New London — The Norwich-based Dime Bank has donated $15,000 to support the building of the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, making it the first corporate sponsor of the museum.

"As the first corporate donor to our museum, Dime bank is providing invaluable support and leadership, inspiring others to give and get involved in making the dream of a national museum for our heroic coast guard men and women a reality," John S. Johnson, treasurer of the National Coast Guard Museum Association, said in a statement.

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the museum is scheduled for May 2.

The association is in the midst of a campaign to raise $1.5 million and also plans to ask the federal government for funding.

The state has pledged up to $20 million for a pedestrian bridge across the railroad tracks and for improvements to the city's regional intermodal transportation center.

The museum, which is expected to include four floors of interactive exhibits, event space, lecture rooms and a reception area with a gift shop and cafe, could be opened late in 2017.