© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Coast Guard Breaks Ground in New London For National Museum

The U.S. Coast Guard broke ground for its new museum in the City of New London. It will be the first museum honoring the Coast Guard in the nation.

The Coast Guard band, which is based at the service's academy in New London, played for the presentation of the colors on the city's waterfront as the ceremony got underway on Friday.

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio told the crowd that this was an honor for the city, which is already so closely associated with the Coast Guard. "This museum will not only be a home for all the veterans of our Coast Guard," he said. "It will not only be an economic driver for our city and our region, but it will truly be a national treasure for all Americans." With that, Finizio signed over the land on which the museum will be built to the commandant of the Coast Guard. 

Admiral Robert Papp is a Connecticut native. Breaking ground for the museum in his home state has been a personal mission. "I have the deed. Can you believe it?" he told the crowd. "I think I'll sleep with this tonight!" He said belief is still needed, because despite the land transfer, the association behind the museum must still raise the millions of dollars needed for construction of the planned four-story building.

Credit National Coast Guard Museum Association
An artist's rendering of the planned four-story building.

Congressman Joe Courtney paid tribute to Admiral Papp's persistence. "With the sequester," he said, "the budget control act, the need to recapitalize the Coast Guard fleet, the government shutdown that took place back in October -- again, he never lost sight on the horizon of where he was going with this project, because he believes so passionately."

Courtney is moving forward with legislation to issue a Coast Guard commemorative coin as one way of raising funds for the project. For now, its supporters must be content with only a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Harriet Jones is Managing Editor for Connecticut Public Radio, overseeing the coverage of daily stories from our busy newsroom.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content