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Pirates Descend Upon Mystic Seaport Museum during Pirate Days on April 16–17

Pirates Descend Upon Mystic Seaport Museum during Pirate Days on April 16–17

Mystic, Conn. (March 18, 2026) – Mystic Seaport Museum announces the return of Pirate Days on April 16 and 17, 2026. This exciting two-day event transforms the Museum grounds into a treasure trove of outdoor fun for the whole family! Additionally, our newest exhibition, Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks, will be on view, making the Museum a perfect destination during school break. 

Kids will put their navigation skills to work as they storm the seaport village for an all-new treasure hunt adventure. Young pirates and their families will follow clues to discover hidden loot, meet friendly pirates, and enjoy captivating musical performances. The Museum will also host pirate-themed games, crafts, cannon firing drills, and special planetarium shows. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress the part and join the lively pirate parade, bringing the community together for a spirited waterfront celebration.  

Admission to Pirate Days is free for Museum members and included with general admission for non-members. To enhance the interactive experience, a pirate kit is available for an additional $8 per participant; free for Members. This kit includes the treasure hunt materials, fun pirate accessories, and access to the final prize. 

Designed to be accessible and welcoming for every family member, Mystic Seaport Museum will feature a designated Take-a-Break Space in the Bartram Building. Located behind the Meeting House, this quiet area will offer pirate-themed sensory toys and coloring pages for those needing a moment to decompress. Families can fuel their waterfront exploration with food and beverages available at Propeller Coffee Bar and Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating. 

Activities include: 

  • Treasure hunt 
  • Games on McGraw Gallery Quad 
  • Pirate musical performances on the Performance Stage 
  • Pirate crafts in the Toy Boat Workshop 
  • Cannon firing drill on Middle Wharf 
  • Pirate story time in the Thomas Greenman House 
  • Pirate Olympics on the Village Green 
  • “Spring Stars and the PIRATES!” planetarium shows at Treworgy Planetarium (Admission: $5 Members, $8 Non-members, children 3 and younger are free)  
  • Pirate parade around the Village Green 

Pirate Days activities take place rain or shine from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days. The experience features a mix of indoor and outdoor activities across uneven ground, so families are encouraged to dress comfortably.  

To learn more and see a full list of activities and times visit the Museum website here.   

 

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 650 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship CHARLES W. MORGAN. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

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Press Releases

Mystic Seaport Museum Announces North American Debut of Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks

Mystic, Conn. (February 10, 2026) – Mystic Seaport Museum announces the North American debut of Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks, a bold and immersive exhibition opening March 28, 2026. Blending world‑class LEGO® artistry with maritime archaeology, hands‑on interactives, and compelling human stories, Brickwrecks invites visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore the drama, ingenuity, and mystery of shipwrecks from across the globe. 

Developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum in partnership with the Western Australian Museum and Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught—one of only fourteen LEGO® Certified Professionals worldwide—Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks transforms iconic shipwrecks into stunning LEGO® models that captivate first‑time museumgoers, lifelong learners, families, and adult LEGO® enthusiasts alike. 

Spanning more than three thousand years of maritime history, the exhibition explores eight remarkable shipwrecks whose stories reveal moments of exploration, trade, innovation, environmental impact, and human resilience. Each LEGO® model is paired with real artifacts, replica objects, multimedia, and interactive experiences that encourage curiosity, experimentation, and deeper understanding. 

Throughout the exhibition, visitors can: • test what caused the Swedish warship Vasa to capsize • pilot a remotely operated vehicle beneath Arctic ice • explore decision‑making and survival aboard Titanic • respond to modern environmental challenges by cleaning oil from wildlife • build original LEGO® creations inspired by the stories of the sea. 

