Attraction Guide: Custom House Maritime Museum, Newburyport, United States

Custom House Maritime Museum Guide

Sailing Through History: Custom House Maritime Museum Guide

Step back in time and discover Newburyport's rich maritime heritage at the Custom House Maritime Museum. Housed in a magnificent Federal-style building that once served as the city's Custom House, the museum showcases the vital role Newburyport played in international trade and shipbuilding during the 18th and 19th centuries. Explore fascinating exhibits that bring to life the stories of merchants, sailors, and shipbuilders who shaped the city's identity. The Custom House, completed in 1835, is a testament to Newburyport's prosperity during its maritime heyday. Designed by Robert Mills, the architect of the Washington Monument, the building served as the center for collecting tariffs and regulating trade. Newburyport was a major shipbuilding center, producing clipper ships renowned for their speed and elegance. The museum's collection includes ship models, navigational instruments, portraits, and artifacts that illustrate the city's maritime past. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits, which cover topics such as shipbuilding, navigation, trade routes, and the lives of seafarers. The museum also offers guided tours that provide deeper insights into the history of the Custom House and Newburyport's maritime industry. Special events and programs are held throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and family activities. The museum store offers a variety of maritime-themed gifts and souvenirs.