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September 14, 2025

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Chesapeake Bay Week Film Festival returns to CBMM in April

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The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is proud to partner with Maryland Public Television (MPT) to host the second annual Chesapeake Bay Week Film Festival with a series of four screening events in the Van Lennep Auditorium next month. 

This edition of the film festival will feature a family-friendly screening, a film-inspired tasting event, and showings of two films premiering on MPT during this year’s Chesapeake Bay Week.

 In sharing these films alongside panel discussions, expert talks, and related programming, the events are designed to offer a deeper look at these important Bay stories while inspiring a passion for this treasured waterway. All five featured films will be shown during MPT’s 21st annual Chesapeake Bay Week, which runs April 20-26.

To learn more and buy tickets, including a package ticket option that offers a $5 savings, visit cbmm.org/SpeakerSeries.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Maryland Public Television to celebrate Chesapeake Bay Week” CBMM’s Vice President of Education & Interpretation Jill Ferris said. “We had a great response from our community last spring. We’ve grown the film festival to four events this time, and we’re excited to share some new ways to experience and explore these tremendous films.”

The Chesapeake Bay Week Film Festival begins Saturday, April 5, at 2pm with a family screening of the MPT documentary “Creatures of the Chesapeake.”

This fast-paced, half-hour film offers an intimate look at some of the most fascinating species in the Bay, making it a must-see for kids, adults, and anyone with an innate curiosity about life in the deep. After the film, guests will get an up-close look at some Miles River oysters and the critters that live with them.

This event is free for CBMM members and general admission guests. Learn more and register at cbmm.org/CreaturesOfTheChesapeake.

On Monday, April 7, at 5:30pm, Chesapeake cuisine will be in the spotlight during the “Eatin’ the Chesapeake” Film Screenings and Tasting. Participants will watch MPT’s films “Eatin’ Blue Catfish: Chesapeake Style” and “Eatin’ the Chesapeake: The Five Feasts” while enjoying a film-inspired tasting plate from local caterers Garden & Garnish.

It’s a chance to explore new and time-honored Chesapeake food traditions on screen and on your plate with a tasty menu that includes Oysters Rockefeller Dip with French bread croutons, baked blue catfish cakes with okra, scallions, & roasted red peppers, and ham rolls stuffed with cabbage, kale & onions.

The cost is $45 per participant with a 20% discount for CBMM members. Learn more and buy tickets at cbmm.org/ChesapeakeTasting.

The Chesapeake Bay Week Film Festival continues Thursday, April 10, at 5:30pm, with a “Resurrecting Poplar Island” film screening and discussion with MPT Producer/Director Sarah Sampson and scientists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

Poplar Island, like so many other islands in the Chesapeake Bay, was steadily sinking into ever-rising water before its resurrection through an ambitious environmental engineering project involving extraordinary collaboration among state and federal agencies.

This new film, which has its MPT premiere on Sunday, April 20, at 7:30pm, explores the island’s past and present—and what its successful restoration could mean for the future of the other disappearing islands in the Bay and beyond.

The cost to join the screening and discussion is $10. Learn more and register at cbmm.org/ResurrectingPoplarIsland.

The festival wraps Wednesday, April 16, at 5:30pm, with a “Chesapeake Rhythms” film screening and discussion with filmmakers Tom Horton, Dave Harp, and Sandy Cannon-Brown.

“Chesapeake Rhythms” conveys the beauty and mystery of the Bay by chronicling its essential rhythm: wind, tides, and migrations of tundra swans, monarch butterflies, shorebirds, and eels. After the screening, the celebrated filmmakers will share the inspirations for their latest project and offer insight into its production.

The cost is $10 per participant to join screening and discussion of “Chesapeake Rhythms,” which debuts on MPT on Tuesday, April 22, at 8pm. Learn more and register at cbmm.org/ChesapeakeRhythms.

With its Chesapeake Bay Week, MPT invites viewers to discover the unique ecosystems and culture of our nation’s largest estuary. CBMM has long supported MPT in the creation of this programming by sharing its campus, collections, and staff expertise.

