In celebration of Independence Day, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host Big Band Night on July 1, inviting guests to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of music, dancing, and fireworks along the Miles River.

The Shades of Blue Orchestra brings its signature sound starting at 7pm, and CBMM’s waterfront campus offers a great vantage point to enjoy the St. Michaels fireworks, which begin at dusk that evening. The rain date for the concert and fireworks is July 2.

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

Mixing popular standards, a variety of musical styles, and dance-able rhythms, the Shades of Blue Orchestra combines brass, woodwind, and rhythm instruments to present music from the 1930s to present representing an eclectic variety of genres. This 18-piece Big Band based out of Baltimore has been entertaining guests across the region since 1976.

CBMM’s Welcome Center will open at 6pm for guests to enter campus for Big Band Night. Admission to this event is $6 for CBMM members and $10 for non-members, with children ages 5 and under, plus active and retired military, free. Purchase tickets and get more information at cbmm.org/BigBandNight.

In conjunction with exhibit installation in its new Welcome Center, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is offering a unique look inside the world of lighthouse maintenance and preservation.

U.S. Coast Guard certified lampist Kurt Fosburg will detail his work with Fresnel lenses in lighthouses around the globe in a CBMM Speaker Event, “The Loyal Lampist: Adventures from the Top of a Lighthouse,” on Thursday, June 8, at 3pm in the Van Lennep Auditorium.

One of just a handful of certified professional lampists, Fosburg is visiting CBMM to move one of the Fresnel lenses currently on display in the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse and install it in the new Welcome Center.

In this public talk, Fosburg will share his journey to become an expert in this specialized field and offer stories from a fascinating career working on some of the nation’s most iconic lights. The suggested ticket cost is $8 per person, with both in-person and virtual options available. Registration is open now at bit.ly/LoyalLampist.

The event and the relocation of the third-order Fresnel lens are generously supported by Choptank Electric Cooperative.

“We are happy to support this event and relocation of a historic Fresnel lens at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum,” said Mike Malandro, President and CEO of Choptank Electric Cooperative. “Our co-op has served the campus for many years and is proud to continue lighting up the Miles River through this partnership.”

The Fresnel lens, designed by French physicist Anthony Fresnel in 1822, revolutionized maritime navigation around the world in the 19^th century by offering the ability to cast lighthouse beacons miles farther than was ever possible before thanks to the refraction from hundreds of pieces of specially cut glass.

These lenses were vital for generations on the Chesapeake Bay, lighting the way for boats passing through its shallow, dangerous shoals. The Hooper Strait Lighthouse relied on a smaller, fourth-order Fresnel lens to guide vessels on the Bay in its original location, and since moving to CBMM’s Navy Point in1966, the historic screwpile lighthouse has illuminated the Miles River at the entrance to St. Michaels harbor nightly.

CBMM currently has three Fresnel lenses on display in the Hooper Strait Lighthouse. With Fosburg’s assistance, the largest of these lenses, a third-order revolving lens on loan from the U.S. Coast Guard, will be moved from the second floor of the lighthouse to greet guests upon their entrance to CBMM’s new Welcome Center, which is slated to open this fall.

Situated at the mouth of an expansive floor map of the Bay in its new home near the Welcome Center reception desk, the lens will be part of an orientation exhibition, introducing guests to the stories and artifacts they will find across campus. The fully ADA-accessible building will also house two additional new exhibition spaces and the museum store, plus a terrace overlooking Fogg’s Cove.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit educational organization that preserves and explores the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and makes this resource available 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. For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

Choptank Electric is a non-profit, member-owned electric distribution co-op on Maryland’s Eastern Shore serving over 56,000 members. Choptank Electric Cooperative exists to provide reliable and cost-effective electricity that improves the quality of life for our member-owners.

With the weather warming up, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s paddling programming is back with a variety of on-the-water experiences scheduled over the coming months.

Led by ACA-certified instructors, these registration-required, guided paddles are designed to appeal to both experienced and new participants. Find the full list of upcoming opportunities at cbmm.org/paddlingprograms and registration links at bit.ly/CBMMPaddling2023.

The first paddling event of the season is on campus next Friday, May 19, with Paddling Gear & Beer Demo Day from 5:30-8pm.

This is an opportunity to meet CBMM’s instructors and ask them questions as they demonstrate paddling techniques and share their preferred gear. Participants will have the opportunity to test out various vessel styles and gear within Fogg’s Cove.

The cost is $15, with a 20% discount for CBMM members. Register now at bit.ly/PaddlingGearBeerDemo.

On Saturday, June 3, at 9am, CBMM will launch a Paddle & Tasting from Skipton Landing in Cordova, Md. This is a leisurely paddle for beginner and intermediate paddlers exploring a classic Chesapeake landscape along Skipton and Mill Creeks. After returning to the launch site, the fun continues with a wine tasting at nearby Triple Creek Winery.

