NCGMA Newsletter 2026 (Winter)

WINTER 2026
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Building Momentum: A
construction update as we
enter 2026
Hull Lifesaving Museum:
Restoring the boathouse where
Coast Guard legacy lives
Where Service Lives On:
Veterans on the Wall at the
National Coast Guard Museum
STORIES
THAT
MATTER
WINTER 2026
PAGE 1

BUILDING MOMENTUM:
A CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
AS WE ENTER 2026
As we step into 2026, I want to share just how far we have come—because none of this progress
would be possible without your belief in, and commitment to, the National Coast Guard Museum.
The year 2025 was truly transformational. In April, we proudly closed out our initial $50 million
Capital Campaign, marking a historic milestone for this once-in-a-generation national project. In
November, we gathered on the New London waterfront for a powerful moment of celebration as
the final steel beam was set in place during our Topping Off Ceremony—an unmistakable sign that
the Museum was no longer just a vision, but a rising reality. Then, in December, additional federal
funding was secured, thanks to incredible bipartisan support, allowing us to finalize contracts and
lock in the remaining construction timeline with confidence.
Because of these key moments, we now enter 2026 with clarity, momentum, and purpose.
This year, construction will advance rapidly. We will begin installing large-scale, iconic artifacts—
including the Jayhawk helicopter in the J.D. Power Atrium—while completing the interior and exterior
of the building in preparation for a ceremonial commissioning in early 2027. It is an extraordinary
feeling to see years of planning, advocacy, and partnership coming together so tangibly.
At the same time, it is important to be clear-eyed about the work ahead. While the physical building
and core exhibits are fully funded, it is private philanthropic support that will determine how
powerfully this Museum comes to life for our Nation. Your continued investment fuels the programs,
educational initiatives, community outreach, and virtual engagement that will transform this structure
into a truly world-class Museum—one that reaches far beyond its walls and honors the Coast Guard’s
legacy in ways that are dynamic and enduring.
We are closer than ever. And with your continued partnership, we will ensure that when the doors
open, the National Coast Guard Museum stands not only as a place to visit—but as a living,
breathing national institution worthy of the Service it represents.
Thank you for standing with us, believing in this mission, and helping to make history.
With deep gratitude,
CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)
President, National Coast Guard Museum Association
Photo taken in December 2025.
PAGE 2
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

WINTER 2026
PAGE 3

For more information about the Boathouse
restoration project, please contact:
info@HullLifesavingMuseum.org
PAGE 4
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

HULL LIFESAVING
MUSEUM:
RESTORING THE
BOATHOUSE WHERE COAST
GUARD LEGACY LIVES
The historic Hull Lifesaving Museum
Boathouse at Windmill Point is coming
back to life—and with it, a powerful
chapter in the story of the United States Coast
Guard.
Built in 1934, the Boathouse served as a
working base for the men charged with
protecting one of the most treacherous
stretches of coastline in Massachusetts.
From this very building, members of the
U.S. Coast Guard launched patrols, trained
crews, maintained lifesaving equipment,
and stood ready to respond at a moment’s
notice. It was a place of vigilance, service,
and quiet heroism—where the Coast Guard’s
humanitarian mission was carried out every
day.
Today, the Boathouse restoration is nearly
80% complete. Historically accurate windows
have been installed, exterior shingling is
nearing completion, and critical structural
repairs are underway. Each decision reflects
a deep commitment to honoring the building’s
Coast Guard heritage while preparing it for
active, year-round use.
Once fully restored, the Boathouse will
serve as the operational heart of the Hull
Lifesaving Museum, supporting youth rowing
and boatbuilding, veterans rowing programs,
maritime education, and hands-on learning
inspired by the Coast Guard’s lifesaving
traditions. Programs rooted in seamanship,
EACH DECISION
REFLECTS A DEEP
COMMITMENT TO
HONORING THE
BUILDING’S COAST
GUARD HERITAGE
WHILE PREPARING
IT FOR ACTIVE,
YEAR-ROUND USE.
teamwork, and service will carry forward the
spirit of those who once trained and served
within these walls.
This restoration is about more than preserving
a historic structure—it is about safeguarding
a legacy. The Boathouse stands as a tangible
reminder that Hull has long been a frontline
community in the Coast Guard’s enduring
mission to protect life at sea.
WINTER 2026
PAGE 5

WHERE SERVICE
LIVES ON:
VETERANS ON THE WALL AT THE
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM
Throughout your service, you answered
the call when our Nation needed you.
You stood watch, accepted sacrifi ce,
and became part of something larger than
yourself. Today, I invite you to consider
another lasting contribution, one that will
preserve that spirit of service for generations
to come.
The National Coast Guard Museum is nearing
completion, and with it comes a once-ina-lifetime
opportunity for veterans who
believe in this mission. We are launching the
Veterans on the Wall campaign, an effort
to honor those who served by permanently
recognizing their legacy within this new
national treasure.
Regardless of your military branch or
uniformed service, leadership–level support
totaling $50,000 or more – encompassing
your full giving history to the Museum –
will qualify you to receive both individual
recognition on the Museum’s Wall of
Philanthropy and
on a special Veterans on
the Wall plaque. You may also choose to
honor the service of a loved one in place
of yourself. This permanent tribute –
issued specifically to commemorate this
moment in the Museum’s history – will
recognize those whose support helped
carry the Museum to its opening and
will stand as a lasting testament to
service and commitment.
Timing matters. Donors who make
their contributions or pledges
by June 1, 2026 will have their
recognition in place for the Ceremonial
Commissioning following the completion
of construction, and those who qualify by
December 31, 2026 will be recognized
in time for the Museum’s Grand
Opening in 2027. Leadership-level
donors will also receive VIP invitations to
these events.
As veterans, we understand the importance of
legacy. Beyond sharing stories with family
and friends, this campaign offers
a way to honor your
service
publicly and permanently
TIMING IS MEANINGFUL. PLEDGES
MADE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 1,
2026 WILL HAVE RECOGNITION
IN PLACE FOR THE CEREMONIAL
COMMISSIONING.
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