Featured shipwrecks include: 

ULUBURUN — a Bronze Age trading vessel discovered off the coast of Turkey, offering a rare glimpse into ancient global exchange 

SHINAN — a fourteenth‑century Chinese cargo ship that reveals early maritime trade networks 

VASA — the Swedish warship that capsized on its maiden voyage in 1628 

BATAVIA — a Dutch East India Company vessel whose 1629 wreck sparked a dramatic survival story 

PANDORA — a British Royal Navy ship lost on the Great Barrier Reef in 1791while pursuing the mutineers of HMS Bounty 

TERROR and EREBUS — the British exploration ships trapped in Arctic ice during Sir John Franklin’s search for the Northwest Passage 

TITANIC — the iconic ocean liner whose 1912 sinking continues to resonate across generations 

RENA — a modern container ship whose grounding off New Zealand created a major environmental disaster 

Across these stories, Brickwrecks highlights the evolving relationship between people and the sea—past, present, and future—connecting ancient trade routes to contemporary questions of technology, exploration, and environmental stewardship. 

“Brickwrecks brings maritime history to life through creativity, curiosity, and play,” said Chris Freeman, Interim President and CEO of Mystic Seaport Museum. “Whether you arrive with children, friends, or on your own, the exhibition offers multiple ways to engage—from hands‑on problem solving to deeper reflection on how the sea has shaped human experience. We are excited to share this imaginative and accessible exhibition with our community and visitors from across the region.” 

Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks will be on view at Mystic Seaport Museum from March 28, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and is included with general admission and free for Museum Members. 

To mark the exhibition’s opening, Mystic Seaport Museum will host a special opening day celebration on Saturday, March 28. Visitors are invited to drop in between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to take part in a collaborative LEGO® mosaic build in the lobby of the Thompson Exhibition Building at the North Entrance, led by members of the Connecticut-based LEGO® fan group ConnLUG. Guests can also pick up a Brick Bingo sheet at the entrance and explore the Museum’s historic Seaport Village in search of hidden LEGO® minifigures, adding an extra layer of discovery to this brick-filled celebration.

For more information and to plan your day, visit www.mysticseaport.org. 

Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks | March 28, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Opening day celebration March 28, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Included with general admission | Free for Museum Members | Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, Connecticut 

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 650 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship CHARLES W. MORGAN. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

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Press Releases

Museum Appoints Christopher Freeman as President and CEO

Mystic, Conn. (February 3, 2026) – Mystic Seaport Museum announced that Christopher Freeman has been appointed the Museum’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. 

Freeman has served as Interim President and CEO for the past seven months, providing steady leadership during a period of significant complexity for the Museum. His appointment follows careful consideration by the Board of Trustees and reflects their confidence in his leadership, experience, and deep understanding of the institution. 

“Chris has demonstrated consistent and thoughtful leadership while laying important groundwork for the future,” said Richard Clary, Board Chair at Mystic Seaport Museum. “He brings continuity, institutional knowledge, and a clear commitment to our mission. The Board is confident in his ability to strengthen the Museum’s foundation, advance the strategic priorities which will guide the Museum through its upcoming Centennial, and prepare us to embark on our next 100 years.” 

A 28-year veteran of the Mystic Seaport Museum staff, Freeman most recently served as Vice President of Advancement prior to the interim role. His tenure spans nearly three decades of leadership and service to the Museum, its mission to inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience, and the entire Mystic community. 

“I am honored by the confidence the Board of Trustees has placed in me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this extraordinary institution,” Freeman said. “We have an exceptional staff, a powerful mission, and an essential role to play locally and nationally. The Museum is worthy of national support at the highest level. I look forward to continuing our work together, supporting our people and our community, strengthening the Museum’s foundation, and advancing our strategic priorities.” 

During Freeman’s tenure as Interim President and CEO, the Museum continued seasonal programming and advanced key strategic initiatives, while working to strengthen its operational and financial footing.  

Freeman’s appointment underscores the emphasis the Board of Trustees has placed on stability, continuity, and disciplined leadership as the organization moves forward toward its Centennial Anniversary in 2030. 

