The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, located in St. Michaels, Maryland, is home to a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and ships from the Chesapeake Bay. This interactive museum, founded in 1965 at Navy Point, was once a site of seafood packing factories, docks, and working boats. Today, it houses the world's largest collection of Chesapeake Bay boats and offers interactive exhibits in and around the 35 buildings that dot the campus.
Visitors to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum can explore over 100 boats and boat models, various works of art, including a large collection of watercolors, firearms, ship signs, and other historical artifacts from the bay. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive look at the region's maritime history and culture.
At the active shipyard of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, visitors can participate in the Apprentice for a Day program. This unique experience allows visitors to try their hand at building a wooden skiff, providing a hands-on understanding of traditional boat building techniques.
Science & Technology Maritime Industrial heritage Applied art
10am–5pm daily April through October
10am–4pm daily in November
WINTER HOURS
10am-4pm Thursday-Sunday December, 2, 2024 through March 30, 2025 (Closed Monday-Wednesday)
CBMM and the Museum Store are open Monday on Jan. 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and Feb. 17 (Presidents Day).
CBMM and the Museum Store are closed on Thanksgiving (Nov. 28), Christmas (Dec. 25), and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).
North Talbot Street 213, St. Michaels
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Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum has 1 rating.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland, offers visitors a comprehensive look at the rich maritime history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay region. The museum's expansive 18-acre waterfront campus features numerous exhibits, historic boats, and interactive displays that effectively showcase the area's nautical heritage.
Visitors consistently praise the museum's well-curated exhibits that cover various aspects of the bay's history, from oyster harvesting and shipbuilding to the evolution of water transportation. The Hooper Strait Lighthouse, which was moved to the museum grounds, is often cited as a highlight, offering panoramic views of the Miles River and St. Michaels harbor.
The museum's collection of restored workboats and vessels receives high marks from maritime enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Many appreciate the opportunity to board some of these historic craft, providing a tangible connection to the past. The working shipyard, where visitors can observe boat restoration in progress, is another frequently mentioned positive aspect.
Interactive elements throughout the museum, such as the chance to try oyster tonging or explore a recreated waterman's shanty, enhance the educational experience for visitors of all ages. Families particularly appreciate the child-friendly exhibits and activities.
While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some visitors mention that the admission price is a bit high, especially for larger families. A few also note that some exhibits could benefit from updates or more detailed information. However, these criticisms are relatively minor compared to the overall positive feedback.
The museum's scenic location on the waterfront adds to its appeal, with many visitors recommending allowing extra time to enjoy the views and peaceful atmosphere. The staff and volunteers are frequently commended for their knowledge and enthusiasm, often enhancing the visitor experience with informative talks and demonstrations.
Overall, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is widely regarded as a well-executed, informative, and engaging attraction that effectively preserves and presents the maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay region.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.