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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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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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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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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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Press Releases

Mystic Seaport Museum Hosts JAWSFest in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of JAWS

Mystic, CT — June 17, 2025 — Dive into the deep this summer at Mystic Seaport Museum as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary thriller, JAWS! Islanders, tourists, and locals alike are invited to join us for JAWSFest, a day-long celebration of the classic movie, culminating in an evening of live music, local food, and an outdoor screening of the original JAWS film under the stars. 

Date: Saturday, July 5
Time: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Tickets: One general admission ticket covers all daytime and evening programming! 

Activities and programming 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: 

  • Meet the Experts: Hear a panel of shark scientists from the Atlantic Shark Institute and Atlantic White Shark Conservancy discuss their research. 
  • Exclusive Screening: Watch the pre-premiere of National Geographic’s “JAWS @ 50”: The Definitive Inside Story with opening remarks and Q&A by Wendy Benchley, renowned public speaker, ocean advocate, and wife of the late Peter Benchley, author of JAWS. 
  • Behind the Scenes of Shark Week: Listen to a talk by Joe Romiero, award-winning cinematographer and naturalist who specializes in shark behavior and research, on his work with the Discovery Network’s Shark Week. 
  • “From Junkyard to Museum”: NPR’s Cory Turner shares The Unlikely Journey of the Last JAWS Shark 
  • Explore the Living Sharks Museum Pop-Up Exhibit: This JAWS Anniversary Exhibition tent will feature original artifacts and memorabilia from 1975, with curator Keith Cowley sharing knowledge on the film’s impact and the evolution of our relationship with sharks over the past 50 years. 
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Enjoy story time, shark-themed crafts, face painting (12:00–3:00), and unforgettable photo ops with a 25-foot inflatable shark and an anti-shark cage! 
  • Water Rescues: Watch Newfoundland dogs perform live water rescues in a display of aquatic teamwork. 
  • Stop by the Narragansett Beer tent on the Village Green and interact with local shark conservation organizations. 

Evening Programming on the Village Green, beginning at 5:00 p.m.  

  • Live Music, Lawn Games, and Concessions 
  • Outdoor Screening of JAWS: Cap off the night with an outdoor showing of the movie that started it all, introduced by special guest Wendy Benchley. 

It’s gonna be JAWS-ome! 

This unique event promises to thrill fans of all ages, educate curious minds, and honor the legacy of a film that left an indelible mark on pop culture and ocean awareness. General admission will cover both daytime and evening programming. Spend the whole day with us, or come back for the evening events, all for one special JAWSFest price. 

For tickets and more information visit mysticseaport.org/jawsfest. 

 

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Mystic Seaport Museum Honored to Receive Award of Excellence from AASLH for Publication Mainsheet: A Journal of Multidisciplinary Maritime Studies

Mystic Seaport Museum is a proud recipient of an Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) for Mainsheet: A Journal of Multidisciplinary Maritime Studies. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 80th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.  

Mainsheet is a peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal of maritime studies. A venue for original research from scholars in many fields, Mainsheet offers a rigorous and enlightening perspective on contemporary maritime studies. It also includes compelling feature stories, collection spotlights, poetry, and world-class art. Themed issues have included our inaugural issue on maritime social histories and Issue 2 on maritime technologies, livelihoods, and economies. Future issues will be a mix of special themes and general issues in all aspects of maritime studies. All articles are available open access on the Mainsheet website, with no cost to readers or authors. 

This year, AASLH confers 54 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, and publications. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.  Peter Armstrong, Museum President and CEO shared, “We are not just preserving history—we are actively shaping it. Through initiatives like Mainsheet, we’re advancing academic research and reaffirming the importance of the American maritime experience.” 

The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also bring public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make contributions in this arena. For more information about the Leadership in History Awards, visit www.aaslh.org.

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Mystic Seaport Museum Honored as Silver Stevie® Award Winner in 2025 American Business Awards®

Mystic Seaport Museum Honored as Silver Stevie® Award Winner in 2025 American Business Awards®

Stevie winners will be celebrated during gala event on June 10 in New York

Mystic, Conn. (May 7, 2025) – Mystic Seaport Museum was named the winner of a Silver Stevie® Award in the Marketing Campaign of the Year Non-profit category in the 23rd Annual American Business Awards® today. 

The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the United States. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.  

More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Startup of the Year, Executive of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and App of the Year, among others.  Mystic Seaport Museum was nominated in the Marketing Campaign of the Year category for Non-Profit Organizations. 

