Why visit the Museum?

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to telling the stories of the Chesapeake Bay and the people who have shaped their lives around it.

Situated on 18 waterfront acres in the historic town of St. Michaels, Maryland, the Museum offers exhibits, demonstrations, boat rides on the Miles River, and annual festivals that celebrate Chesapeake Bay culture, boats, seafood, and history.

"Absolutely worth the time. Great exhibits, maps, nautical memorabilia. Gift shop also worth seeing." – rac-columbus, Columbus, OH

"Much more than we expected. This museum was a fantastic surprise because it was so much more than we expected. It has working boat manufacturing / repair on site where we could speak to the workers and learn about their trade. There are also displays showing the methods and tools used, past and present. We learned so much about the bay, its history, its wildlife, and the towns' evolution. They have interactive displays to keep children interested, but do not make it “too kiddy” so adults have plenty to keep their interest as well. We were especially moved by the museum's exhibit on the loss of Holland Island and other land erosion and the water levels rising. In addition, it shows how the waterman lifestyle has changed as new generations are leaving the trade. We learned so much and had a fantastic time. " –LARiley, Clarksboro, NJ

"Fascinating! Four of us sailed to beautiful St. Michaels this spring. Although cold, "The island that fooled the British" was beautiful with the trees blossoming and friendly natives. One of the most interesting things we did while 3 weeks in the Chesapeak was to visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Our friends have been there several times, and thought it was interesting enough to go back...and spend 3 hours! The many exhibits extend from every side of the local maritime industry, including oystering, crabbing, fishing and lifestyles over the centuries. Additionally, there are several old historical homes, and they even have a working area with volunteers restoring a locally famous old boat! " – JMRogers, Houston, TX

"Extraordinary. Covering everything from historic boat restoration, to issues with rising sea levels, and every bit of Maryland maritime history in between, this museum is an absolute joy. " –brinyc82, New York

"Always interesting. If you enjoy history, boats, scenery or anything to do with the water, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) is the place to go. You can watch new boats being built and old boats being restored; talk to the shipwrights; learn about the Chesapeake Bay; ride a boat; learn about oystering and crabbing; and find out all about the Chesapeake Bay and it's people.Don't visit Easton, Oxford or St. Michaels without visiting the CBMM!!! " –jrepok, Easton, MD

"History of the Chesapeake Bay for all ages. My friend and I were looking for something to do on a rainy day and we fell in love with this great historical area. There is a boat making shop, where current projects are in progress and there are volunteers working on the current project and they love talking about it. Then we went to the decoy building, with old to more current showings of this interesting art. If you like guns they had all sorts of them displayed in there too. Next we went on a boat ride, get the combo ticket. This ride is $10 and a better deal than the larger boat that goes out nearby and costs $25 just for the ride and taped recitation. The museum ride takes you along the Miles river and the guide talks to you about the area and answers questions. Upon returning we went to the oyster building, where it shows the history of the business. There is a real boat in there and don't get spooked by the maniquinns that are placed in cubbyholes. Next there was an art building with photos and paintings of the area. Lastly, we went to the sailing building with old photos, videos and artifacts. The whole place is very interactive and there were things for kids to do. We were so surprised how great this activity was and instead of a boring rainy day, we had an informative interesting time. " –Born_to_go61, Silver Spring, MD

"A Real Gem of a Museum. The Museum is located in the tiny town of St. Michaels on Maryland's Eastern shore. The Museum is a 'people 'friendly' place. Several Bay boats are under renovation and you can chat to the workmen as the sand and carve, and work away at stuff they obviously love doing. Our children had fun participating in a scavenger hunt to find items identified on the handout they obtained at the check in desk. You will learn lots about crabbing on the Bay, about catching Oysters and about the wildlife that lives in the Chesapeake waters. There is an amazing exhibit addressing climate change and the way it is effecting the Bay and its inhabitants...this is called 'Rising Tides". It should not be missed."
– maryd42, Baltimore, MD

"A Great Day on the Shores of the Miles River! This is a wonderful experience for anyone - kids through grandparents. Lots of interactive exhibits in a number of buildings, and the lighthouse is a special treat. The museum is adjacent to several restaurants and the town dock area, so you can walk to lots of other areas in St. Michaels. Makes an excellent day trip from Baltimore or Annapolis!" – Annapolisgal526, Annapolis, MD.

"The Essence of the Bay. The CBMM captures the heart of what it means to live and breath the Bay. It doesn't get any better than the boat building shed, and the view from the top of the lighthouse!" – Jerry D, St. Michaels, MD.

"Good cornerstone for a St. Michaels Visit. Comprehensive, but not overwhelming local historical museum. Worthy of a primary sight on a trip to St. Michaels." – Aerocraft67, Annapolis, MD.

"Wonderful Museum. We were in the St. Michaels area for the Presidents Day weekend and planned to visit the museum on Sunday. When we got to our hotel, we saw a sign that the museum was free on Monday. We gladly changed our plans and visited on Monday. It is a wonderful, well thought out museum with a lot of information about the Chesapeake Bay area history. I would have gladly paid the $13 admission charge; though I have to admit it was even better free :-)." – DLC12988, Herndon, VA.

"CBMM–In a Class By Itself. Lots to do and see. Some docents. Volunteers in the boathouse rebuilding old workboats and building new ones. Dozens of Chesapeake Bay small hunting and fishing boats going back two centuries. Good oystering exhibit and a great platform lighthouse that you can tour." – TravelerChester_MD, Chester, MD.

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