NCGMA Newsletter 2023 (Summer)

SUMMER 2023
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Secretaries’ Circle Annual
Congressional Breakfast
Meet the new members
of our team
NEW! Revenue Cutter
Argus Promenade
architectural rendering
Partnership with Freewill
STORIES
THAT
MATTER
SUMMER 2023
PAGE 1

FROM THE PRESIDENT:
BUILDING A MUSEUM FOR ALL
As we come together this month to honor the 233rd birthday of the United States
Coast Guard, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous privilege it is
being involved with building the National Coast Guard Museum. For many of us, the
dream of a national museum to honor our Service was just that—a dream. But now,
as we get closer to meeting our fundraising goals and as phase two of construction
is poised to begin, I can assure you—our dream is becoming a reality.
Creating a museum is complex—from building design and construction, developing
exhibits and programming, to ensuring an engaging visitor experience, and
providing access and sustainability for the community—no stone can be left
unturned. Beyond creating a physical structure to house Coast Guard artifacts,
building the National Coast Guard Museum is a promise to honor all who have
taken the oath to serve—sharing the stories of the entire Coast Guard family: all ranks
and work forces—and ensuring that we create a welcoming space for everyone, in
or out of the Coast Guard family, to engage, learn and appreciate our great Service.
That is what this Museum will achieve, and I’m thrilled with our progress to date.
A tremendous amount of effort and detail has been focused on the preparation of
the museum site. After completing phase one of construction, we are now focused
on phase two, installing micro-piles which will anchor the building to bedrock. We
expect to see steel coming out of the ground in early 2024!
But our work is not confined to the four walls of the museum. We are also committed
to a revitalized waterfront for the entire community. Plans are underway to install
the Revenue Cutter Argus Promenade, which will connect the museum to New
London’s City Pier. Just as the museum will be a welcoming space for everyone,
the promenade will be a wonderful way for anyone to become part of the Coast
Guard legacy while simultaneously supporting our building efforts. Individual
pavers may be purchased to reflect your service, commitment to the museum,
or to honor a loved one. (For more information on our Commemorative Paver
Program, see page 6).
As we head into the second half of 2023, I am excited about what lies ahead,
proud of our progress, and honored to serve you with this mission. Thank you for
your ongoing support.
CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)
President
National Coast Guard Museum Association
United States Coast Guard Commandant
Admiral Linda L. Fagan joined
dignitaries, members of the Connecticut
delegation, Museum supporters, and the
National Coast Guard Museum Association at
the annual Secretaries’ Circle Congressional
Breakfast. The June event was a celebration
of the successful congressional partnership
responsible for the National Coast Guard
Museum construction and development.
More than 100 attendees gathered in the
historic Kennedy Caucus Room, located in
the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol
Hill, to be briefed on the Museum project’s
progress. Artifacts from United States Coast
Guard adorned the stately space and will be
on permanent display in the future National
Coast Guard Museum.
PAGE 2
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

SECRETARIES’
CIRCLE ANNUAL
CONGRESSIONAL
BREAKFAST
Retired USCG Admiral James M. Loy, former
Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security and
21st Commandant of the United States Coast
Guard, hosted the event. He expressed his
appreciation to members of Congress and
the gathering of Museum supporters. Admiral
Fagan also gratefully acknowledged the
support from Congress and emphasized the
growing enthusiasm surrounding the museum
project. Admiral Fagan said, “It’s happening!”
And with those few simple words, Fagan
captured the palpable excitement that
many supporters of the museum have long
anticipated.
Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chairman of
the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee
on Homeland Security and a sponsor the
2022 Omnibus Appropriations bill which
secured federal funding for the museum,
was one of the event’s featured speakers. He
expressed the importance in preserving the
enduring maritime history of the Coast Guard
and the value in making their often-groundbreaking
stories accessible to the public.
Senator Murphy was joined by Senator
Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Representative
Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Representative
Joe Courtney (CT-02)—all key supporters of
the project.
Retired USCG Captain Wes Pulver, President
of the National Coast Guard Museum
Association, lauded members of Congress for
their extraordinary efforts to date. He added, “I
want to thank you, especially the Connecticut
delegation, for your critical support that—
combined with city, state, and the generosity
of more than 6,000 individuals and members
of industry—is making the dream of a National
Coast Guard Museum a reality.”
Pulver proudly announced that the first phase of
museum construction (known as bulkhead and
fill) has been completed. Looking forward, he
explained that the second phase of construction
is out for bid. Phase 2 installation of micropiles,
which are a series of load-bearing columns
anchoring the museum to bedrock, will be
awarded this summer, with the goal to have steel
rising from the ground in 2024.
The Museum Association would like to thank all
of those who were able to attend the breakfast
and looks forward to having you join us next
year, as we get ever closer to ribbon cutting.
Upper Left: Admiral Linda Fagan, 27th commandant of the United States
Coast Guard, talks to attendees at the event before briefing the room on the
Coast Guard’s continued commitment to the Nation Coast Guard Museum
as its number one philanthropic priority.
Bottom Left: Architect of the Capitol—the Russell Senate Office Building
(built 1903-1908) is the oldest of the Senate office buildings as well as a
significant example of the Beaux Arts style of architecture.
Right: Dignitaries gather and socialize before enjoying breakfast in the
Kennedy Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hall.
SUMMER 2023
PAGE 3