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 650 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship CHARLES W. MORGAN. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

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Press Releases

Mystic Seaport Museum Nominated for Best Maritime Museum in USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 

Mystic, Conn. (January 12, 2026) – Mystic Seaport Museum has been nominated for Best Maritime Museum in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, a national honor recognizing outstanding travel and cultural destinations across the United States. Nominees for the annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are selected by a panel of editors and subject-matter experts before being opened to public voting, inviting audiences nationwide to help choose the final winners.   

The nomination places Mystic Seaport Museum among the nation’s top maritime institutions and highlights its role as a leader in preserving and sharing America’s maritime heritage. As the largest maritime museum in the United States, Mystic Seaport Museum brings maritime history to life through its world-class collection of historic watercraft, recreated 19th-century seaport village, working preservation shipyard, and engaging exhibitions and programs that help visitors find their personal sea story.  

Public voting is now open and allows individuals to vote once per day through Monday, February 9, at 11:59 a.m. EST. The top 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, February 18, at noon EST.   

Mystic Seaport Museum extends heartfelt appreciation to the USA TODAY 10Best editors and expert panel for the nomination, and to the staff, visitors, members, and supporters who contribute to our vibrant community. We encourage everyone who treasures maritime history to vote daily and help bring this honor home.   

Visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/mystic-seaport-museum-mystic-connecticut/ to cast your vote.  

About Mystic Seaport Museum 

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 650 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship CHARLES W. MORGAN. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. 

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Press Releases

Mystic Seaport Museum Invites Visitors to Experience Lantern Light Village

Mystic Seaport Museum Lantern Light Village

Mystic, Conn. (November 4, 2025) – This December, the spirit of the holidays transforms Mystic Seaport Museum into a festive wonderland for Lantern Light Village, a self-guided, immersive journey through the Museum’s historic seaport village. 

Inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this year’s experience puts a maritime spin on the timeless tale. Visitors will interact with costumed performers and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Step back in time and explore the beautifully decorated village and enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas.  

Bundle up and experience the magic only at Lantern Light Village! 

Activities  

This family-friendly event features dazzling festive lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, live holiday music, and cozy fireside spots to warm up with hot cocoa and seasonal treats. Kids can meet St. Nick, create holiday crafts, and enjoy hands-on activities. Guests of all ages will enjoy live performances and holiday-themed entertainment. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or continuing an old one, Lantern Light Village promises a night full of joy and cherished memories for everyone to look back on. 

Event Information  

Join us on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20. 

The event runs from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. (9:00 p.m. on Saturdays) with staggered entry times every 15 minutes beginning at 5:00 p.m. 

Additional entry times on Saturdays.  

Ticket Information  

Tickets are available online; prices vary by day:  

  • Members: Adults $25–$30 | Youth (ages 4–17) $17–$22 
  • Non-members: Adults $35–$40 | Youth (ages 4–17) $22–$28 
  • Children (ages 0–3): FREE 

For the best value, join us on Fridays or Thursday, December 18. Special Member pricing on opening night, Friday, December 5. 

Advanced ticket purchase is highly encouraged due to strong demand and limited capacity. 

For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit www.mysticseaport.org.  

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

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News

Message From the Interim President: An Important Museum Update

To Our Mystic Seaport Museum Community, 

On October 28, Mystic Seaport Museum implemented difficult but necessary organizational changes to address long-standing financial challenges that have been compounded in recent years by rising inflation, increased operating costs, and uncertainty in state and federal funding for cultural institutions. While these steps were not easy, they were essential to the Museum’s long-term sustainability and its ability to fulfill its mission. 

We recognize the impact these decisions have had on our colleagues, volunteers, members, donors, and local community. Each person who contributes to the Museum, whether through their work, their time, or their financial support, plays an invaluable role in sharing and preserving America’s maritime story. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff, both past and present, and to all who continue to stand with us through this transition. 

The Museum remains open and active, continuing to welcome visitors for seasonal events including Community Trick or Treat and Lantern Light Village. Looking ahead to 2026, we are preparing the major exhibition Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks and a series of special programs celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. These experiences reflect the creativity, curiosity, and community spirit that have always defined Mystic Seaport Museum. 

