History buffs have plenty of places to visit in New London, Connecticut. Among the tourist attractions are several small museums devoted to the town's cultural and maritime history. The waterfront district of New London features dining, shopping, the arts and community events. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the waterfront district includes attractions such as a cathedral with Tiffany stained-glass windows and America's oldest operating courthouse.
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum specializes in American art of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The permanent collection, which consists of more than 10,000 items, includes work by artists of the Hudson River School and examples of 18th century furniture. It also features work by Claude Lorrain, Nicolas Poussin and Giovanni Tiepolo. Winslow Homer's "The Shepherdess" is among the featured works. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and admission is free for members. There is an admission fe for non-members.
Lyman Allyn Art Museum
625 Williams Street
New London, CT 06320
860 443-2545
lymanallyn.org
Reflecting New London's seagoing history, the Custom House Maritime Museum preserves one of the oldest custom houses in the nation. It also maintains the New London Harbor Light, and offers both exhibits and educational programs for those interested in maritime history. Only limited access to the Harbor Light, one of the oldest lighthouses in the country, is available. The complex is open year-round, and hours vary by season. Admission is free to members; a nominal fee is charged for visitors. Architectural tours of the Custom House are available by appointment.
Custom House Maritime Museum
150 Bank Street
New London, CT 06320
860-447-2501
nlmaritimesociety.org
Located on the grounds of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the Coast Guard Museum features exhibits and artifacts of the 200-year history of the service. Included are figurehead carvings, paintings, steamship models and rare prisms. Visitors may also tour the grounds of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
Coast Guard Museum
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
15 Mohegan Avenue
New London, CT 06320-4195
860 444-8511
uscg.mil/hq/cg092/museum
