fosburg of Superior Lighthouse Restoration, LLC moved the Fresnel Lens from its home of over four decades at the Custom House Maritime Museum to its original home in the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse in Riverside, RI.
CHMM Maritime Days
by CHMM | Aug 9, 2021 | News CHMM Maritime Days Returns! The CHMM’s #1 FUNdraiser of the year, Maritime Days, will be held September 10 – 12. This weekend will be jam-packed with fun events for the whole family. Kicking off the weekend Friday night at 6:30 on the waterfront will be Maritime Tavern Night – an Evening of Sea Shanties, Trivia, Pizza, and Beer! The popular sea shanty singing group, The Portermen, will bring rhythmical traditional folk songs back to life. TRIVIA TOO! Attendees will also be able to test their local historical trivia knowledge with “Yeat Yeat, Don’t Tell Me – Live!” hosted by celebrity guests. Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the most points. Beer, refreshments, and “Best Newburyport Pizza Palooza” pizza contest. Attendees will get to try a plethora of different local pizzas and vote on their favorite. Saturday: From 9:00 am – 1:00 pm: Maritime Days History Mystery Chase Interactive TREASURE HUNT – A fun interactive event that engages you in Newburyport’s past. Participants will need to work as a team to solve the elaborate, and yes challenging, clues to find the hidden treasure. Twenty (20) teams of 6 individuals using their wit and wisdom will race around Newburyport to solve the clues. The Treasure Hunt kicks off with Abraham’s continental breakfast at 9:00 under the CHMM tent. During this FUNdraiser we want to promote local businesses and encourage the participants to spend time exploring THE PORT after the race. Interactive TREASURE HUNT – A fun interactive event that engages you in Newburyport’s past. Participants will need to work as a team to solve the elaborate, and yes challenging, clues to find the hidden treasure. Twenty (20) teams of 6 individuals using their wit and wisdom will race around Newburyport to solve the clues. The Treasure Hunt kicks off with Abraham’s continental breakfast at 9:00 under the CHMM tent. During this FUNdraiser we want to promote local businesses and encourage the participants to spend time exploring THE PORT after the race. Sunday: Museum Open House The museum will be open free to the public both Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday from 12 pm – 4 pm. A museum open house will be held Sunday from 10 am – 2 pm. CHMM OPEN HOUSE Sunday from 10 am – 2 pm: Inside: 11:30 AM Joe Ponti, a member of the Class of 1961 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, will be giving a free talk entitled, “Clipper ships….an American Odyssey” 1:30 PM Bob Pokress, a member of the Class of 1969 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, will be giving a free talk entitled, “African Americans, the Massachusetts and the Birth of The U.S. Coast Guard” Outside: Booths with celestial navigation instruments and a “Make Your Own Quadrant” activity for the children, as well as booths with Museum Store and CAtCH Events information. The Southern NH Ukulele Group will provide entertainment from 12:30 – 2:00. Visit https://14z.36f.myftpupload.com/event/maritime-days-returns/ for more information and to purchase tickets. Sign up for our email list and follow on social media for the latest updates on Maritime Days and everything happening at the museum. Most events will be ticketed and members will get advance notice. Not a member? No problem! Join here → https://14z.36f.myftpupload.com/membership/. A HUGE thanks to our sponsors! Pizza Sponsors: Anchor Leo’s Nick’s Otto Oregano Pomodori’s Port Pizza Stone Crust/Famous Beer and Alcohol Sponsors: Privateer Rum Ipswich Ale RiverWalk Brewery New England Wine and Spirits Prize Sponsor: Advantage Yacht Sales
Biography: Jonathan Mulliken, Clockmaker
Made here in Newburyport around the time of our War of Independence, the Jonathan Mulliken tall-case clock represents a fine example of American clockmaking from the period.
Announcing New Art Exhibit – “Semper Paratus”
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.6″ custom_padding=”6px|||||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.4em” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] For us, they are always ready, here in Newburyport and around the country. Our new exhibit, Semper Paratus — the Coast Guard’s motto meaning “always ready” — captures a glimpse into the routine yet extraordinary and heroic responsibilities of the United States Coast Guard. This spirited and dimensional selection of artwork is part of a diverse collection of over 2,000 pieces curated by the Coast Guard Art Program (COGAP). The program, celebrating its 35th anniversary, uses art as a medium for educational outreach. It oversees a talented volunteer group of professional and amateur artists that brings to life the missions performed by over 43,000 active-duty men and women, reservists, and auxiliary members. We extend our appreciation to Mary Ann Bader, Coordinator of the Coast Guard Art Program, for facilitating the acquisition of this loaned art for the enjoyment of the CHMM’s visitors. Not only will we enjoy the dramatic images and the stories they portray, but we are also regaled with a variety of techniques, coffee painting, for example, that the artists use to showcase their creative verve. Coffee-painting is a watercolor technique that creates delightfully organic, monochromatic images. The museum’s executive director, Joan Whitlow, remarks about the exhibit, “I love the fact that a branch of the armed forces uses fine art for its educational outreach. A picture is worth a thousand words, and each image demystifies the daily roles of our service members. And the artwork is exceptional.” We will observe and sense within these paintings the core values and responsibilities of the Coast Guard, along with the variety of specialized skills necessary to protect and preserve the coastal waters of the United States. Missions like Search and Rescue owe their success to regimented training and daily maintenance on naval and airborne vessels. Simulating “real-life” crises, from fighting fires on aircraft vessels to protecting marine life and patrolling coastal waters, are critical for the safety of maritime communities. Amid natural disasters and treacherous weather challenges, our distinguished service members’ courage inherently shines in who they are and their passion and dedication for our waters. The exhibit is open now and running through December 31, 2021. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
The Fresnel Lens: History & Pomham Rocks Lighthouse
Through our wonderful relationship with the US Coast Guard, the Fresnel lens has actually been on loan to us for almost 40 years.