ST. MICHAELS, Md., Oct. 1, 2024 – The Bay’s favorite bivalve takes the spotlight at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s OysterFest on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10am-4pm.

At OysterFest, you’re invited to enjoy oysters served a variety of ways, along with other local fare, craft beer, and spirits, plus fun for the whole family with live music on two stages, an oyster stew competition, a full schedule of demonstrations and presentations, children’s activities, and more.

Tickets are on sale now for this rain-or-shine event at cbmm.org/OysterFest, with discounted pricing for CBMM members.

Whether you prefer to sip, savor, or slurp Chesapeake Bay oysters, this annual celebration is for you. The delicious menu features oysters from the Talbot Watermen Association and several local oyster farms, with both raw and cooked options available.

Guests can also purchase a variety of Chesapeake delicacies and other food offerings via local vendors on campus, plus a beverage selection that includes specialty cocktails and an array of local craft beer options. All food and drinks are an additional charge.

Don’t miss your chance to buy an OysterFest mug and join the judging for the always-popular oyster stew competition. You’ll sample offerings from area restaurants and then vote for your favorite to decide which chefs claim the coveted title and local bragging rights.

The friendly competition continues with our annual oyster slurp-off contest. Interested participants can sign up on the day of the event.

All the oyster-themed fun will come with an upbeat soundtrack thanks to live music on both sides of campus all day long. Swamp Donkey Newgrass returns to play the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand, and there will be a stage on Fogg’s Landing, as well, to add to the festive atmosphere.

Throughout the day, the Van Lennep Auditorium will host a variety of guest speakers sponsored by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center through the Maryland Traditions Program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

Just a few of the highlights: Food historian Joyce White will discuss historical influences on Maryland’s cuisine and her recent book “Cooking Maryland’s Way: Voices of a Diverse Cuisine,” and historian Eric Cheezum will share the incredible true story of the mysterious sea creature who captured the hearts and imaginations of the Bay region told in his book, “Chessie: A Cultural History of the Chesapeake Bay Sea Monster.”

The American Chesapeake Club will be on hand to share demonstrations highlighting the retrieving abilities of its Chesapeake Bay retrievers, while Eric Jackson of Bay Fibers Studio will offer guests a free opportunity to create their own t-shirt designs.

Children can explore life on the Bay through a range of themed, hands-on activities, including lawn games, model boat building, and more. The Phillips Wharf Fishmobile traveling aquarium will be on site, too.

To close out the day, cruise boat PATRIOT is offering a special OysterFest cruise on the Miles River as part of its final weekend of the 2024 season. Starting at 3:30pm, this 75-minute cruise features appetizers provided by Garden and Garnish, including oysters on the half shell. The cost is $62, with a $4 discount for CBMM members. Learn more and buy tickets at patriotcruises.com.

OysterFest guests can get in the festive spirit by purchasing commemorative gear in the Museum Store, showcasing this year’s featured historic oyster tin from CBMM’s collection. The one-gallon tin, packed by Mears & Powell in Wachapreague, Va., and marketed as Wachapreague Oysters, is emblazoned on shirts and hats, as well as the mugs used for the oyster stew competition.

This year, OysterFest is generously sponsored by The Easton Group at Morgan Stanley, PNC Bank, RAUCH inc., and SafeTime by MAGI.

OysterFest tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Admission is set at $22 for adults, $19 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $10 for active and retired military members, and $9 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free.

CBMM members receive discounted pricing to OysterFest and other annual festivals celebrating the best of the Bay throughout the year. Adult member tickets are $10, and all children of members (17-and-younger) receive free admission. CBMM members at the Family & Friends level and above can also receive the $10 discounted admission for two additional adult guests.

CBMM members become a part of the Chesapeake story, joining CBMM’s mission as stewards of the region’s rich cultural heritage. To discover all the terrific benefits of membership and join today, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or druzicka@cbmm.org.

During the festival, additional free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service running to and from CBMM.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs must be kept home during CBMM festivals, including OysterFest. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is also prohibited.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., Oct. 1, 2024 – The Bay’s favorite bivalve takes the spotlight at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s OysterFest on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10am-4pm.