This year, Chesapeake Bay Week features more than 18 hours of Bay-focused programming, with even more compelling content available for streaming through the free PBS App. There are four new programs in total debuting during this edition. More information, including a full schedule, is available at mpt.org/bayweek.

For the latest on upcoming CBMM programming, stay tuned to the calendar at cbmm.org/events.

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

The Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival returns to CBMM on April 12-13

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The region’s unique artistic style will take the spotlight when the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum hosts the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival on April 12-13.

Now in its 15th year, the popular celebration of all things sea glass offers fun for the whole family with fantastic shopping, great food and drinks, live music on two stages, and more.

This edition runs 10am–5pm on Saturday and 10am–4pm on Sunday, with all tickets valid for admission on both days. Tickets are on sale now at cbmm.org/SeaGlassFestival, with discounted pricing for CBMM members.

New this year, VIP tickets offer the ultimate festival experience with exclusive swag, giveaways, discounts, and access throughout the weekend. And, guests can buy a CBMM Festival Season Pass to make sure they’re part of all the exciting events celebrating the best of the Bay ahead this year.

“This year’s festival is extra special, and exciting, as we celebrate our 15th anniversary,” Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival Founder and Organizer Kim Hannon said. “We’re thrilled to share so many new things this year, including the addition of the VIP experience, hosting the Chesapeake Mermaid, and holding our first Pirate and Mermaid Costume Contest, to name a few. Guests of all ages are sure to have an amazing time!”

At the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival, nearly 100 exhibitors from across the country will be spread across CBMM’s waterfront campus, selling an array of unique coastal and sea-glass related goods, including jewelry, home décor, art, and more. More information, including a full listing of exhibiting artisans, can be found at seaglassfestival.com.

Food and beverages from a variety of regional vendors will be available for purchase both days, including craft beer and specialty cocktails.

A packed lineup of live music will provide the soundtrack for all the fun. On Navy Point, the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand will feature Chris Sacks Band (10am–1pm) and The Bohs (1:30-5pm) on Saturday and the acoustic duo Chesapeake Sons (10am–1pm) and Levi Stephens (1:30–4pm) on Sunday.

The Tolchester Beach Bandstand will also be the site of judging for the inaugural Pirate and Mermaid Costume Contest at 1pm both days. Reflecting the creative spirit of the festival, guests of all ages are invited to come dressed as a pirate or mermaid in their most authentic or imaginative costumes.

The Fogg’s Landing Stage on the opposite side of campus will spotlight Dave Hawkins (10am-1pm) and Jayme Dingler (1:30-5pm) on Saturday and Justin Ryan (10am-1pm) and Anna Burgess (1:30-4pm) on Sunday.

For the first time at CBMM, the Chesapeake Mermaid will present her enchanting show on Saturday at 11am and 2pm in the Van Lennep Auditorium, sharing tales from the Bay and introducing her fascinating wildlife companions.

Throughout the weekend, sea glass expert Mary McCarthy will be available to share her knowledge, including shard identification, across from the Hooper Strait Lighthouse. On Sunday at 11am, she will offer a lecture, “Sea Glass Royalty: America’s Best Finds Coast to Coast,” in the Van Lennep Auditorium.

While enjoying all the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival vendors and offerings, guests are invited to explore the exhibitions and historic structures spread across CBMM’s 18-acre campus.

Patriot Cruises will be celebrating its opening weekend in conjunction with the festival, highlighted by a Toast to the Chesapeake Cruise that Saturday at 3:30pm featuring appetizers from Blue Heron Catering, a champagne toast, and door prizes to mark the occasion. As part of the festivities, guests can also save $10 on adult and senior tickets for Narrated Historical Cruises on Saturday (12:30pm) and Sunday (2:30pm) by using coupon code SEAGLASS2025 at online checkout. (Please note this discount is not to be combined with any other offer.)

