NEWBURYPORT – The Custom House Maritime Museum (CHMM) is not only having a record year in attendance this year with as many as 16,000 visitors walking through its doors, but demand for its Golden Anniversary fundraiser, the Seafaring Soiree Gala, has added tickets to accommodate the demand for those who want to attend.
Custom House Executive Director James Russell announced last week the 50th Anniversary event was adding tickets because of the demand. “We don’t want to turn away anyone who wants to come.”
Co-chairs Caroline Healey and Nita Lamborghini wrote: “This golden anniversary gala is both a tribute to those who served this museum since its opening 50 years ago and a celebration of all that we can look forward to experiencing over the years ahead.”
The gala is on Thursday, Sept. 25 at the Blue Ocean Music Hall in Salisbury. A New York lounge/jazz band kicks the event off at 6 p.m. Tickets are $200 each. Parking is complimentary. Cocktails, with complimentary passed wine, is followed by a three-course dinner.
The museum’s success this year can be attributed to a series of changes and additions designed to make the staid institution more relevant to the modern world. It is attracting more youth to its refurbished Discovery Center, where the Lower Merrimack Valley Boys and Girls Club youth visit after school to play games and explore exhibits.
The museum has also added outdoor activities on Saturdays that have exceeded expectations.
“Support from our members and friends is critical as the CHMM becomes a vital community-centric institution providing meaningful and relevant service,” Healey and Lamborghini wrote.
Auction items at the soiree include a charter tuna fishing trip for three with Capt. Bill Gynan, Dinner at the Newburyport Range Lighthouse, sailing lessons and an original painting by Richard Burke Jones.
Sponsors include Dan Healey III, Newburyport Bank, the Institution for Savings, Matter, F&N, Nina Lamborghini and Rochester Electronics.
To order your tickets, visit: https://customhousemaritimemuseum.org/seafaring-soiree-gala/. ♦