As the nation’s leading maritime museum, Mystic Seaport Museum believes the sea connects us all—through stories of immigration, family legacies, sailing, or transformative experiences on or near the water. In 2024, the Museum launched the Find Your Sea Story campaign to showcase the rich human experiences embedded within our collections, exhibitions, and vessels. Through storytelling, visitors go beyond simply viewing an “object” to understanding the broader narrative that the object or artifact represents. This campaign sparks curiosity, exploration, joy, and nostalgia—nurturing a sense of belonging and illustrating the profound ways the sea connects us all. Through this campaign, the Museum has reached new audiences and uncovered incredible stories. 

More than 250 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners. 

Judges’ comments included: “This campaign stands out for its strategic vision, creative execution, and measurable success in connecting diverse audiences to America’s maritime legacy,” and “The campaign demonstrates exceptional strategic planning, execution, and results in connecting audiences with maritime history through storytelling. . . . Its comprehensive multimedia strategy effectively integrates emotional storytelling with innovative outreach efforts.” 

“Organizations across the United States continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. “The 2025 Stevie winners have helped drive that success through their innovation, persistence, and hard work. We congratulate all of the winners in the 2025 ABAs and look forward to celebrating their achievements during our June 10 gala event in New York.” 

Sophia Matsas, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, stated, “This wasn’t just a campaign—it was a living, breathing expression of our mission. Find Your Sea Story was a true omnichannel initiative, driven by storytelling, strategy, creativity, and collaboration. It invited audiences to forge a personal connection with the sea through our world-class exhibitions, historic vessels, family activities, seaport village, shipyard projects, and immersive on-the-water experiences.” 

Visit findyourseastory.com to learn more about the campaign and watch the mini-documentary series that takes viewers on a voyage, revealing the profound and enduring connections between individuals and the sea—and visit the Museum to find your sea story. 

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2025 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.   

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 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, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. Sponsors of The 2025 American Business Awards include HCLTech, Melissa Sones Consulting, and SoftPro. 

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Mystic Seaport Museum Announces Exciting Lineup of Activities, Events, and Exhibitions in June!

Mystic Seaport Museum Announces Exciting Lineup of Activities, Events, and Exhibitions in June!

Mystic, Conn. (May 29, 2025) – This summer, Mystic Seaport Museum invites visitors of all ages to explore, connect, and discover their sea story at the nation’s largest maritime museum. Rooted in the belief that the sea connects us all, the Museum offers an enriching lineup of events, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences designed to inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience. 

From daily water excursions and historic demonstrations to family-friendly exhibits and live performances, the Museum’s 2025 summer season is filled with opportunities to engage with New England’s maritime heritage and spend quality time with your family and friends. 

Ongoing Daily Activities Include: 

  • Summer of the Morgan: special activities onboard the Charles W. Morgan, scavenger hunt and activity booklet, storytelling, photo opportunities, Moby-Dick marathon, and the Morgan’s 184th birthday celebration on July 19 and 20. 
  • Get out on the Water: Rowboats, pedal boats, and sailboats from the Boathouse, and captained cruises aboard the National Historic Landmark vessel Sabino. 
  • Family Fun: Discovery activities at the Funk Children’s Museum, Toy Boat Workshop, Discovery Barn, and ships playscape. Daily educational and immersive shows in the Treworgy Planetarium. 
  • World-class Exhibitions: Powerful exhibitions explore the maritime histories in Indigenous, African, and African-descended worldviews and experiences; the local commercial fishing industry and regional connections; the history and lasting impact of whaling in our newest exhibition Monstrous: Whaling and Its Colossal Impact; and more. 

June Highlights: 

