More than 300 Museum supporters attended a gala reception held aboard the historic vessel USS Constellation on Saturday, October 30, which raised nearly $36,000 to benefit the Annapolis Maritime Museum and the Thomas Point Shoal LIghthouse.

The Constellation, launched in 1854, was the last all-sail ship built by the US Navy and the only vessel still afloat that served during he Civil War. She served as a training vessel at the US Naval Academy from 1869 to 1893, and even served as a relief Flagship during World War II. She was restored form 1996 to 1999, and has since been open to the public in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. The constellation visited Annapolis as part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of her launch.

The benefit was sponsored by Constellation Energy, Jaguar/Land Rover of Annapolis, Eastport Yacht Center, Weems & Plath, Cummins Power Systems, and River Crest Design & Build, with help from Legg Mason, Three Centuries Tours, Towne Transport, Hard Bean Coffee & Booksellers, the Boatyard Bar & Grill, Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits, Oliver's Ale, and Breeze Cuisine.

Entertainment was provided by Caryl P. Weiss and Ship's Company, who sang authentic sea shanties in period costumes, and the Spa Creek Swing Band.

The event was sponsored jointly by the Annapolis Maritime Museum and the U.S. Lighthouse Society and its Chesapeake Chapter. Proceeds from the event benefit both non-profit organizations, which have joined together to preserve, maintain, and operate the Thomas Point Shoal lighthouse, located a few miles offshore of Annapolis. These two organizations joined forces earlier this year with the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to take ownership of the lighthouse from the federal government in a unique private-public partnership which has won acclaim from federal authorities such as Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton.

Tours of the historic ship were given by costumed crew members and many guests came in costume since it was Halloween Eve and all enjoyed the fine food and drink.