The cost is $55 for those bringing their own kayak and $75 with kayak rental, with the tasting included. Both options offer a 20% discount for CBMM members. Register at bit.ly/PaddleTasting2023.

There are also a pair of Full Moon Paddles on the horizon. These are excellent opportunities for beginner and intermediate paddlers to enjoy the evening sunset and the full moon from the stillness of the water.

On Monday, July 31, the paddle leaves from Oak Creek Landing in Newcomb, Md., at 6:30pm and traverses Oak Creek and the Miles River.

The Aug. 30 paddle launches from CBMM’s campus at 6pm and heads from the Miles River into Long Haul Creek.

The cost for either of these paddles is $30 for those bringing their own kayak and $50 with kayak rental, with a 20% discount for CBMM members.

Registration is limited for all paddling programs, and anyone age 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Participants are asked to provide their own PFDs if they are not renting one of CBMM’s kayaks and encouraged to dress accordingly for being outdoors, wear sunscreen, and bring water and any snacks they will need for the duration of the paddle. Contact Shipyard Education Programs Manager Jenn Kuhn at jkuhn@cbmm.org with additional questions.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s upcoming Oyster Gardening Workshop will provide participants with all the information and materials needed to grow oysters off their own dock.

The program, consisting of an informational class and cage-building workshop, will be held next Saturday, May 13, from 9am-noon in CBMM’s Van Lennep Auditorium. The cost is $200 for both parts, including materials, with a 20% discount for CBMM members. There’s also a class-only option for $10. Registration is available now at bit.ly/OysterGardenWorkshop2023.

The Oyster Gardening Workshop is designed to set up participants for success in a uniquely Eastern Shore hobby. It is led by new owner of Oyster Girl Oysters and retired statistician Dr. Lawrence Rudner and CBMM Education Programs Manager Kendall Wallace.

The morning begins with a one-hour informational class devoted to the practical aspects of oyster gardening and explaining why the beloved bivalves are vital members of the Bay ecosystem. The presentation includes details on the difference between wild and aquaculture oysters, tips for protecting against the potentially lethal bacteria vibrio, info on how Maryland residents can write off oystering supplies on their taxes, and much more.

Then, there’s two hours of workshop time to construct the floating oyster cages. Participants will leave with at least one completed cage and the materials for two more. Seed oysters, sourced from Ferry Cove Oyster Hatchery in Sherwood, will be provided to get the gardens started.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit educational organization that preserves and explores the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and makes this resource available 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. For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

Just in time for a new season on the water, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is aiming to help prospective boaters navigate the buying process.

CBMM Charity Boat Donations & Sales Program Director Wes Williams will lead “Boat Buying 101” on April 19 from 5:30-7:30pm in Van Lennep Auditorium, sharing the ins and outs of what to expect when purchasing a new-to-you vessel. The cost is $25, with a 20% discount for CBMM members, and registration is open now at bit.ly/BoatBuying101.

Williams is well-equipped to teach this crash course with a lengthy history of buying and selling boats. He has been a boat owner since he was 12 years old, and he spent a decade as owner/operator of a marina in Texas before arriving at CBMM in February 2021.

CBMM Charity Boat Donations & Sales Program Director Wes Williams will share the ins and outs of what to expect when purchasing a boat during “Boat Buying 101” on April 19. Photo by George Sass.

With this presentation, Williams aims to offer insight that can be useful to both first-time buyers and those seeking to upgrade or add to their fleet. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions about the process.

Through its Charity Boat Donations & Sales Program, CBMM accepts and sells boats year-round. Donations are tax-deductible and hassle-free, and sales directly support CBMM’s mission to explore and preserve the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and make this resource accessible to all.

Browse the current inventory at cbmm.org/boatdonationprogram or reach out via email (boatdonation@cbmm.org) or phone (410-745-4992) to get more information about the program.

CBMM is also now accepting vehicle donations. Find more information about the Vehicle Donation Program at cbmm.org/vehicledonationprogram.

In the coming months, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is offering private river cruises aboard its historic floating fleet vessels to watch log canoe races on the Miles River.

These two-hour charters, scheduled for June 24 and 25, July 29 and 30, and Sept. 9, 10, 16 and 17, are being offered in place of the log canoe spectator cruises aboard Winnie Estelle, CBMM’s venerable passenger-carrying buyboat that is undergoing a refit in the Shipyard this year.

The cost is $375 per charter for up to six passengers, with a 20% discount for CBMM members. Registration for these cruises is set to open March 17 at bit.ly/LogCanoeCruises2023, with a two-week sign-up period exclusively for CBMM members before open registration begins March 31. There are a limited number of charters available, and all cruises are dependent on marine conditions.

To become a CBMM member and access early registration as well as the charter discount and all the other exclusive programming and benefits of membership, visit cbmm.org/membership or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or druzicka@cbmm.org.

These cruises offer an up-close view of a unique Eastern Shore tradition. Races featuring Chesapeake Bay sailing log canoes are staples of the region with competitions held along the Chester, Miles, Choptank, and Tred Avon rivers.