  • Father’s Day Weekend Festivities, June 14–15
    Enjoy the Revolutionary War Encampment on Saturday, and on Sunday, relax by the river with live music. All weekend, visit the model train show, take a ride in a vintage Model A truck, get out on the water, and give dad a special Father’s Day card from the Print Shop. 
  • Revolutionary War Encampment, June 14
    Step into 18th-century life with reenactors from Connecticut regiments. Activities include demonstrations of historical medical practices, trades, and shipboard life, culminating in a celebratory parade at 3:30 p.m. as news of the signing of the Declaration of Independence reaches the seaport! 
  • New London Big Band Father’s Day Concert, June 15 at 2:00 p.m.
    A live performance by Sean Nelson’s 17-piece jazz orchestra. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of upbeat jazz and swing classics. Concert is included with Museum admission and free for Members. 
  • Juneteenth Commemoration Ceremony, June 19 at 3:00 p.m.
    Join the Museum in honoring Juneteenth with poetry by Rhonda Ward, a presentation by historian John Mills, and music by the Niantic Community Church Gospel Choir. 
  • WoodenBoat Show, June 27–29
    Hosted in partnership with WoodenBoat Publications, this annual event features over 100 traditional and classic wooden boats of every type, from handcrafted kayaks to mahogany runabouts, and classic daysailers to schooners, along with expert demonstrations and vendors. One-day and three-day passes available. Free for Museum Members. 
  • Small Craft Workshop, June 27–29
    In collaboration with the Traditional Small Craft Association, the John Gardner Small Craft Workshop offers skills demonstrations and free boat rentals during the WoodenBoat Show. 

Enjoy live music at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern overlooking the Charles W. Morgan and the beautiful Mystic River. 

Mystic Seaport Museum is open daily with activities and programs suitable for all ages. Whether you’re sailing on a historic vessel, participating in living history, or simply enjoying the scenic waterfront, there’s something for everyone to discover this summer. 

For tickets, a full calendar of events, and the latest updates, 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, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

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Mystic Seaport Museum Launches SeaClass, A New Digital Museum Experience

Mystic Seaport Museum Launches SeaClass, A New Digital Museum Experience

Mystic, Conn. (May 28, 2025) – Mystic Seaport Museum is proud to announce the launch of SeaClass: Digital Learning, a six-episode video series designed to bring the Museum’s maritime expertise, knowledge, and storytelling to audiences near and far. Premiering Wednesday, June 4, at 12:00 p.m. on the Museum YouTube channel, this inaugural season immerses viewers into 19th-century whaling through stories, artifacts, and expert-led discussions that explore the impact of whaling then and now. 

Produced in collaboration with Museum experts and hosted by Krystal Rose, Director of Collections and Curatorial Affairs, SeaClass gives a behind-the-scenes look at items in the vault and provides added context for our newest exhibition, Monstrous: Whaling and Its Colossal Impact, now on exhibit. This program enhances the experience for exhibition visitors, while also providing a global audience the opportunity to engage with key elements of the exhibition virtually. 

“SeaClass allows us to extend the reach of our world-class collections, educational programming, and expert voices well beyond our campus. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience. We’re thrilled to bring that mission to life in new ways through our expanding digital museum experience, and we warmly invite audiences near and far to engage with Mystic Seaport Museum in meaningful and lasting ways,” said Peter Armstrong, President and CEO at the Museum. 

SeaClass is the second digital YouTube series launched in as many years by the Museum. The first being the Find Your Sea Story mini documentary series, which aired last summer and was recently honored with a Silver Telly Award at the 46th Annual Telly Awards. 

2025 SeaClass: Digital Learning Episode Schedule: 

Episode 1: The Why of Whaling, airing June 4 at 12:00 p.m.
Michael Dyer, Curator of Maritime History, explores the motivations behind whaling and its global impact. 

Episode 2: Women in Whaling, airing June 11 at 12:00 p.m.
Maria Petrillo, Director of Interpretation, highlights the untold stories of women in whaling. 

Episode 3: Whaling’s Cabinet of Curiosities, airing June 18 at 12:00 p.m.
Professor Jim Carlton of Williams College examines whale anatomy and its historical applications. 

Episode 4: Maritime Navigation and Nautical Tools Explained, airing July 9 at 12:00 p.m.
Brian Koehler, Associate Director of Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport Museum, demystifies how sailors navigated the open seas. 

Episode 5: Tools of the Whaling Trade: A Closer Look, airing July 16 at 12:00 p.m.
Michael Dyer returns to demonstrate the tools used by whalers—and the stories they tell. 

Episode 6: Massive Whaling Artifacts, airing July 23 at 12:00 p.m.
Take a rare look at large-scale whaling artifacts with Michael Dyer as your guide. 

All episodes will be available on the Museum YouTube channel. While viewing is free, donations are welcome to support the Museum. Watch the season one teaser and subscribe to our channel 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 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, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

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HOURS

SEPTEMBER 2–OCTOBER 31 SCHEDULE:

  • Full Museum Open Daily
  • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Thompson Exhibition Building and grounds close at 6:00 p.m.

More information here.

DIRECTIONS And Contact

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

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