through the establishment and support of a
museum that will complete our Nation’s tribute
to its legacy Armed Forces. Undeniably, veterans
hold a distinct place in American history, serving
a crucial role for our Nation across every
generation. Through this campaign, that service
– your service – will be etched into the very
foundation of the National Coast Guard Museum.
Veterans on the Wall plaque
I want to reassure you: the Museum’s building
and core exhibits are well underway. What
remains is the opportunity to come together as
veterans to help shape the heart and soul of
the National Coast Guard Museum so it stands
not only as a building, but as a world-class
destination of inspiration, education, and pride.
If this opportunity resonates with you, I invite
you to continue the conversation and explore
opportunities that may be meaningful for you
and your family. To do so, please connect
with Andy Bestwick, Major Gifts Officer
for the National Coast Guard Museum
Association, who would be honored to speak
with you and answer any questions you may
have. He can be reached at (808) 353-1217
or abestwick@coastguardmuseum.org.
Wall of Philanthropy
I hope you will consider standing with me
in this historic effort to preserve our Coast
Guard’s legacy.
Commander Kevin Harkins, USCG (Ret.)
WINTER 2026
PAGE 7

DOUBLE
YOUR
IMPACT
YOUR
GIFT
MATCHING
GIFT
SOCKS FOR
YOU
THE PERFECT PAIR
NATIONAL COAST GUARD
MUSEUM ASSOCIATION’S
MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN
Be a part of our Matching Gift Challenge, through April 30, 2026, where every
dollar you donate to bring the National Coast Guard Museum to life will be
matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000, thanks to a special matching gift
challenge from CAPT Curtiss Potter, USCG (Ret.).
Make a gift of $60 or more and you’ll also receive your very own National Coast
Guard Museum socks, featuring the iconic Coast Guard racing stripe and available
exclusively to Museum champions like you.
Make your contribution today to ensure your gift will be doubled in value!
cgmuseumassociation.org/give26
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

unisex/one size fi ts most
WINTER 2026
PAGE 9

NCGMA BOARD
ANNOUNCEMENT
We are pleased to share several exciting leadership updates that strengthen the National Coast Guard Museum Association as we
move confidently toward the Museum’s completion and opening.
Our Board of Directors has expanded with the addition of two distinguished leaders, and we are also pleased to announce new officer
appointments that reflect both continuity and momentum at this pivotal moment for the organization.
WELCOMING NEW BOARD MEMBERS:
Both Gordy and Bob bring
deep expertise, leadership,
and a shared commitment
to advancing the National
Coast Guard Museum’s
mission. We are grateful
for their willingness to serve
and look forward to their
contributions.
Richard F. (“Gordy”) Bunch III
USCG Veteran
Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer,
The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG)
Robert “Bob” Vicente
USCG Veteran
Executive Director, Hillwood Development
Company
Capital Campaign Chair, National Coast
Guard Museum
NEW BOARD OFFICERS:
We thank Kevin and Jeff for
stepping into these leadership
roles and for their continued
dedication to the Museum.
Kevin Harkins
has been named Vice Chair
Jeff Kingsley
has been named Secretary
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEMBERS
(2026)
Susan J. Curtin
Chair
ON THE
HORIZON:
KEY NCGMA
EVENTS
CDR Kevin Harkins, Ph.D., USCG (Ret.)
Vice Chair
CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)
President
RADM Richard M. Larrabee, USCG (Ret.)
Treasurer
Jeff Kingsley
Secretary
Richard F. (“Gordy”) Bunch III
Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer,
The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG)
SPRING | CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST –
WASHINGTON, D.C.
NCGMA is planning to participate in a Congressional
Breakfast in Washington, D.C., to provide a project update
to Congressional leaders on the remarkable progress of the
National Coast Guard Museum and to thank them for their
continued support.
Steve Lovelette
President, JMB Financial Advisors
ADM James M. Loy, USCG (Ret.)
21st Commandant of the USCG
MCPOCG Vincent W. Patton,
Ed.D., USCG (Ret.)
8th Master Chief Petty Officer
of the Coast Guard
Northeast Maritime Institute
Michael Rauh
Former President and CEO, Chelsea
Groton Bank
RADM Richard W. Schneider,
Ph.D., USCGR (Ret.)
President Emeritus, Norwich University
Robert Vicente
Executive Director, Hillwood Development
Company
SUMMER | COAST GUARD DAY AT
NASDAQ
Thanks to our newest Board Member, Gordy Bunch,
NCGMA will take part in a NASDAQ Bell Ringing in
honor of Coast Guard Day, 2026—a high-profile moment
celebrating the Coast Guard’s legacy and the Museum’s
momentum.
WINTER | CEREMONIAL COMMISSIONING
Planning is well underway for a series of events marking
the completion of the Museum building and its formal
commissioning and transfer to the United States Coast
Guard. This historic milestone will be celebrated with
ceremonies and gatherings befitting a national institution.
WINTER 2026
PAGE 11

National Coast Guard Museum Association
125 Eugene O’Neill Drive, Suite 300
New London, CT 06320
THE NCGMA FAMILY CELEBRATES THE
ANNIVERSARY
PAGE 12
The National Coast Guard Museum Association
is recognized as a top-rated charity with
a Gold Seal of Transparency by Candid
(formerly Guidestar), an organization that helps
individuals make informed giving decisions.
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION