Final Federal Authority to Fund the National Coast Guard Museum Secured

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2025

Final Federal Authority to Fund the National Coast Guard Museum Secured as President Trump Signs NDAA

New London, Conn. — The National Coast Guard Museum Association today announced that, upon the President’s signature last evening, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes the authority for the U.S. Coast Guard to fund remaining construction of the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut.

With this new Authority, the Association and the U.S. Coast Guard will codify all remaining construction contracts, preserving the project’s completion timeline for 2026, followed by the Coast Guard’s installation of exhibits and a public museum opening in 2027. The Coast Guard will set the opening date.

“For more than 230 years, the Coast Guard has ensured our nation’s maritime safety and security, yet it remains the only long-standing branch of the armed services without a national museum. I, along with our entire Connecticut delegation, have worked tirelessly with our partners to do right by the Coast Guard and create a public museum to preserve and honor this key American institution. After overcoming unforeseen obstacles through months of hard work, planning, and advocacy, I am proud to say we will close 2025 with all needed federal funding in place to complete construction next year and finally make the National Coast Guard Museum a reality. In the process, we will generate good jobs and a new economic engine for the region as people from across the country and world travel to New London, Connecticut to learn about the past, present, and future of the United States Coast Guard,” explains Senator Chris Murphy, who has been an ardent supporter of the Museum.

The Association expressed deep gratitude to Connecticut’s federal delegation for their steadfast support, the United States Coast Guard for its leadership and collaboration, and the City of New London for its enduring partnership.

Michael Passero, Mayor of the City of New London adds: “New London is deeply grateful for the extraordinary and sustained support of the federal government for the National Coast Guard Museum here in southern Connecticut. From funding the expansion of the Water Street Parking Garage, to the $50 million investment that allowed construction to begin in 2022, to the re-homeporting of the EAGLE to the City Pier—and now the authorization for the Coast Guard to support the final elements of construction—this partnership has been transformational. As an officially designated Coast Guard City, we are proud and excited to serve as the home of our National Coast Guard Museum and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the Nation beginning in 2027.”

The National Coast Guard Museum will stand as a national tribute to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard—active duty, Reserve, Auxiliary, and civilian workforce—honoring more than 230 years of service protecting the Nation’s maritime safety, security, and stewardship. Located on the Thames River waterfront, the National Coast Guard Museum will serve as a national center for education, inspiration, and remembrance—connecting visitors to the Coast Guard’s vital missions and enduring values.

“It is not without the strong support of our Congress and the Administration that we are able to complete construction in 2026,” adds CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.), President of the NCGMA. “With our construction timeline firming up and momentum accelerating, the National Coast Guard Museum is entering its final phase toward becoming a permanent national landmark and a source of pride for the Coast Guard community and our Nation.”

For more information, contact Patti Fazio, Communications Director, National Coast Guard Museum Association, 860-208-6474, pfazio@coastguardmuseum.org