MEET THE
NEWEST
MEMBERS
OF OUR
TEAM
Our small, dedicated team,
along with the tremendous
support and initiative of
our Board of Directors and
Capital Campaign Committee
volunteers, are laser-focused
on bringing the National
Coast Guard Museum to
the historic New London,
Connecticut, waterfront. As
construction is progressing
and a museum opening is on
the horizon, we are thrilled to
introduce our newest members
of the Museum Association
team.
PATTI
FAZIO
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
AND COMMUNICATIONS
With more than 20 years’ experience in strategic marketing
communications, Patti Fazio joins us as the new Director of
Marketing and Communications. She most recently served as
the inaugural Chief Marketing Officer at Wesleyan University
and has also held various communications and brand leadership
positions at the University of Connecticut and UConn Health.
From partnering with Nike to leading teams of 40 marketing
professionals, the depth and breadth of Patti’s experience will
serve the Museum Association well in the coming years. “I am
absolutely thrilled to be part of history-in-the-making,” adds
Patti. Patti and her husband Mike are long-time residents of
Connecticut, and self-proclaimed museum lovers.
pfazio@coastguardmuseum.org
PAGE 4
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

LIBBY
DALY
MANAGER
OF MEMBERSHIP
KERRIE
GUARINO
MANAGER
OF ANNUAL GIVING
Libby Daly is a graduate of Clark University in Worcester,
Massachusetts, and holds a bachelor’s degree in government. After
volunteering with several local organizations in her hometown of
Manchester, Connecticut, she decided she wanted to make a career
in non-profits. In 2014, she joined Mystic Seaport Museum as the
Visitor Services Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator, gradually
transitioning to the Reservations team and then the Membership
Department. In 2017, she was promoted to Associate Director of
Membership where she coordinated operations and developed
member programs. She joins the Museum Association team as
Manager of Membership. “I’m eager to apply all that I’ve learned
to help build a vibrant membership community that will support the
National Coast Guard Museum.” She adds, “There is so much history
here to share with the world and I’m very excited to be a part of the
team that will help make this a reality.” Libby lives in Colchester with
her husband.
ldaly@coastguardmuseum.org
Kerrie Guarino is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire
and obtained her law degree from the Franklin Pierce Law Center at
UNH. After working in the legal field for 14 years, she transitioned
into consulting and technology, working with small to mid-sized
businesses to implement and upgrade enterprise resource and
planning software (ERP), as well as partner with those businesses
to more efficiently use the ERP system to manage their business. In
2018, she took her technology, process improvement, and customer
service expertise to the nonprofit sector. First as a Development
Coordinator at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, then progressing
to the Development Manager role early in 2022. She joins the
Museum Association Team as the Manager of Annual Giving and
is looking forward to “helping to build a museum that will honor the
Coast Guard’s incredible contributions to the safety and welfare of
our country.” Kerrie resides in Clinton, CT with her husband Rob,
and their two children.
kguarino@coastguardmuseum.org
SUMMER 2023
PAGE 5