With an iconic design featuring long masts and large sails, the log canoes keep upright as they accelerate to speeds of 10 knots or more, thanks to crew members climbing to the ends of 15-foot boards that hang off the side.

Amateur photographers, sailing aficionados, and wooden boat enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy on these action-packed charters led by an experienced captain and crew aboard a traditional Bay vessel in CBMM’s floating fleet.

With Winnie Estelle undergoing maintenance, CBMM will also be offering drop-in cruises aboard boats in its floating fleet, including Dory Boat, Volunteer, and Old Point, on Fridays, Saturday, Sundays, and select Mondays, beginning May 19.

These 45-minute Harbor Highlights Tours offer guests the opportunity to explore St. Michaels Harbor, including CBMM’s working waterfront, while learning the history of the port. The cost is $15 per passenger for CBMM members and $25 for non-members.

Passenger cruises aboard Winnie Estelle are expected to resume in 2024.

Jenn Kuhn’s own introduction to the skills she teaches in the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Women’s Woodworking Workshops came in her first days at boat-building school. Talk about a crash course.

Kuhn, now the Shipyard Education Programs Manager, first offered the class at CBMM in 2012 while an apprentice in the Shipyard, and over the past decade-plus, it’s provided her an enjoyable avenue for sharing her knowledge with dozens of women interested in learning more about the techniques and tools vital to her career.

“The goal in offering a course like this is to make everything a little bit more inclusive and accessible,” Kuhn said. “As a woman in the trades, it would’ve been awesome when I was going through high school if I could have taken shop class. It wasn’t even a consideration. This course is about offering the opportunity to learn.”

CBMM will host a two-day introductory Women’s Woodworking Workshop in March before following up with a four-day intermediate course in July.

Kuhn will be teaching the introductory Women’s Woodworking Workshop again on March 11-12 in the Shipyard, guiding participants through the basics of buying lumber, making a cut list, and using a variety of power and hand tools to construct a wooden mallet. The course has reached capacity, but interested participants can sign up for the waitlist at bit.ly/WomensWoodworkingWaitlist.

On July 21-24, CBMM is hosting a four-day intermediate course in which participants will expand on the woodworking and joinery skills they’ve learned from the intro class to build a stool. The cost is $295, with a 20% discount for CBMM members, and all tools and materials are included. Registration is now available at bit.ly/JulyWomensWoodworking.

Kuhn models the Women’s Woodworking programming off a course she previously taught at the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle, and it’s been a consistent hit on the Eastern Shore offering participants the chance to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the Shipyard for a few days and come away with a completed project.

Ultimately, Kuhn’s goal with these courses is to provide a comfortable, welcoming, and safe environment for women to learn and work together, regardless of background or even future plans to use a table saw or the other power tools on the project list.

“As they say, knowledge is power,” Kuhn said. “Whether or not anybody ever goes on to do anything else with woodworking, it’s great to have that knowledge and understand how these skills can help you.”

Indeed, Brenda Fike arrived at the introductory course in 2021 with no experience since middle-school woodshop but eager to learn more.

Over two days, the Easton resident found Kuhn’s presentation informative and the atmosphere fun, with the project offering just the right level of challenge.

Fike’s mallet, with a head made of carefully-selected osage orange, hangs in her home workshop as a proud reminder of her work that weekend.

“I thought everything about it was great,” Fike said. “I knew nothing going in, and Jenn made it an experience that was totally educational, interesting, and fun for me.”

Jan Kirsh echoed that sentiment. The local sculptor and landscape designer was looking for a woodworking refresher while putting together a museum show, and she enjoyed a memorable weekend at CBMM in Kuhn’s course, working alongside a group of women who have stayed in touch and become friends. (The mallet that she made remains useful in her art studio, too.)

“Jenn is a great instructor,” Kirsh said. “Her high level of ability rubs off on her students. She has a real comfort in the shop that gives you a sense of how qualified she is, and she transfers that sense of confidence while you’re working with a piece of powerful woodworking equipment on your own.”

CBMM’s Shipyard Programs Education Manager, Jenn Kuhn has been leading CBMM’s Women’s Woodworking Workshops since 2012. Photo by George Sass.

The mission of the Women’s Woodworking Workshops is personal for Kuhn, who still uses the first mallet that she ever made as one of her first projects at boat-building school in her day-to-day work. She makes sure to regularly include the courses on CBMM’s Apprentice for a Day programming schedule and also teaches them occasionally at the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Upstate New York.

Now a seasoned boatbuilder, Kuhn always appreciates the chance to invite other women to the Shipyard and share her woodworking expertise.

“My hope is to help our participants feel more comfortable and less intimidated coming into an area where we weren’t always included,” Kuhn said. “Historically, most of the shop folks were men. Now that’s totally changing. We’re eons from that, which is awesome, but I know there are still a lot of women out there who wish that they would’ve had something like this growing up.”