Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in Annapolis, Maryland is a destination not to be missed. With its rich maritime history, the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the Chesapeake Bay and the people who have called it home for centuries. Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or simply interested in history, here are some tips on what to do when visiting the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Check the museum hours and admission fees

Before planning your visit to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, it is essential to check the museum hours and admission fees. The museum is open year-round and has varying hours depending on the season. Admission fees vary depending on age and membership status, but the museum offers discounted admission rates for seniors, children, and military personnel. It’s best to check the museum’s website or call ahead to confirm hours and fees before you go.

Explore the museum’s exhibits

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum has an extensive collection of exhibits that showcase the Chesapeake Bay’s maritime history. The exhibits include historic boats, navigational instruments, and displays of traditional Bay fishing methods. The museum’s collections also include artifacts from the Chesapeake Bay’s shipbuilding and boatbuilding industries, which date back to the 17th century. Visitors can explore the exhibits at their own pace or take a guided tour with one of the museum’s knowledgeable docents.

Take a boat ride

One of the most popular attractions at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is the boat rides. Visitors can take a scenic boat ride along the Miles River aboard one of the museum’s historic vessels. The boat rides offer an excellent opportunity to see the Chesapeake Bay from a different perspective and learn about the area’s maritime history from the boat’s captain.

Participate in hands-on activities

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum offers visitors the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations that showcase traditional maritime skills. Visitors can learn how to tie knots, navigate using traditional instruments, or participate in a crabbing demonstration. These activities are a great way to get a feel for the area’s maritime culture and history.

Visit the working boatyard

The museum’s working boatyard is another popular attraction, where visitors can watch traditional wooden boats being built and restored. The boatyard is staffed by skilled boatbuilders who use traditional techniques and tools to build and restore boats. Visitors can watch the boatbuilders at work or take a guided tour to learn more about the boatbuilding process.

Shop at the museum store

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum has a well-stocked store that offers a variety of maritime-themed gifts, books, and souvenirs. The store features locally made items such as pottery, jewelry, and artwork, as well as books on maritime history and Chesapeake Bay culture. Shopping at the museum store is a great way to support the museum and take home a unique souvenir of your visit.

In conclusion, a visit to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is an excellent way to learn about the Chesapeake Bay’s maritime history and culture. Whether you’re interested in historic boats, traditional boatbuilding techniques, or just want to take a scenic boat ride, the museum has something for everyone. Make sure to check the museum hours and admission fees, explore the museum’s exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, visit the working boatyard, and shop at the museum store. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a must-visit destination in Annapolis, and a visit will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the area’s rich maritime history.