Two-day festival tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Guests who purchase their tickets in advance will have a special opportunity to enter the festival 30 minutes early at 9:30am both days. Ticket sales at the door begin at 10am. No single-day tickets will be sold to this rain-or-shine event.

Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival admission is set at $22 for adults, $19 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $10 for active and retired military members, and $9 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free.

CBMM members receive discounted pricing to this annual festival and others throughout the year. Adult member tickets are $10, and all children of members (17-and-younger) receive free admission. To support CBMM’s mission as a member and discover all the terrific benefits of membership, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

To level up the fun, VIP tickets include two-day festival admission with early entrance, a commemorative festival cup and discounts at the bar, a swag bag with giveaways, coupons, and vendor specials, and access to the VIP Hospitality Lounge with complimentary light refreshments and a specialty wine bar. The cost is $50 for CBMM members and $80 for non-members.

The CBMM Festival Season Pass offers entry to the full slate of annual festivals, including both Sea Glass Festivals, Antique & Classic Boat Festival & Coastal Arts Fair, Big Band Night, Watermen’s Appreciation Day, OysterFest, and Winter on the Chesapeake. The cost is $50 for CBMM members and $120 for non-members.

Throughout the weekend, additional free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service to and from CBMM running both days.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is prohibited.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Underground Railroad’s maritime history highlights 2/24 program in St. Michaels

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The special exhibition, Sailing to Freedom: Maritime Dimensions of the Underground Railroad will be the topic of discussion for a special Conversation on Race program at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Van Lennep Auditorium on Monday, February 24 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited, with pre-registration needed.

Based upon the book, “Sailing to Freedom,” the exhibition expands the understanding of how freedom was achieved by sea and what the journey looked like for many African Americans.

Exhibit guests will explore the little-known stories and the less-understood maritime side of the Underground Railroad, including the impact of African Americans’ paid and unpaid waterfront labor. They’ll also meet figures like Henry “Box” Brown, who escaped to freedom in 1849 by arranging to have himself mailed in a wooden crate to abolitionists in Philadelphia.

“Self-emancipation along the Underground Railroad was not entirely by overland routes,” says CBMM Vice President of Education and Interpretation Jill Ferris. “Many enslaved persons made their way to freedom using coastal water routes along the Atlantic seaboard, including the Chesapeake Bay. Enslaved African Americans often escaped by sea aboard merchant and passenger ships, or smaller watercraft.” 

Sailing to Freedom was curated by New Bedford Whaling Museum Curator of Maritime History Michael Dyer and the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth’s Timothy Walker. The exhibit continues through December 2026.

The February 24 program will include a guided exploration of the exhibition, followed by facilitated discussion. The free program includes a light meal and refreshments, with advanced registration required at bit.ly/feb24convo.

The program is part of the Talbot Family Network’s Conversations on Race series and is presented in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The year-long series brings the community together over monthly sessions for thoughtful dialogue about the impact of race on their lives and in the community.

“Having this guided tour of the exhibition offers a powerful opportunity to explore the critical role of waterways in the pursuit of freedom,” says Talbot Family Network Director Nancy Andrew, “Through this Conversation on Race program, we hope to deepen understanding, inspire dialogue, and connect our community through the stories of resilience and courage that shaped our history.”

The Talbot Family Network serves as Talbot County’s Local Management Board and was established by the state of Maryland to change the way services are provided to children and families. TFN identifies priorities and target resources for the jurisdiction’s communities, while also coordinating child and family services and administering state resources. Local Management Boards improve coordination across state agencies and empower local stakeholders to help drive local priorities.

The mission of the Talbot Family Network is to identify and develop support systems for a healthy, safe, caring, and equitable community for all Talbot County children and families through collaboration with public and private entities. For more information, visit www.talbotfamilynetwork.org.

ABOUT CBMM

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum explores and preserves the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and makes this resource accessible to all. Every aspect of fulfilling this mission is driven by CBMM’s values of relevance, authenticity, and stewardship, along with a commitment to providing engaging guest experiences and transformative educational programming, all while serving as a vital community partner. More is at www.cbmm.org.

