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Upcoming Events
All events are at the CHMM unless otherwise noted. Please check below for details.
Year-round | Thursday-Saturday: 10-5; Sunday: 12-5
Children's Discovery Center
Did you know kids get into the museum AND the Discovery Center for free?
If you're looking for something to do this winter, stop by the museum for scavenger hunts, crafts, games, puzzles and more! No need to call ahead - if the museum is open, the Discovery Center is open!
For museum members: if the kids and grandkids need an escape, call us and we'll do our best to accomodate (even if the museum is closed).
February, March, and May | Programs in Partnership with MOON
CHMM & MOON Revolutionary War Programming
Stay tuned for information on several events and lectures on the Revolutionary War, put on by the Custom House Maritime Museum and the Museum of Old Newbury.
Sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
Friday, January 9th | 5:30 pm - reception, 6:30 pm- lecture
Newburyport Whale Watching and the Plight of Whales
Take a deep dive with naturalist Kristin Daley into the biology, behavior, migration, and communication of whales in our Gulf of Maine backyard. What helps these giants thrive, and what threatens them? Learn about conservation, protection efforts, and stories from the water that bring this ecosystem to life closer to you.
Kristin Daley is a marine naturalist with Newburyport Whale Watch and a traveling ocean educator with The Whalemobile. She has spent nine seasons studying whales primarily in the Gulf of Maine, but also in Hawai‘i and South Africa. Kristin has experience tagging sharks, rehabilitating sea turtles, and is completing her Master’s in Marine Conservation Biology.
January 9th | 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Opening of New Community Gallery Exhibition: Coastal Watercolors by Rob Brun
Friday, February 6th | Time: TBD | St. Paul's Church
Newburyport and the Quebec Expedition
Presented by Luc Nicole-Labrie - Historical Interpretation Coordinator, The National Battlefields Commission of Quebec, Canada.
Lecture will take place at St. Paul's Church in Newburyport.
In partnership with the Museum of Old Newbury. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
February
Black History Month Exhibition
In honor of Black History Month, join us for a special unveiling of West African tapa cloths and a flag that flew on the ship Castillian, captained by Alexander Graves and an active participant in the Underground Railroad.
Friday, March 13th | 5:30 - reception | 6:30 - lecture
Plum Island and the Story of John Boyle O'Reilly
Join us for a special lecture presented by Custom House director James Russell.
John Boyle O’Reilly (1844-1890), famed Irish American poet and activist, was convicted of sedition and sentenced to a penal colony in Australia. He escaped to America in 1869 and was a frequent visitor to Plum Island, using it for an outdoor retreat. O'Reilly is known as an exceptional editor, speaker, and champion of marginalized communities.
Tuesday, March 17th | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Concert of Irish Folk Music
Tom O’Carroll is a Dublin born folklorist, folksinger, and instrumentalist. He has performed at countless concerts, festivals, colleges, and pubs in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and South Korea. Tom captivates audiences with his traditional Irish songs and his stories interwoven with humor, history, and wit.
Thursday, March 19th | 6:00 pm
Annual Members Meeting
More details coming soon!
Saturday, April 11th | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Admiral Richard I. Rybacki Award Ceremony
The Rear Admiral Richard I. Rybacki Award was established by the Rybacki family to honor his public and community service dedication. It is presented annually to a Station Merrimack River crew member who best exemplifies the spirit of respect, honor, and devotion to duty in service to the U.S. Coast Guard and the community they serve.
Friday, April 17th - Sunday, April 19th | 6:00 pm
Boats in Bloom: Spectacular Spring Floral Fundraiser
Join us on April 17th at 6 pm to view floral arrangements designed by local artists and gardening and horticultural clubs inspired by the museum’s collections. The evening will feature a silent auction for guests to bid on the arrangements.
Tickets to the opening of the show includes complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and live music.
The displays will be on view April 18th and 19th for $8 admission at the door.
Upcoming Exhibitions - Spring 2026
The Era of Clipper Ships
A new exhibition exploring one of the most iconic aspects of Newburyport's long history.
Newburyport's Renaissance: A Tribute to its Civic Leaders in the 1970s
Celebrate the individuals who saved historic Newburyport, including the Custom House. Once slated for demolition, the museum celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Spring
Members' Bus Trip to the USS Constitution
More details coming soon!
July - August
Summer Family Saturdays
Free, outdoor and indoor programming for kids returns this summer for the 3rd year in a row! Games, crafts, fun, and more!
Stay tuned for more information on Community Partners.
July - August | Weekly, evenings
Summer Concert Series
Join the Custom House on the back lawn for a series of concerts through July and August. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.
In partnership with the Firehouse Center for the Arts.
More details coming soon!
Thursday, September 17th | 6:00 - 10:00 pm
Seafaring Soiree Gala
The Custom House Maritime Museum's 3rd annual fundraising gala returns in 2026, this time to the Ipswich Country Club.
More information on auction items coming soon.
November | Date and time TBD
Volunteer Recognition Party
Interested in volunteering at the Custom House? Give us a call, stop by the museum, or email us at info@thechmm.org
Early December | Evening
Annual Members Party
Interested in becoming a member? Join at the link below!
Year-long programs brought to you, in part, by