BUILDING A MUSEUM
INSIDE & OUT
When you think about a museum, you
think about the exhibits, the stories,
and the immersive experience you
will have as a visitor. As we build the National
Coast Guard Museum, we will continue to
share the historical and engaging content
that will fi ll our galleries and exhibits— but
a museum is so much more. A free national
museum is a destination, part of the city’s
skyline and, in our case, a cornerstone of
the historic Thames River waterfront in New
London, Connecticut. Extending beyond
the walls of the 80,000-square-foot glassenclosed
building, will be a welcoming
waterfront promenade named after the
Revenue Cutter Argus. And we are thrilled
to share with you a rendering of this stunning
outdoor space and invite you to participate
in its creation.
Nestled between City Pier and the ferry
terminals, the Argus Promenade will provide
waterfront access for the entire community
and serve as a meaningful and impactful
welcoming pathway to the National Coast
Guard Museum. Running parallel to the
Thames River, the paved promenade is
named after one of the original 10 cutters
commissioned by the Revenue Marine Service
at the behest of the first Secretary of Treasury
of the United States, Alexander Hamilton
(learn more about the origins of the Revenue-
Marine and the cutter Argus on page 8). This
scenic riverfront location, with its picturesque
views into the active Long Island Sound, its
vibrant sunrises, and gentle lapping waves
will provide a serene backdrop for relaxation
and contemplation about our Nation’s storied
seafaring history.
Built for the community, by the community,
the Argus Promenade is the Museum’s living
archive—a place where you can honor a
patriot, thank a loved one, or carve your
own space in support of the National Coast
Guard Museum through the recently launched
commemorative paver program.
Custom pavers will not only support the mission
of the Museum, but also allow you to be a part
of history in the making. The gray, 3-inch-thick,
textured granite pavers are custom-engraved
and will last for generations. Pavers are
available in two sizes: 4”x 8” and 8”x 8” (and
are 100% tax-deductible). The funds raised go
directly toward the museum’s construction and
supports its mission to educate, honor, and
preserve our rich maritime history through the
lens of the United States Coast Guard.
PAGE 6
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

THREE WAYS TO SECURE YOUR PAVER:
1) Order online at www.CGMuseumpavers.com
2) Complete the order form (included) and mail it along with your check to:
National Coast Guard Museum Commemorative Paver Campaign
Fulfillment Center
2700 E. Lanark St., Suite 120
Boise, ID 83642
3) Order by phone using a credit card:1-833-202-0519
SUMMER 2023
PAGE 7

IN A
CUTTER’S
WAKE
After the Revolutionary War, the United
States was burdened with exorbitant
post-war debt. President Washington
and his administration were diligently working
in uncharted political waters to establish a new
government while trying to remain solvent as
a nation. At this time, Alexander Hamilton, the
first Secretary of the Treasury, recognized a
critical need for robust maritime enforcement to
safeguard the Nation’s economic interests and
to combat smuggling and piracy. He presented
his plan of an armed maritime customs
enforcement and tariff collections service to
the newly formed Congress. On August 4,
1790, Congress passed an act establishing the
Revenue-Marine, which laid the groundwork for
the military service recognized around the globe
today as the United States Coast Guard.
Through this Congressional act, the construction
of 10 seagoing Revenue-Marine cutters was
authorized. These cutters were designated to
patrol the coastline, bays, rivers, and littoral
waters of the new republic—each serving a
specified region. To meet the government’s need
for these new cutters, customs collectors in 10
regions identified shipbuilders.
Concurrently, New London, Connecticut, known
for its strategic location along the Thames River,
was undergoing a transformative rebuilding
as it emerged from devastation caused by the
Revolutionary War. Many buildings were razed
or heavily damaged by British raids led by the
infamous Benedict Arnold. However, the resilient
community made quick work reconstructing the
town and restoring its prominence as a maritime
hub.
Post-war activity included the resumption of
maritime commerce, renewing economic activity
in the restored harbor. Ships laden with goods
from around the world once again filled the
port, and the waterfront bustled with merchants,
sailors, and shipbuilders. New businesses and
industries emerged as trade flourished. With
its deep harbor and proximity to major trade
routes, New London regained its status as a
thriving port city. Its shipyards, renowned for
their quality and craftsmanship, played a pivotal
PAGE 8
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

