Waterman's Museum

The concept for the Waterman's Museum began in 1990, when a committee of representatives from the Rock Hall community and Haven Harbour Marina decided that the watermen needed their own unique center of recorded history. Today the museum includes exhibits on oystering, crabbing, and fishing. A reproduction of a shanty house is on display, along with historical photographs, local carvings, and of course, boats.

There is no charge to visit the Museum. However, if you wish you may leave a donation in the box near the entrance.
All donations benefit the Maryland Waterman's Association.


	In winter, watermen often lived for lengthy periods of time in tiny one room shanties mounted on flat bottomed boats. Moored out on the partially or totally frozen bay, these shacks provided just enough space for a man, a few critical belongings, a potbellied stove, a bunk, a table, a chair, and of course, his dog...
These were the voyages of the skipjack Elsie Mae
	Crabtraps, eel traps, dinghies, anchors, oarlocks, nets, nautical bric-a-brac, and just plain memorabilia - all on display here with extensive documentation of authenticity
As you leave, don't forget to look up for a fine exhibit of lines, knots, bouys and markers.
Processing the oyster harvest "Well now, after you drudges 'em up, what do you do with 'em next?"	Frozen in time... A magnificent gallery of photographs poignantly captures the culture of a bygone era.
Even though "Ole Buck" has seen better days... those sure were some mighty fine days she saw!

We wish to acknowledge the generosity of the following individuals, without whose help and advice the Waterman's Museum could not have become a reality:

Larry Simms, President of the Maryland Waterman's Association, who not only strongly endorsed the museum, but also leant a tremendous amount of moral support to the endeavor.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, for their extraordinary efforts in creating the ambience of the rip-rap erosion control and reclamation of marshland.

Richard Newlon, Architect, whose dedication to this project could also include him as a curator

Gilbert M. Grosvenor, President and Chairman of the National Geographic Society

Penny Brawner, whose artistic talents were instrumental in the creation of the overall design

Heather Davidson, Blanche Wooten and Skip Willits for adding their considerable talent to our photographic collection

Tina Dayhoff, a Washington College student whose research and devotion to this project are deeply appreciated

Richard Burton, Curator, whose tireless dedication to the creation, oversight and daily maintenance
of the Waterman's Museum has made its mission a reality for many thousands of visitors.

and finally, a special thanks to the residents of the town of Rock Hall
whose contributions of valuable artifacts and personal memorabilia make this museum unique.