Two things seem to resonate the most in the hearts of Annapolitan residents and visitors: Annapolis history and the charm of the navy water this area boasts of. With this notion in mind, it’s no wonder we also cherish the Annapolis Maritime Museum, which hosts entertaining traditions throughout the year, features educational events about the area’s waters, and celebrates Annapolis for all its beauty. And thus, we think it’s time to celebrate the museum itself and do so with this article. Keep reading for a quick view of what the museum offers and why you should visit as soon as possible.
Situated on Back Creek with a stunning view of the Chesapeake Bay, the museum is aesthetically pleasing but also features strong core values that demand high regard. The aim of the museum, according to the site, is to teach kids and adults about the area’s maritime history and the Chesapeake Bay. This is done through activities suitable for school-age kids, community-wide events like the Boatyard Beach Bash, and even art exhibits and interesting lectures. Perhaps the most enticing part of the museum is the preservation of Annapolis’s history, achieved through exhibits and lectures in the museum. These education events trace Annapolis’s maritime history from the mid 1600s to the now, expressing that oysters and small family fishermen were (and still are) recurrent themes. To give you an idea of what you might learn in attendance, the maritime history of 17th-18th century Annapolis consists of tobacco farmers using the Annapolis Harbor to ship their product to turn a profit. Though it wouldn’t be until the 19th century, even the oystermen in the area got involved in the importing process by harvesting and canning Annapolis-homegrown oysters for sale. You’ll have to visit the museum for more historical context. Believe us, there’s much more.
A visit to the museum awards guests with more than just a history lesson, though. Expert tour guides educate visitors on the present status of Annapolis’s waters, the oyster-harvesting business of today, and the critters that reside in Back Creek and the Bay. Additionally, guests can climb aboard a workboat and wade in water. Adults can specifically enjoy the winter lecture series, art exhibits, summer concerts, and annual events like the Sock Burning & Oyster Roast. Oysters, Annapolis, and laid-back fun translate across all of these. To see what the Sock Burning & Oyster Roast is all about, click here.
Not only does the Annapolis Eastport Museum feature great educational opportunities, but some of the museum’s events mark the change in seasons. For instance, the sock burning event signals the start of spring by encouraging the community to burn winter socks. The Tides & Tunes summer concert series brings together local people and starts summer off with a bang (and some beats). The first installment of this free music concert series comes on Thursday, June 19, and features Chester River Run-off. The music continues every Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. until early August. Aside from the concerts, the museum supplies curious citizens with tours of the Thomas Point lighthouse and Critter Hour, a family friendly hour of watery exploration in the Bay to catch critters.
The museum also works with local schools to function as the destination for unforgettable field trips and around-the-year programs. All ages–from Pre-K to high school–can take advantage of the museum’s programs that teach about oysters, the ecology of the Bay, and more. Summer camps, boy and girl scout programs, and family programs are also available. Homeschoolers aren’t left out either–there are activities and programs for them too.
Fairly positive you know the maritime tradition around here? Volunteer at the museum! The site, http://amartime.org, features links about becoming a volunteer. You can also find info about joining the museum as a member on the site.
Annapolis Maritime Museum is located at 723 Second Street on Back Creek. Contact the museum at the web address provided here or via phone at 410-295-0104.
Admission is free. Hours of operation include Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Let Annapolis Maritime Museum help you love Annapolis even more.
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