The historic Custom House Maritime Museum is hosting a Tall Ship Art Auction on Saturday, October 8th, 2026 at 6 pm to raise money to welcome another magnificent tall ship to Newburyport this Spring. The museum, the former United States Customhouse located at 25 Water Street in Newburyport, is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the maritime heritage of Newburyport, the eastern seacoast’s first major commercial port, and the Merrimack River Valley.

Talented artists from the local area were asked by the Custom House and the Newburyport Art Association to create original artwork inspired by the visit of the tall ship “El Galeon” last spring. Close to 50 pieces of unique artwork, depicting artists’ rendition of the tall ship, will be auctioned off at the Tall Ship Art Auction. The proceeds from the auction will provide support for Maritime Days 2017 and bringing in another tall ship next spring, as well as fund expansion of educational programs. This will be the only fundraiser between now and the arrival of the tall ship in 2017.

In addition to the spectacular  Tall Ship Art Auction, a silent auction will be held featuring 10 different, unique Newburyport experiences with the 2017 tall ship and the Custom House Maritime Museum. One such experience will be a VIP tour of the vessel when it docks in Newburyport’s harbor.  Don’t miss out on this special opportunity.

Tickets are going fast! Tickets for the event are $35 for the general admission and $75 for VIP. Guests will be welcomed at 6 pm, with the Tall Ship Art Auction beginning at 7:30 pm. Your admission includes beer, wine and food generously donated by local restaurants.

Please join us for an entertaining evening of maritime art and history, as you support and enjoy Newburyport’s Custom House Maritime Museum.  For more information call 978-462-8681 or go to www.customhousemaritimemuseum.org.