A special Conversation on Race program will take place on Monday, February 24 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland. Program participants will participate in a guided exploration and discussion on the special exhibition, Sailing to Freedom: Maritime Dimensions of the Underground Railroad. Seating is limited, with pre-registration needed bit.ly/feb24convo. Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum volunteer photographer George Sass.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Share the Chesapeake story as a CBMM volunteer interpreter

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The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum relies on a team of volunteers to serve as tour guides, exhibit hosts, and Shipyard interpreters to enhance the guest experience through engaging and accurate conversations and activities.

Back in 2005, Lloyd Devigne was recently relocated to Easton, Md., and looking for a way to get engaged with his new community. A newspaper article about volunteer training at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum caught his eye.

More than 10,000 volunteer hours later, Devigne is part of the fabric of CBMM and a leader within the team of volunteers that shares the Chesapeake story with guests throughout the year.

“The maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay is a fascinating one,” Devigne said. “Sharing the stories of the peoples that have lived here and the artifacts and exhibits at CBMM is personally rewarding to me and a lot of fun. And meeting new people and enjoying the camaraderie of the Volunteer Team is an added bonus.”

CBMM is looking for newcomers to join Devigne in the vital role of volunteer interpreter with a busy 2025 season ahead. These volunteers serve as tour guides, exhibit hosts, and Shipyard interpreters to enhance the guest experience through engaging and accurate conversations and activities.

Prospective volunteers are invited to a Volunteer Interpreter Info Session on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 10am in the Van Lennep Auditorium. Light refreshments will be served, and a brief campus tour will be offered afterward. Registration is encouraged but not required. Learn more at cbmm.org/VolunteerInterpreter2025.

Over the coming weeks, CBMM will host a series of trainings for its interpreters highlighting CBMM’s mission and all that its waterfront campus has to offer, including sessions on Working with Guests, Chesapeake Explorations, and Shipyard Interpretation as well as tour-specific training.

The benefits of volunteering at CBMM can include free programming, festival entry, and branded gear, early access to new tours and exhibitions, continuing education opportunities, social events, and more.

No experience is necessary, but an enthusiasm for the Chesapeake’s history, environment, and culture and sharing it is essential.

“We are excited to add to our passionate and talented team of volunteer interpreters,” Vice President of Education & Interpretation Jill Ferris said. “These volunteers are key to sharing stories and making connections across our campus to help guests to have a meaningful and personalized experience. We encourage anyone who might be interested to come out and learn more about the opportunities available and the training we provide to get you started.”

At the info session, participants will meet current volunteer interpreters like Tom Dalrymple, who has been a part of the team for seven years.

One of Dalrymple’s favorite parts of the role is the opportunity to continue learning. There’s so much to explore at CBMM with an 18-acre campus filled with historic structures and purpose-built exhibition buildings, a floating fleet of traditional Chesapeake watercraft maintained by a working Shipyard, and a collection spanning more than 80,000 objects.

He takes pride in his ever-growing mental rolodex of fun facts and interesting anecdotes that bring the Chesapeake story to life for guests of all ages from across the region and often far beyond.

“Quite simply, I love the Chesapeake Bay,” Dalrymple said. “As a CBMM interpreter, I can share something I love with guests, and whether they are visiting to learn, explore, reflect, or simply to enjoy being here, that makes me happy.”

Lead Interpreter Bill Hough said the joy of the role is rooted in the people. He’s met thousands of them at CBMM over the past 15 years, from the CBMM staff who lead the program to the like-minded community of volunteers who have become his friends to the many guests he’s led on tours while sharing Bay history and convivial conversation.

With spring on the horizon and dozens of tours and interpretive opportunities on the schedule, Hough is excited for a new group of volunteers to join the team and get to experience all that makes CBMM special.