Upper Left: There are no known images of the Revenue Cutter
Argus. This image is a sloop in New York Harbor circa 1880. The
Argus was most likely built in a similar fashion. (Hudson River
Maritime Museum archive)
Bottom Left: Burning of New London; oil on canvas painted by
John Trumbull. John Trumbull (June 6, 1756 – November 10,
1843) was an American artist of the early independence period,
notable for his historical paintings of the American Revolutionary
War.
Right: Engraving of Continental Army General Jedediah Huntington
by H. B. Hall.
role in the town’s rebuilding efforts, constructing
vessels to meet the demands of a resurgent
maritime industry—including one of the ships
for the newly formed Revenue-Marine.
At this time, Continental Army General Jedediah
Huntington, a Revolutionary War veteran and
graduate of Harvard University, was serving as
the newly appointed customs collector for New
London—one of the designated cutter seaports.
Huntington was instrumental in overseeing the
construction and outfitting of Connecticut’s
assigned cutter, which would be named
Argus. The vessel was a sloop, a one-masted
sailboat with a fore-and-aft mainsail and a
jib. He contracted a local shipbuilding family
and worked closely with the commissioned
ship captain, Jonathan Maltbie, a Continental
Navy veteran and respected mariner. Once
the vessel’s construction was completed in New
London, the cutter was moved several miles
down the shoreline to the town known today
as Niantic, where it was rigged and outfitted at
Beckwith’s boatyard in Keeney Cove. The vessel
began patrolling Connecticut and Rhode Island
waters in October 1791.
When not at sail, the Argus split its time
between its mooring in New London’s harbor
and a station in New Haven. Living up to the
region’s shipbuilding reputation, Argus proved
to be crafted of the highest quality methods and
materials. The longest-lasting of the original 10
cutters, the Argus served an outstanding 13
years of service—a testament to its superior
construction.
During its life in service, the Argus played a
crucial role in enforcing Alexander Hamilton’s
vision of maritime law. Although few substantial
records survive concerning any of the first 10
cutters’ activities, various accounts indicate that
these vessels most likely served a wide variety
of needs, including boarding incoming and
outgoing vessels, ensuring that all cargoes were
properly documented, sealing cargo holds of
incoming vessels, and seizing vessels that were
in violation of the law. The Revenue-Marine also
took on the responsibility of aiding and assisting
troubled vessels and, in 1832, revenue cutters
were ordered to conduct winter cruises to assist
mariners in need. In 1837, Congress codified
this practice as an official part of its regulations.
The Revenue Cutter Argus Promenade at the
National Coast Guard Museum will serve as
a gateway for museum patrons, residents, and
visitors to the city to explore more than two
centuries of maritime and Coast Guard history.
Every view from the Promenade brings to life
the history of this important harbor and illustrates
its maritime relevance today. Looking a short
distance south from the Promenade is where the
Argus was once likely stationed. In the same
vicinity along City Pier, the USCGC Barque
Eagle, the Nation’s only remaining active military
sailing training vessel will soon be homeported.
Further along the Thames River waterfront, a
stunning reproduction of the historic early 19th
century top-sail schooner La Amistad is docked.
Facing inland from the Promenade, buildings
predating the Revolutionary War stand as
beacons of the town’s historical significance, its
cultural heritage, and architectural importance.
Across the river, it is easy to see that the
shipbuilding industry remains robust. Today, the
ships being built are no longer wooden sloops
or schooners, but state-of-the-art submarines at
the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard.
Indeed, the Argus Promenade is the heart of
maritime history in all directions!
SUMMER 2023
PAGE 9

A FAMILY
AFFAIR
Honoring their late father, retired United
States Coast Guard Captain Graeme
Mann, and the final wishes of their
mother, Barbara Mann, three siblings, Wilson,
Gary, and Emily joined together to make a gift
to the National Coast Guard Museum. In their
own words, here is their story.
Q: What did the Coast Guard mean to
you and your family while you were
growing up?
A: Being in the Coast Guard meant that no
matter where my parents were stationed, they
had an instant “Coastie” family. When my father
graduated from the Coast Guard Academy, his
first assignment was in Honolulu, Hawaii, on
a buoy tender. When they arrived, my mother
instantly had 14 “sisters,” many were also
young newly married Coast Guard wives. They
all had nicknames for each other indicating
instant friendships. My mother’s nickname was
“Mighty Mouse” because of her petite size
and boundless energy. This was so important
for wives and friends to help each other and
mentor each other while the husbands were out
at sea for up to 6 months at a time.
Our father grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania,
with one older brother, one younger brother,
and two younger sisters. The family didn’t have
much money during the depression. The Coast
Guard gave him the ability to break out of a
meager lifestyle—to provide an opportunity
for a very rewarding career. He was the first
child in his family to have the opportunity to
go to college. He appreciated the opportunity
to complete his grad work at MIT and finished
with a Masters in Naval Architecture and Naval
Engineering. Even though he was an officer,
he was a true mechanic and loved hands-on
work. He published a paper on propulsion drive
shaft improvements, worked on the gas turbine
propulsion for the Hamilton high speed cutter
class, and worked on the propulsion design for
the Polar Star and Polar Sea. But his true home
was down in the engine room. While in port or
at the shipyards, he would get calls after hours
to troubleshoot problems, debate options, and
talk through potential solutions. But when the
ship called exclaiming “Redbugs in the Engine
Room, we need your help!”—well, that meant
there were lobsters on board.
Ultimately being a part of the Coast Guard
meant that there was no stronger unit than
our family. We had no choice but to cling
together and get through whatever we needed
to because we moved so often that we were
the only real constant in each other’s lives. The
three of us are completely different and yet full
of profound love, respect, and compassion for
one another—as we were of our parents, in part
because of our shared Coast Guard experience.
Q: With so many important philanthropic
opportunities, what made you choose
to support the National Coast Guard
Museum?
A: Our father adored being in the Coast Guard.
His career, along with his family, was truly his
pride and joy. And my mother was right there
with him all the time. It would not even occur to
us to do otherwise. We knew nothing about the
museum, but shortly before our mother died, she
showed us a magazine article and expressed
her wish to contribute. She started the ball
rolling, and it was an honor for us to make this
gift as a family.
Q: What is the funniest family memory
you would like to share with our readers
to bring to life your father and mother?
A: We loved visiting my father on his various
ships, and I (Emily) am so sentimental about that
particular wardroom smell to this day. I could
pinpoint it anywhere, and it always brings me
joy because it meant he was home.
Q: What is your hope for the National
Coast Guard Museum?
A: The Nation knows so much about the other
branches of the Armed Forces because of their
involvement in war, and, to a certain extent, not
many of our friends growing up were familiar
with the Coast Guard either. When asked why
he chose the Coast Guard, our father said, “It’s
about saving lives, not taking them.” We hope
this museum shares the great works achieved by
the Coast Guard community and their families.
And as education has always been important to
our family, so too do we hope this museum will
educate people to the important mission of the
United States Coast Guard.
PAGE 10
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

