The Maritime heritage in Newburyport, Massachusetts runs deep. Newburyport has many wonderful attractions and the Custom House Maritime Museum is the ultimate destination for all residents and visitors with a curiosity to discover our rich maritime history.

As the eastern seacoast’s first major commercial port, and the birthplace of the U.S. Coastguard, there is plenty to preserve and celebrate.

Much of this history can be seen at the Custom House Maritime Museum in downtown Newburyport. This includes an extensive collection of maritime art, model clipper ships and displays from infamous shipwrecks such as the Carlyle Ship Collection of Duncan McFarlane.

Built in 1835, the Custom House served as a place to promote overseas trade and tax collection of imported goods on the Newburyport waterfront.

After a long period of transition, the Newburyport Maritime Society was founded in 1968 to restore and manage the Custom House, now regarded as a premier maritime museum.

Open year round, the museum not only serves as an educational center and research facility, but also as a meeting place for professional and social gatherings.

Custom tours and museum rentals for concerts, weddings and other special events make the Custom House a true treasure of Newburyport.