Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and exploring the history, environment and people of the Chesapeake Bay; and the values of relevancy, authenticity, and stewardship guide us in every aspect of our work. With a park-like setting of outdoor and indoor exhibitions in the historic town of St. Michaels, CBMM offers changing exhibits, demonstrations, boat rides on the Miles River, and annual festivals celebrating Chesapeake Bay culture, boats, seafood, and history.

CBMM’s floating fleet of historic Chesapeake Bay watercraft is the largest in existence and its small boat collection includes crabbing skiffs, workboats, and log canoes. Real shipwrights building authentic Chesapeake wooden boats are part of the Museum experience, and they are available to share the heritage of traditional boatbuilding with guests.

There’s one thing you won’t find at CBMM, however—any signs that say “Do not touch.” That’s because the Museum creates and encourages a memorable, hands-on experience in all of its permanent exhibits, making it a fun place for all ages to visit time and again.

Rediscover the fun of playing on the Bay; take in beautiful, changing exhibits in the Steamboat Building; climb atop the historic 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse; learn about the heritage of oystering and waterfowling; get your hands dirty pulling up a crab pot or nippering for oysters at Waterman’s Wharf; or enroll in the Apprentice for a Day program and e