“The fine folks at CBMM have given me a whole new challenge in retirement,” Hough said. “There’s always something new and exciting going on, and what a blast it is sharing the knowledge I have with people from all over the world!”

CBMM offers volunteer opportunities across its campus spanning every department to complement and enhance the work of its professional staff. To learn more about all the roles available, visit cbmm.org/volunteer, where prospective volunteers can complete an online application to get started. For questions and further information, contact [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Don’t miss CBMM’s OysterFest on Oct. 26

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The Bay’s favorite bivalve takes the spotlight at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s OysterFest on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10am-4pm.

At OysterFest, you’re invited to enjoy oysters served a variety of ways, along with other local fare, craft beer, and spirits, plus fun for the whole family with live music on two stages, an oyster stew competition, a full schedule of demonstrations and presentations, children’s activities, and more.

Tickets are on sale now for this rain-or-shine event at cbmm.org/OysterFest, with discounted pricing for CBMM members.

Whether you prefer to sip, savor, or slurp Chesapeake Bay oysters, this annual celebration is for you. The delicious menu features oysters from the Talbot Watermen Association and several local oyster farms, with both raw and cooked options available.

Guests can also purchase a variety of Chesapeake delicacies and other food offerings via local vendors on campus, plus a beverage selection that includes specialty cocktails and an array of local craft beer options. All food and drinks are an additional charge.

Don’t miss your chance to buy an OysterFest mug and join the judging for the always-popular oyster stew competition. You’ll sample offerings from area restaurants and then vote for your favorite to decide which chefs claim the coveted title and local bragging rights.

The friendly competition continues with our annual oyster slurp-off contest. Interested participants can sign up on the day of the event.

All the oyster-themed fun will come with an upbeat soundtrack thanks to live music on both sides of campus all day long. Swamp Donkey Newgrass returns to play the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand, and there will be a stage on Fogg’s Landing, as well, to add to the festive atmosphere.

Throughout the day, the Van Lennep Auditorium will host a variety of guest speakers sponsored by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center through the Maryland Traditions Program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

Just a few of the highlights: Food historian Joyce White will discuss historical influences on Maryland’s cuisine and her recent book “Cooking Maryland’s Way: Voices of a Diverse Cuisine,” and historian Eric Cheezum will share the incredible true story of the mysterious sea creature who captured the hearts and imaginations of the Bay region told in his book, “Chessie: A Cultural History of the Chesapeake Bay Sea Monster.”

The American Chesapeake Club will be on hand to share demonstrations highlighting the retrieving abilities of its Chesapeake Bay retrievers, while Eric Jackson of Bay Fibers Studio will offer guests a free opportunity to create their own t-shirt designs.

Children can explore life on the Bay through a range of themed, hands-on activities, including lawn games, model boat building, and more. The Phillips Wharf Fishmobile traveling aquarium will be on site, too.

To close out the day, cruise boat PATRIOT is offering a special OysterFest cruise on the Miles River as part of its final weekend of the 2024 season. Starting at 3:30pm, this 75-minute cruise features appetizers provided by Garden and Garnish, including oysters on the half shell. The cost is $62, with a $4 discount for CBMM members. Learn more and buy tickets at patriotcruises.com.

OysterFest guests can get in the festive spirit by purchasing commemorative gear in the Museum Store, showcasing this year’s featured historic oyster tin from CBMM’s collection. The one-gallon tin, packed by Mears & Powell in Wachapreague, Va., and marketed as Wachapreague Oysters, is emblazoned on shirts and hats, as well as the mugs used for the oyster stew competition.

This year, OysterFest is generously sponsored by The Easton Group at Morgan Stanley, PNC Bank, RAUCH inc., and SafeTime by MAGI.

OysterFest tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Admission is set at $22 for adults, $19 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $10 for active and retired military members, and $9 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free.

CBMM members receive discounted pricing to OysterFest and other annual festivals celebrating the best of the Bay throughout the year. Adult member tickets are $10, and all children of members (17-and-younger) receive free admission. CBMM members at the Family & Friends level and above can also receive the $10 discounted admission for two additional adult guests.

