Editor's note: This version corrects and clarifies several facts given incorrectly in an earlier version.

“To protect and preserve New London’s history and culture” is the phrase that summarizes the mission of the New London Maritime Society and its exploration of the rich history that lies in the nautical port. Even when faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit continued the mission, recently coming out of a 63-week closure of the U.S. Custom House Museum, where it is headquartered.

Designed in 1833 by the famous architect Robert Mills, who designed the Washington Monument, the Custom House is situated at 150 Bank St. in New London and served initially as the federal government’s local taxing agency before the development of income taxes would render it obsolete.

In 1983, the Custom House building was purchased by the citizens of New London from an impending federal sale alongside three lighthouses; Pequot, Ledge Light and Race Rock.

“We had bought it for one dollar,” said Susan Tamulevich, the executive director of the maritime society.

The group later turned the old building into a museum that holds many artifacts and cultural touchstones of a bygone era, ranging from sailing knots to a recent acquisition of U.S. Coast Guard model kits provided by Tamara Singer, her father having designed them himself.

Another recent acquisition was a whaling painting recovered from the former Citizens Bank on Eugene O’Neill Drive after the bank vacated the space.

“We had recovered the painting after some lack of initial understanding with the bank.” Tamulevich said. “Citizens Bank eventually sent us the painting as a gesture of understanding the value of our city history.”

This support from the community has only strengthened the museum’s mission of preserving the past, which includes the preservation of three lighthouses and an island.

Tamulevich explained that all the lighthouses provide educational or touring value towards the community. Both the Pequot and Ledge Light lighthouses are popular spots for individuals to ferry over and learn about their historical significance, while the Race Rock lighthouse is known for its rocky and dangerous waters. This limits visiting hours to only periods of calmer waters.

Differentiating itself from the lighthouses, the society had also started an annual visit to Great Gull Island to assist counting tern nests and eggs. Trustee Matthew Male has been working on the island since he was a teenager and arranges the visits.

During the pandemic, the Maritime Museum relied on Zoom or outdoor events to keep programming going.

“Sea to Table” cooking classes and the “One Big Table” culinary event hosted by Molly O’Neill were not able to continue, but the society presented educational programs throughout the pandemic.

“The society adapted to COVID-19 as best we could,” Tamulevich said. “Tours inside New London Harbor Light resumed this spring, although with limited capacity.”

Society Vice President Christina Corcoran, in honor of her father John Michael Corcoran, donated a generous sum of money to ensure New London students and their families may visit the Custom House free of charge this year.

Opening back up to the public has allowed the community to return to admiring the region’s many stories and artifacts. It allowed children to receive fun and interesting lessons on New London’s maritime culture.

Matthew Rascoe is an intern from Mitchell College who lives in Old Saybrook.