NLMS: Celebrate L.I. Sound — National Estuaries Week | Eelgrass Meadows | Lighthouse Tours ….

What’s Up at the

Custom House

September 20, 2026

#StandUpForScience #Museums4Science

The Custom House Maritime Museum is open

Thursday and Friday 1-5 PM,

Sat. from 10AM-5 PM, and Sun. from 1-5 PM.

from our friends at Save the Sound

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Celebrate Long Island Sound

During National Estuaries Week — Sept. 20–26

Estuaries are where rivers meet the sea, creating incredibly productive ecosystems that support wildlife, improve water quality, and sustain coastal communities. And because everything is connected, what happens on land ultimately affects the health of the Sound.

Sunday, September 20th, 4-5 PM

Underwater Rainforests:

Eelgrass Meadows Sustain the Sea

Illustrated Talk

by research scientist Dr. Olivia Graham

at the Henry Ferguson Museum, or via zoom

Eelgrass meadows are biodiversity hotspots that provide critical habitat for fish and invertebrates; stabilize shorelines against waves and erosion; efficiently store carbon below ground; and even reduce human and wildlife pathogens in seawater – directly influencing human health. Join the Fishers Island Seagrass Management Coalition (FISM) at the Henry Ferguson Museum Sunday, September 20th at 4 PM for an Illustrated Talk by research scientist Dr. Olivia J. Graham. Learn why eelgrass meadows are essential coastal habitats, how different stressors impact eelgrass health, and what her team’s research reveals about the future of these ecosystems. Join Zoom Webinar

Tuesday, October 20, 1:30 pm

JIBBOOM CLUB #1

In October, John Wilbur will talk about the Coastal Picket Patrol of World War II. These were yachts that were taken into military service, crewed to a large degree by yachtsmen who were otherwise disqualified or unfit for active service in the armed forces. John is the author of An Unusual way to Fight a War: At Sea with the Offshore Patrol.

Jibboom is not a ‘club’, but a friendly gathering, with a maritime speaker & treats.

Please come and bring a friend. It’s free — generously sponsored by Rose & Joe Maco.

Saturdays, Sundays, & by appointment year-round — a popular destination for more than two centuries.

Visit Inside NL Harbor

Pequot Lighthouse

Visit Long Island Sound’s oldest and tallest lighthouse.

Take a tour inside Harbor Light to see the 4th order Fresnel lens in use at the light since 1857. Climb 116 steps into the lantern room and enjoy stunning views across Long Island Sound.

Tours accommodate up to five people and last 40 minutes. Sign up today. To book a custom tour,send us an email. New London & Groton residents may purchase $5 tickets, thanks to the grant from Veolia – New London Water Authority!

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Photo, right: Since map designations seemingly are up for grabs, here’s one I just learned about: A world according to fish. This map uses a unique cartographic design called the Spilhaus projection, which centers on the ocean and connects all of Earth’s waters into one continuous global sea rather than splitting them up by land-based continents.