CBMM members become a part of the Chesapeake story, joining CBMM’s mission as stewards of the region’s rich cultural heritage. To discover all the terrific benefits of membership and join today, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

During the festival, additional free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service running to and from CBMM.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs must be kept home during CBMM festivals, including OysterFest. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is also prohibited.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

CBMM Sets fall Speaker Event Schedule

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With its fall Speaker Event schedule, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is pleased to spotlight a range of accomplished presenters sharing their unique expertise and storytelling to highlight the region’s rich history, environment, and culture.

Hosted in the Van Lennep Auditorium and available virtually, these programs are designed to spark important conversations while fostering connections between the past, present, and future of the Bay. They are supported by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

The suggested ticket cost is $8 per session. To sign up, and get more information, visit cbmm.org/SpeakerSeries.

“I am looking forward to this whole series of Speaker Events,” CBMM’s Vice President of Education & Interpretation Jill Ferris said. “Bringing individual perspective and historical scholarship, each presenter explores a different aspect of life in the Chesapeake to help us better understand the world around us.”

The fall series begins next Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 5:30pm, with a homecoming via “The 1960s in St. Michaels: An Author Talk with David Guth.” A St. Michaels native, Guth will share an advance reading from his new historical fiction novel “In the Moment” based on his own experiences growing up in the Bay Hundred area in the 1960s that inspired his work.

The spotlight will be on the traditional workboats that line many area harbors on Thursday, Oct. 10, with a presentation from maritime journalist and historian Larry Chowning on Chesapeake Bay Deadrises.

The deadrise and cross-planked bottom style of boatbuilding started on the Bay in the 1880s, when builders of wooden boats began using planks, instead of logs, to create hulls with an unmistakable V-shaped bottom. Chowning will share insights into the history and culture of the deadrise, which grew to be so popular that both Maryland and Virginia have named deadrise vessels as their state boats.

Not far from CBMM’s campus, a team of archaeologists have been searching a remote part of Dorchester County since late 2020 for evidence of Harriet Tubman’s early life, including her birthplace and the 10-acre home site of her father, Ben Ross. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Dr. Julie Schablitsky will provide a glimpse into the historical research and archaeology that has gone into the effort to locate and interpret these sites with “The Archaeology of Harriet Tubman’s Birthplace.”

On Friday, Dec. 6, CBMM will delve into its newest special exhibition with “Sailing to Freedom: Recovering and Re-centering the Maritime Dimension of the Underground Railroad.”

This program will feature Dr. Timothy Walker, a history professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth whose book “Sailing to Freedom” provided the basis for CBMM’s soon-to-open exhibition in the Changing Exhibitions Gallery. Walker will share how his research has expanded understanding of how freedom was achieved by sea and what this journey looked like for untold numbers of African Americans.

More mission-focused Speakers Events are on the horizon in 2025, including a talk with historian Eric Cheezum sharing his scholarly research on Chessie the Chesapeake Bay Sea Monster (Jan. 30) and a program on the future of the Bay watershed (Feb. 6) with Martha Shimkin of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office and Anna Killius of the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

Additional speakers and programming will be announced in the coming months. Find more information about all CBMM’s upcoming events at cbmm.org/events.

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CBMM to host Souls at Sea remembrance ceremony

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 In partnership with the Universal Sailing Club, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is proud to host the 11th annual Souls at Sea ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 24, starting at 1pm.

Drawing on African traditions, this is an on-water remembrance and libation ceremony honoring the millions of captive Africans who perished during the transatlantic crossing known as the Middle Passage. CBMM general admission guests are invited to join the land-based portion of the ceremony, which will be held on the Fogg’s Landing side of CBMM’s campus next to the Welcome Center.

Founded by Universal Sailing Club member Regina Hartfield in 2013 and presented annually by the Baltimore-based club, Souls at Sea honors the ancestors and ensures their lives are not forgotten. After stops around the Bay region, the powerful event came to CBMM and the Miles River for the first time last year to celebrate its 10th anniversary, and now it is returning to begin its second decade.

