Step into the lives of two sea captains, their families, and ancestors when you pass through the grand front entrance of the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House. There, you will want to rush to the top floor and observe Stonington Harbor from our magnificent cupola. But, there is much to discover within the lower floors of the museum. You can take a close look at the model of Palmer’s sloop Hero, and imagine him discovering the Antarctic Peninsula at age 21 on his modest 47-foot sailboat. Numerous other model ships are on display, as well as dollhouses, and period textiles. Throughout the house, you will find evidence of the Palmer family’s involvement in shipbuilding, international trade, and family life in the mid 19th century and beyond. Plus, new exhibits on topics of local historic interest are featured at both the Palmer House and the Woolworth Research Library next door.