As we approach our centennial in 2029, we have an opportunity to reimagine the Museum for its next hundred years. Guided by our strategic plan, we are developing a framework for the Museum that prioritizes financial sustainability, mission alignment, and meaningful engagement with the audiences of today and tomorrow. This moment, though challenging, allows us to strengthen our impact, and to continue inspiring an enduring connection to the American maritime experience. 

Thank you for your continued support, patience, and your belief in the power of this institution. Together, we will reimagine a museum that honors our history while embracing the future with resilience, creativity, and purpose. 

With gratitude,
Christopher Freeman
Interim President and CEO

 

Why is the Museum facing this financial situation?

The Museum, like many cultural institutions nationwide, is navigating long-standing financial challenges that have been intensified by inflation, increased operational costs, stalled revenue growth, and uncertainty in state and federal funding. While visitation and community engagement have remained steady, the cost of maintaining operations has outpaced revenue, creating significant financial pressures.

Why were staffing changes necessary?

To ensure the Museum’s long-term sustainability, we made a very difficult decision to reduce expenses across all areas of the organization, including personnel. These decisions were not made lightly, but they are part of a broader effort to stabilize operations and position the Museum for future success.

How many employees were affected, and how were they supported?

A total of 22 roles, representing about 15 percent of our staff, were impacted. Those affected received severance packages based on tenure and were offered healthcare support for those currently enrolled in our plan.

Is the Museum still open?

Yes. The Museum continues to operate during regular business hours and will present all scheduled seasonal programs, including Community Trick or Treat and Lantern Light Village. During your visit some exhibits may be closed. Details will be provided by the gate staff upon arrival.

How can the Museum continue to invest in projects like the Rossie Mill renovation?

Projects like the new boat hall are funded through designated donor and grant sources that cannot be used for operating costs.

What steps are being taken to ensure this doesn’t happen again?

The Museum has outlined a strategic plan focused on financial sustainability, mission alignment, and relevance to future audiences. This plan will guide decision-making and resource allocation to secure a thriving institution for the next hundred years.

How can the community help?

We invite the public to continue engaging with the Museum by visiting, becoming a member, or donating in support of our mission. Every act of participation helps strengthen, preserve, and share America’s maritime heritage for generations to come.

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Press Releases

Mystic Seaport Museum Invites Visitors to Discover What Lurks Beneath This Halloween Season

This October, Mystic Seaport Museum transforms into a world of shadowy legends and seafaring lore with What Lurks Beneath, an immersive Halloween experience for all ages. Timed entries are offered at 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00 p.m. on October 17, 18, 24, 25, and 26. 

Families and children will delight in fanciful performers, towering sea creatures, and ghostly projections that light up the night. Indoors and outdoors, the Museum’s historic spaces set the stage for ocean legends to come alive. Young adventurers can create their own sea creatures in the craft zone or climb aboard a children’s mini ship playscape for imaginative play. Along the waterfront, the glow of lanterns and the aroma of seasonal treats add to the festive spirit. Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern will feature Halloween-themed food and drinks, while the historic whaleship Charles W. Morgan becomes the canvas for a colossal Kraken whose tentacles climb up the vessel’s rigging. 

For those craving an extra thrill, brave adults and older children can join a guided tour through the Museum’s darker corners. Visitors will step into the haunted village of Greenmanville, a town overrun by inhuman souls rising from the water. With only a lantern to light the way, guests must flee the infestation before being pulled into the depths themselves. The experience is steeped in maritime lore and promises a chilling exploration of what lurks beneath Mystic’s waters. 

Tickets: 

  • Members: Adults $25 | Youth $20 
  • Non-members: Adults $30 | Youth $23 

Advance registration is strongly encouraged, as capacity is limited. 

For tickets and additional information, visit www.mysticseaport.org. 

What Lurks Beneath: A Halloween Experience is sponsored in part by the State of Connecticut on behalf of the CHET 529 College Savings Program. 