Find more information about this edition of Souls at Sea at cbmm.org/SoulsatSea2024. It is generously sponsored by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center.

“The Universal Sailing Club and I are so excited to return to CBMM to share this moving and memorable event with guests,” said Hartfield, an Eastern Shore resident. “As an on-water remembrance ceremony, Souls at Sea honors the ancestors and enables us all to remember and honor those we have lost in our own families. We acknowledge the history it represents, while spiritually, charting a course for a brighter future.”

Souls at Sea begins on land with a ceremony featuring a blessing of the captains and boats as well as a drum, dance, and song performance from the African Legacy Cultural Arts Association. The festivities will be led by Iya Ogunfunmilola and her assistant Iya Oyaronti.

At last year’s event, the National African American Quilt Guild presented a special quilt, crafted by quilters across the country, commemorating the event’s 10th anniversary. This year, the quilt, featuring 14 ships that transported captive Africans as part of the slave trade, will be loaned to CBMM and showcased in its upcoming special exhibition Sailing to Freedom: The Maritime Dimensions of the Underground Railroad that opens Sept. 27.

Afterward, CBMM’s guests will send off the Universal Sailing Club’s boats as they depart for the on-water ceremony. The club members will then raft up their vessels on the Miles River to continue their remembrance with a traditional libation ceremony, which is a ritual pouring of water as an offering to the lost souls.

For all involved, this is a meaningful day to highlight a dark period in history and remember the estimated two million-plus enslaved Africans who died making the voyage to the Americas over the roughly 350 years of the transatlantic human trade.

“We are honored to partner with Universal Sailing Club again for this special event,” CBMM’s Vice President of Education & Interpretation Jill Ferris said. “The club’s commitment to preserving the stories of their ancestors and honoring them with this incredible ceremony is inspiring, and we appreciate the opportunity to help share their important work.”

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CBMM’s Charity Boat Auction is coming Aug. 31

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Get a great deal while supporting a terrific cause by purchasing your next vessel at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s annual Charity Boat Auction on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Dozens of boats and watercraft, ranging in size and performance, will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. New this year, there will be reserves on several top-quality vessels, while the rest will be offered with no minimum.

The doors open at 8am, providing an opportunity to browse the inventory before the auction begins at 11am. For the official rules, auction details, absentee bidding protocols, and inventory updates, visit cbmm.org/CharityBoatAuction.

A Labor Day weekend staple for more than two decades, the Charity Boat Auction is the flagship event of CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation Program, which accepts and sells gently used boats year-round. Every sale directly supports CBMM’s mission to explore and preserve the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region and make this resource available to all.

This year’s featured vessels include a Century 27 with like-new twin Yamaha engines, a Carolina Skiff 19 well-equipped for Bay adventures, a turnkey O’Day 31 sailboat, a Jarvis Newman 46 with liveaboard potential, and a 2014 Sea-Doo personal watercraft with less than 40 hours of runtime.

Beginning at 8:30am, guests can also shop a flea market-style tag sale that features a variety of used boating gear, including ground tackle, electrical equipment, hardware, rope, chain, oars, life jackets, motors, and more. Adding to the festive atmosphere, there will be a variety of local food trucks on hand and beer available for purchase.

Prospective buyers have several different ways to check out the inventory, starting with a preview exclusively for CBMM members on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5–7pm. To get your Member Night invitation and become a part of the Chesapeake story, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

The auction boats will be listed online and available for public view at CBMM on Friday, Aug. 30, from 10am–6pm. Regular admission rates will apply until 3pm that day, and gates will open for free from 3–6pm.

All registration for in-person bidding is handled on the day of the event. Registered bidders pay a $5 paddle fee and receive free admission.

CBMM members receive free admission into the Charity Boat Auction. Otherwise, general admission rates apply.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs are prohibited during CBMM festivals and special events, including the Charity Boat Auction.

