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2nd Telly Award Presented to Mystic Seaport Museum for SeaClass

Mystic Seaport Museum SeaClass: The Maritime Classroom Wins Silver Telly Award 

Mystic, Conn. (June, 3, 2026) – Mystic Seaport Museum is proud to announce that SeaClass: The Maritime Classroom—Digital Learning, Season One, has received a Silver Telly Award in the Education and Learning category at the 47th Annual Telly Awards.

Season One of SeaClass immersed viewers in the fascinating world of 19th-century whaling. Through expert-led discussions with Museum curators and close examination of rare artifacts from the Museum’s world-renowned collections, the series explored how whaling shaped America’s maritime history and examined its lasting impact today.

The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens and are judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks, and production companies. This year’s winners include Paramount TV, Warner Bros. Discovery, FOX Entertainment, MoMA, Mayo Clinic, Sony Music, TED, Al Jazeera, Variety, PETA, United Talent Agency, Olympic Channel, ABC News, Harvard Business School, and many more.

“This series reflects our commitment to making maritime history accessible, engaging, and relevant for audiences everywhere through innovative digital storytelling,” said Sophia Matsas, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Mystic Seaport Museum. “We are honored that SeaClass: The Maritime Classroom has been recognized by the Telly Awards alongside such outstanding organizations and creators.”  

Established in 1979, The Telly Awards are the premier honors recognizing video and television content across all screens. The competition receives more than 13,000 entries annually from all 50 states and five continents. Winners are selected by The Telly Awards Judging Council, an industry body of more than 250 leading experts representing advertising agencies, production companies, and major television networks.

This year’s judges included Tamara Kruger, Head of Content and Sponsorships at Google; Janet Graham Borba, Executive Vice President of Production at HBO; Phil Cook, Chief Marketing Officer of the WNBA; and Andrea Wertheim, Senior Manager of Post Production at Netflix.

The full list of winners for the 47th Annual Telly Awards can be found on The Telly Awards website.

This marks the second Telly Award Mystic Seaport Museum has received for a digital YouTube series. The first being the Find Your Sea Story mini-documentary series which was released in summer of 2024.

Watch SeaClass: The Maritime Classroom, Season One on the Mystic Seaport Museum YouTube channel and subscribe to be notified when Season Two premieres later this year.

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

The WoodenBoat Show Returns to Mystic Seaport Museum June 26–28, 2026

Mystic, Conn. (June 1, 2026) – Mystic Seaport Museum is proud to announce that the 34th annual WoodenBoat Show will take place at the Museum on June 26–28, 2026, hosted in partnership with WoodenBoat Publications. This three-day event celebrates the craftsmanship, heritage, and enduring spirit of wooden boatbuilding and maritime culture. 

The WoodenBoat Show will feature more than 100 traditional and classic wooden vessels, including handcrafted kayaks, elegant mahogany runabouts, classic daysailers, schooners, and other historic and contemporary wooden craft. The event draws boatbuilders, sailors, craftsmen, collectors, families, and maritime enthusiasts for a weekend of exhibits, demonstrations, presentations, and on-the-water experiences. 

Hosted on the waterfront campus of Mystic Seaport Museum—the nation’s leading maritime museum—the show offers attendees the opportunity to experience wooden boats within one of America’s most historic seafaring settings. 

“The WoodenBoat Show continues to be a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and maritime tradition,” said Christopher Freeman. “Whether you are a lifelong sailor, a boatbuilder, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful craftsmanship and coastal heritage, the show offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor.” 

The 2026 show will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Museum exhibitions open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free parking will be available in Museum lots, with limited paid reserved parking available on Saturday and Sunday—must be purchased by noon, June 26. 

Tickets are on sale now. Mystic Seaport Museum Members receive free admission all three days.  

  • Adults (18+): $40 one-day pass | $60 three-day pass  
  • Seniors (65+): $37 one-day pass | $57 three-day pass  
  • Youth (ages 4–17): $25 one-day pass | $50 three-day pass  
  • Children 3 and under: Free  

For tickets, schedules, and parking information, please visit the Mystic Seaport Museum website.
 

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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News

Daily Activities Schedule

2026 EARLY SPRING 
ALL DAY
  • Brick Bingo: Bingo cards available at either entrance. 😊
  • Hunt for hidden LEGO® minifigures across the Museum. 😊
TALKS AND TOURS
  • 10:30  Shipyard Tour
    Thames Keel Exhibit (49) 
  • 11:30  Women at Sea
    Charles W. Morgan 
  • 4:00 Shipyard Tour
    Thames Keel Exhibit (49) 
TREWORGY PLANETARIUM SHOWS (9)
  • 12:00  Zoo in the Sky (weekends) 😊 
  • 1:00    Spring Stars and the Mariner (daily) $ 
  • 3:00  Polynesian Wayfinders (daily) $ 

😊     Family friendly
$      Additional fee

Categories
America and the Sea Award

Cole Brauer: 2024

Cole Brauer made history as the first woman from the United States to achieve the remarkable feat of racing single-handedly around the world nonstop and unassisted.

“We are thrilled to honor Cole Brauer with the America and the Sea Award,” said Peter Armstrong, President and CEO of Mystic Seaport Museum. “Her groundbreaking accomplishment underscores the resilience and ingenuity inherent in maritime exploration.” 

Cole finished 2nd in the 2023–2024 Global Solo Challenge on March 7, 2024, sailing a Class40 boat named FIRST LIGHT, also setting a new around-the-world speed record for the class. She began the race on October 29, 2023, in Vigo, Galicia, Spain, and was the only female and the youngest among the sixteen competitors.  

Cole Brauer’s unparalleled journey exemplifies courage, determination, and a deep connection to the maritime spirit. Her achievement not only sets a new standard in solo sailing but has also inspired countless individuals worldwide. From 13,000 Instagram followers to 500,000 in 133 days, clearly Cole has struck a chord for this generation and created a new paradigm for the world of professional offshore racing. Part of the allure and the compulsion for hundreds of thousands of people to check in with her each day was Cole’s unvarnished presentation of herself. 

Mystic Seaport Museum presented the 2024 America and the Sea Award to Cole Brauer at a black tie gala at Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut, on September 26, 2024.

Categories
Press Releases

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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Categories
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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Categories
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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Categories
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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HOURS

Daily | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

More information here.

DIRECTIONS And Contact

75 Greenmanville Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
860-572-0711

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