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

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Categories
Press Releases

34th Annual Antique Marine Engine Expo Returns to Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum will host the 34th Annual Antique Marine Engine Expo on August 16–17, 2025. One of the nation’s longest running and most celebrated events of its kind, the Expo will feature more than 300 exhibits showcasing the engineering marvels that once powered the world’s waterways. 

Exhibitors from across the country will display a remarkable variety of pre-1973 electric, gasoline, and diesel marine engines, along with steam-powered models of all ages. Many of the engines will be running just as smoothly as the day they were built. Visitors can expect to see steamers huffing and puffing, inboards chugging on their stands, outboards splashing in rain barrels, and intricate models converting air pressure or electricity into rotary motion on workbenches and in the model pool. 

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious, this event offers a lively and fascinating look at the evolution of marine propulsion. Held in the Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard, the Expo is a can’t-miss celebration of history, mechanics, and hands-on fun. 

Show hours are 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Sunday. The event is included with Museum admission and free for Museum Members. 

The summer fun continues at the Museum with boat rides and historic trades demonstrations, Sabino Music Cruises, after-hours music at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern, and more events, including: 

Research, Design Construction, and Restoration of the Susan Constant, August 16, 10:30–11:30 a.m. (capacity 50) 

Hear from Eric Speth, Captain of the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, about the research, design, construction, and restoration of the historically accurate and fully operable Susan Constant.  Following the presentation, Susan Constant will be available for viewing in the Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. This event is included in general admission and free for Members. 

Newfoundland Dog Water Rescue Demonstrations, August 23, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Witness trained Newfoundland dogs showcase their remarkable water rescue skills in partnership with the Land & Sea Newfoundland Training Group. This event is included in general admission and free for Members. 

Family Field Day, August 30, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 

Wrap up summer with Family Field Day on the Museum’s Village Green with a joyful celebration of classic outdoor fun. Visitors of all ages will relive the timeless pleasures of sack races, bucket brigades, barrel rolling, and more. Bring the whole family and experience the simple joy of play, laughter, and shared memories. This event is included in general admission and free for Members. (rain date August 31) 

For tickets and more information, visit mysticseaport.org. 

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Press Releases

Mystic Seaport Museum Shares an Exciting Lineup of Activities and Events for July!

This summer, Mystic Seaport Museum welcomes visitors of all ages to find their sea story at the nation’s largest maritime museum. Guided by the belief that the sea connects us all, the Museum presents a dynamic array of events, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience. 

The Summer of the Morgan continues with special activities onboard the Charles W. Morgan, scavenger hunt and activity booklet, storytelling, photo opportunities, daily boat rides, historic demonstrations, hands-on activities, live entertainment, and countless ways to experience rich maritime traditions. This July, we’re offering a variety of new experiences and events to celebrate the spirit of New England and provide opportunities to create lasting memories with family and friends.  

July Highlights: 

Relax on a 90-minute cruise down the Mystic River onboard the National Historic Landmark vessel Sabino, with live music and a cash bar onboard.  

Explore the night sky in the Treworgy Planetarium after hours! Learn more about the stars, constellations, and planets that are visible from our own backyards.  

  • JAWSFest, July 5, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.  

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary thriller, JAWS! Shark-themed fun for all ages includes shark photo ops, crafts, face painting, and opportunities to learn about shark conservation and research from regional experts, culminating in an evening of live music, local food, and an outdoor screening of the original JAWS film under the stars. General admission covers both daytime and evening activities. 

Enjoy live music at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern overlooking the Charles W. Morgan and the beautiful Mystic River. Admission is free beginning at 5:00 p.m. 

Brechin Morgan studied at Silvermine College of Art, majoring in painting, where he set out to become the next great abstract expressionist painter. Visit Morgan in the John Gardner Boat Shop. 

  • Newfoundland Dog Water Rescue Demonstrations, July 12, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
    Witness trained Newfoundland dogs showcase their remarkable water rescue skills in partnership with the Land & Sea Newfoundland Training Group. 