NCGMA
IN SEATTLE
On June 29, retired United States Coast
Guard Captain Wes Pulver, National
Coast Guard Museum Association
President, hosted a reception at the Mercer
Island VFW Post in Seattle, Washington.
Coast Guard retirees, auxiliarists, activeduty
members, reservists, and friends of the
Washington region Coast Guard turned out
to enjoy cold libations and a barbeque-style
meal including chopped pork, pulled chicken,
beans, and coleslaw prepared by Tacoma’s
Famous Dave’s restaurant. With a reunion-like
atmosphere, Coasties kicked off the evening
by sharing sea-stories, reminiscing with former
Service mates, building new friendships, and
even spinning a few yarns.
After the plates were finished, attendees were
updated on the current construction progress
for the National Coast Guard Museum and
laid out the comprehensive projected path
toward construction completion and the
Museum’s opening ceremonies.
Also discussed was the evolution of the Long
Blue Line, the Coast Guard retirees’ quarterly
magazine. As an important avenue of
communication for the Coast Guard, which is
produced by the Museum Association, the Long
Blue Line has become a cherished publication
for the entire Coast Guard community. As the
museum heads closer to opening day, the
Museum Association is exploring options to
keep the magazine intact and explore how its
content could be expanded—keeping readers
informed on upcoming events and programming
at the National Coast Guard Museum, regional
Coast Guard museums, and partnered maritime
museums.
As momentum in the building of the National
Coast Guard Museum continues—with its
many ways to support the project, share
incredible Coast Guard stories, develop
future exhibits, and expand the Long Blue
Line—the National Coast Guard Museum
Association will continue to host events to
get the word out to our community and
solicit ideas, stories, and feedback. We look
forward to sharing a meal and hearing from
you at our next event.
Pulver concluded the evening by adding, “Just
as the Nation is thankful for their service, I am
honored to have the opportunity to be part of
building the National Coast Guard Museum
to preserve the rich history of the United States
Coast Guard and to raise awareness and
appreciation of this indispensable Service
for generations to come.”
NCGMA PARTNERSHIP
WITH FREEWILL
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Museum Association has joined the FreeWill
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SUMMER 2023
PAGE 11

Get Your
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM
2023 CHALLENGE COIN
Today!
NEWLY
DESIGNED
CHALLENGE
COIN ADDED TO
THIS LIMITED
COLLECTOR’S
SERIES
The USCG 47-foot Motor Lifeboat takes
center stage as we honor the skills and
tenacity of all the boat forces crews. To
get your coin, become a Plankowner or
upgrade your current Plankowner gift ($5
per month minimum) before September
30, 2023. For more information on how
to join our Plankowner Crew or upgrade
your current monthly gift, please visit:
www.coastguardmuseum.org/plankowner
JOIN.
UPGRADE.
SUPPORT.
VISIT:
coastguardmuseum.org/plankowner
CALL:
860-443-4200
EMAIL:
donate@coastguardmuseum.org
PAGE 12 info@coastguardmuseum.org www.CoastGuardMuseum.org @USCGMuseum NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM @USCGMuseum ASSOCIATION