If you have additional questions about the auction or available inventory, please contact CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation team at [email protected] or 410-310-5103.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Celebrate Watermen’s Appreciation Day at CBMM on Aug. 11

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Get ready to experience the vibrant spirit of the Eastern Shore at Watermen’s Appreciation Day, hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 10am-4pm.

A partnership between CBMM and the Talbot Watermen Association (TWA), this annual celebration honors the hardworking men and women who define our coastal heritage.

With a thrilling boat docking contest, steamed crabs straight from the Bay, live music, family activities, and more, Watermen’s Appreciation Day promises unforgettable fun for all. Tickets are on sale now at cbmm.org/watermensday.

“Watermen’s Appreciation Day is a time-honored celebration of our Chesapeake Bay heritage, showcasing the skill and dedication of those who work the waters every day,” TWA President Jeff Harrison said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and support our local watermen.”

A must-see Eastern Shore tradition, the watermen’s rodeo is an always-spirited boat docking contest along the Miles River near CBMM’s 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, beginning at noon. Guests are invited to grab a seat in the bleachers and cheer on these “Chesapeake Cowboys.”

Starting at 11 a.m., TWA members will serve steamed crabs at $40 per dozen, plus an ear of corn. Hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, and more will also be available for purchase.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy live music from Bird Dog and the Road Kings at the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand and peruse local arts and crafts vendors spread across campus. Don’t miss the silent auction in the Small Boat Shed in support of the TWA.

Children can join in the fun with a variety of junior watermen activities. The Phillips Wharf Fishmobile traveling aquarium will be on site, too.

In addition to the special festivities, guests are encouraged to explore all the exhibitions and historic structures across CBMM’s 18-acre campus, including Waterman’s Wharf highlighting the life and work of a Chesapeake waterman and the working Shipyard that is currently home to several projects spotlighting the care of traditional Chesapeake Bay workboats.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Admission is set at $22 for adults, $19 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $10 for active and retired military members, and $9 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free.

CBMM members receive discounted pricing to Watermen’s Appreciation Day and other annual festivals throughout the year. Adult member tickets are $10, and all children of members (17-and-younger) receive free admission. To support CBMM’s mission as a member and discover all the terrific benefits of membership, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

This year, all licensed watermen and their immediate families receive free admission to the festival by showing an active license at the door.

All food and beverages are an additional charge for all guests.

During the festival, additional free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service running to and from CBMM.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs must be kept home during CBMM festivals, including Watermen’s Appreciation Day. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is also prohibited. Spectator boats wishing to view the competition from the water must remain outside the buoyed channel.

For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

CBMM to celebrate Independence Day on Big Band Night

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The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will mark Independence Day by hosting Big Band Night on Saturday, July 6. CBMM’s Welcome Center opens at 6pm for this annual celebration that invites the community to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of music, dancing, and fireworks along the Miles River.

CBMM welcomes back the Shades of Blue Orchestra for a performance at the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand, beginning at 7pm. At dusk, guests can enjoy the St. Michaels fireworks from CBMM’s waterfront. The rain date for the concert and fireworks is July 7.

Food, ice cream, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase during the event, which is generously sponsored by Eastern Shore Tents & Events.

Based out of Baltimore, the Shades of Blue Orchestra has been entertaining audiences across the region since 1976. The 18-piece Big Band combines brass, woodwind, and rhythm instruments to present music from the 1930s to present representing an eclectic variety of genres.

Tickets are available now at cbmm.org/BigBandNight and can also be purchased at the door. Admission is $7 for CBMM members with member children 17-and-under admitted free. The cost for non-members is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (65+) and college students with ID, $6 for children 6–17, and free for children 5-and-younger. All active and retired military members receive free admission to this event.

To access discounted pricing for Big Band Night, plus other special events throughout the year, and join the community shaping the Chesapeake, become a CBMM member today by visiting cbmm.org/memberships or contacting Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM special events, including Big Band Night.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.