Enjoy Flock Theatre’s open-air performance of “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare. Limited (bench) seating is provided, and visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. Enter at the North Entrance. In the event of rain, the performance will take place on July 13. $25 per person suggested donation, collected at the performance. 

Enjoy expert talks about whaling history, the ship’s restoration, and the 38th Voyage. Sing along to live sea music, visit the newest exhibition Monstrous: Whaling and Its Colossal Impact, and cool off in the Treworgy Planetarium with special shows about the Morgan. And yes, there will be cake! 

Shop and support International Sea Glass Association artists (50+ vendors!), who will be selling their creations, and learn about sea and beach glass from experts. 

Mark our 40th annual reading of Moby-Dick in honor of Herman Melville’s birthday, read aloud aboard the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world.   

Mystic Seaport Museum is open daily, offering a wide range of activities and programs for all ages. This summer, whether you’re sailing on a historic vessel, engaging in hands-on history, or simply soaking in the picturesque waterfront views, there’s something for everyone to experience and enjoy. 

For tickets, a full calendar of events, and the latest updates, visit: www.mysticseaport.org. 

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Press Releases

Peter Armstrong to embark on a new journey after completing a pivotal phase of leadership at Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic, Conn. (June 20, 2025) – Mystic Seaport Museum President and CEO Peter Armstrong has announced that he will be stepping down from his role later this summer. Armstrong, who has led the Museum since 2020, will return to his native England to be closer to family. His final day at the Museum will be August 6. 

“It has been a joy and a great honor to lead this organization through the challenges of COVID and help reestablish it as one of the world’s foremost maritime museums,” said Armstrong. “My family has been instrumental in supporting these worthy endeavors, and while I will miss the colleagues and community that I’ve had the privilege to work alongside, it’s time for my wife and I to return the favor. Like many, we now find ourselves balancing the responsibilities of caring for an aging parent and embracing the joys of becoming more present and active grandparents to our growing family. When I arrived in Mystic, my goal was to lay a strategic foundation that would guide this Museum into its centennial and secure its success for the next 100 years—and I believe that, through the work of the past five years, the Museum is now well positioned to do so.” 

During his tenure, Armstrong brought renewed vision and momentum to the Museum. He spearheaded the development of Charting Our Course, a comprehensive strategic plan that outlines the Museum’s priorities and long-term goals. He launched the first phase of the campus master plan and created the American Institute for Maritime Studies (AIMS), establishing the Museum as a leader in maritime research and publishing. 

Armstrong also oversaw several significant capital projects, including the restoration of 30,000 square feet of the historic Rossie Mill into the Wells Boat Hall—slated for completion in August—which will serve as the future home of the American Watercraft Collection; upgrades to the floating docks at the award-winning Mystic Seaport Museum Marina; and most recently facilitated a partnership with Greenwich Hospitality Group to bring their newest hotel, Delamar Mystic on the Museum grounds — a privately owned property that enhances the visitor experience and complements the campus environment. Each of these projects represents a pivotal addition to the Museum’s physical and experiential footprint. His commitment to fostering community through partnerships and collaboration has left a legacy, solidifying the Museum’s ties locally and beyond. 

“We are all grateful to Peter for his hard work and dedication over the past five years.  He successfully led the Museum out of the COVID pandemic and back into being a vibrant, active, award-winning Museum.  Peter designed and executed a substantial reorganization of the Museum which has better positioned us for the future, by fostering collaborative and collegial effort amongst and across all stakeholders,” stated Richard Clary, Board Chair at the Museum.   

To ensure a smooth transition, Christopher Freeman, Vice President of Advancement and 27-year veteran of the Museum, will assume the role of Interim CEO while the Board of Trustees form a search committee to identify Armstrong’s successor.  Freeman brings extensive institutional knowledge and a deep commitment to the mission, ensuring stability and continuity during this period of leadership transition. 

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