Fundraiser Succeeds In Raising The "First 100" For National Coast Guard Museum

An effort to raise $100,000 in 100 days for the National Coast Guard Museum has achieved its goal.

The "First 100" effort sought minimum donations of $1,000, with donors to be honored on a bronze plaque to be installed at the entrance to the museum. The National Coast Guard Museum will be built on a New London waterfront parcel, Coast Guard and government officials announced in April.

Funds from the effort will go toward programming, development, and marketing of the museum.

The 100th donation came with a strong Coast Guard legacy. Donald A. Kimball, Stonington resident, donated $1,000 in honor of his grandfather, Albert Kimball, who was the skipper of a three-mast Coast Guard vessel in 1918. Donald is a fourth generation member of the Coast Guard and was part of the service during World War II. 

“The response to our First 100 campaign has been phenomenal,” said John Johnson, treasurer of the National Coast Guard Museum Association. “People are eager to help and get involved. It’s been humbling to see the support. We hope to build on this initial outreach and announce the next phase of our fundraising efforts very shortly.”

The association is still collecting donations, and residents may contribute by contacting 860-443-4200 or visiting www.coastguardmuseum.org.