Custom House Maritime Museum facts for kids

The term Custom House Maritime Museum can refer to two different historical buildings in the United States that once served as custom houses and are now museums. These buildings played an important role in the history of trade and taxes in their respective regions.

What is a Custom House?

A custom house was a special government building where officials collected taxes on goods coming into or leaving a country. These taxes are called "customs duties" or "tariffs." In the past, custom houses were very important for governments to earn money and control trade. They were often located in busy port cities where ships brought in goods from all over the world.

Custom House Maritime Museum in Newburyport

The United States Customhouse (Newburyport, Massachusetts) is one of the buildings that might be called a Custom House Maritime Museum. It is located in Newburyport, Massachusetts, a historic port city.

History of the Newburyport Custom House

This custom house was built in 1835. It was designed by Robert Mills, a famous architect. The building is made of granite and has a grand, official look, which was common for important government buildings of that time. For many years, it was where customs officials worked, collecting duties on imports like sugar, molasses, and rum.

The Museum Today

Today, the Newburyport Custom House is home to the Custom House Maritime Museum. It tells the story of Newburyport's rich maritime history. Visitors can learn about the city's shipbuilding, fishing, and trade industries. The museum has exhibits on famous ships, sea captains, and the daily life of people in a bustling port. It helps young people understand how important trade was for the growth of early American towns.

Custom House Maritime Museum in New London

The New London Customhouse in Connecticut is another historic building that might be referred to as a Custom House Maritime Museum. It is located in New London, another significant port city.

History of the New London Customhouse

The New London Customhouse was built in 1833. It was designed by the well-known architect Ithiel Town. This building is also made of granite and shows the strong, classic architectural style popular in the 1830s. It served as the main office for collecting customs duties in New London for many years.

The Museum Today

The New London Customhouse now operates as a museum, focusing on the maritime history of New London and the surrounding area. It highlights the city's role in whaling, shipbuilding, and naval history. The museum helps visitors explore the lives of sailors, merchants, and the impact of the sea on the region's development. It provides a look into the past, showing how important maritime activities were to the economy and culture of Connecticut.