January 1, 2026
Joshua Gray PDD
Coast Guard Museum Committee Chair
The National US Coast Guard Museum celebrated the final construction of its steel structure. The museum now towers several stories above the classic Union Station, sitting just next to the pier where the Eagle, the Coast Guard’s classic tall ship will soon be stationed.
The Connecticut Elks celebrated with the museum staff, presenting the second of five $50,000 checks that were pledged on a cold winter morning two years ago at the mid-year convention in Middletown. After several passionate veterans spoke on the need to support the museum, a near-unanimous vote approved the donations which will continue through 2028. The CEA became a part of the Ida Lewis Circle, which recognizes donors who provide $250-999,000, the third tier of donor, and will be displayed on the Wall of Philanthropy. In addition, the CEA will be named as part of an exhibit, yet to be determined.
Another way that the Connecticut Elks Association is supporting the museum is through the commemorative paver program. 25 pavers have been purchased, with the most recent one being the Elks Riders of Connecticut. These pavers will be prominently displayed on the Argus Promenade steps from the museum and will have a special reveal date before the museum opens. If you missed out, you’ll have one more opportunity to have your paver among those of the many lodges and affinity groups that contributed to this. The cost is $1790, the year the Coast Guard was founded as the Revenue Cutter Service. For details, contact Josh Gray who will be happy to walk you through the process. The deadline is February 28th for inclusion in the paver program layout.
The CEA bought another set of commemorative CEA/Coast Guard Museum lapel pins. You can grab yours from Chairman Josh at nearly all CEA major events for $10, with ~$7 of that going to support the museum. Of course you can also donate directly to the museum through with a one time donation or through monthly giving as part of the plankowner program. For more details, visit https://cgmuseumassociation.org/.
The CEA is proud to support this monument to the veterans of our nation so that veterans will never be forgotten.