At OysterFest, you’re invited to enjoy oysters served a variety of ways, along with other local fare, craft beer, and spirits, plus fun for the whole family with live music on two stages, an oyster stew competition, a full schedule of demonstrations and presentations, children’s activities, and more.

Tickets are on sale now for this rain-or-shine event at cbmm.org/OysterFest, with discounted pricing for CBMM members.

Whether you prefer to sip, savor, or slurp Chesapeake Bay oysters, this annual celebration is for you. The delicious menu features oysters from the Talbot Watermen Association and several local oyster farms, with both raw and cooked options available.

Guests can also purchase a variety of Chesapeake delicacies and other food offerings via local vendors on campus, plus a beverage selection that includes specialty cocktails and an array of local craft beer options. All food and drinks are an additional charge.

Don’t miss your chance to buy an OysterFest mug and join the judging for the always-popular oyster stew competition. You’ll sample offerings from area restaurants and then vote for your favorite to decide which chefs claim the coveted title and local bragging rights.

The friendly competition continues with our annual oyster slurp-off contest. Interested participants can sign up on the day of the event.

All the oyster-themed fun will come with an upbeat soundtrack thanks to live music on both sides of campus all day long. Swamp Donkey Newgrass returns to play the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand, and there will be a stage on Fogg’s Landing, as well, to add to the festive atmosphere.

Throughout the day, the Van Lennep Auditorium will host a variety of guest speakers sponsored by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center through the Maryland Traditions Program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

Just a few of the highlights: Food historian Joyce White will discuss historical influences on Maryland’s cuisine and her recent book “Cooking Maryland’s Way: Voices of a Diverse Cuisine,” and historian Eric Cheezum will share the incredible true story of the mysterious sea creature who captured the hearts and imaginations of the Bay region told in his book, “Chessie: A Cultural History of the Chesapeake Bay Sea Monster.”

The American Chesapeake Club will be on hand to share demonstrations highlighting the retrieving abilities of its Chesapeake Bay retrievers, while Eric Jackson of Bay Fibers Studio will offer guests a free opportunity to create their own t-shirt designs.

Children can explore life on the Bay through a range of themed, hands-on activities, including lawn games, model boat building, and more. The Phillips Wharf Fishmobile traveling aquarium will be on site, too.

To close out the day, cruise boat PATRIOT is offering a special OysterFest cruise on the Miles River as part of its final weekend of the 2024 season. Starting at 3:30pm, this 75-minute cruise features appetizers provided by Garden and Garnish, including oysters on the half shell. The cost is $62, with a $4 discount for CBMM members. Learn more and buy tickets at patriotcruises.com.

OysterFest guests can get in the festive spirit by purchasing commemorative gear in the Museum Store, showcasing this year’s featured historic oyster tin from CBMM’s collection. The one-gallon tin, packed by Mears & Powell in Wachapreague, Va., and marketed as Wachapreague Oysters, is emblazoned on shirts and hats, as well as the mugs used for the oyster stew competition.

This year, OysterFest is generously sponsored by The Easton Group at Morgan Stanley, PNC Bank, RAUCH inc., and SafeTime by MAGI.

OysterFest tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Admission is set at $22 for adults, $19 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $10 for active and retired military members, and $9 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free.

CBMM members receive discounted pricing to OysterFest and other annual festivals celebrating the best of the Bay throughout the year. Adult member tickets are $10, and all children of members (17-and-younger) receive free admission. CBMM members at the Family & Friends level and above can also receive the $10 discounted admission for two additional adult guests.

CBMM members become a part of the Chesapeake story, joining CBMM’s mission as stewards of the region’s rich cultural heritage. To discover all the terrific benefits of membership and join today, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or druzicka@cbmm.org.

During the festival, additional free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service running to and from CBMM.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs must be kept home during CBMM festivals, including OysterFest. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is also prohibited.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony is excited to announce its upcoming Woodwind Quintet concerts, part of the highly anticipated 2024-2025 “Ensembles Series.” These special performances promise to deliver a musical experience that celebrates the artistry and versatility of woodwind instruments. Concerts will take place on Sunday, October 20, at 4 PM at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD, and on Saturday, October 26, at 3 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE.

This concert series is particularly noteworthy, as most of the repertoire is composed by women, and the performances will be delivered by an all-women woodwind quintet. The carefully curated program features a vibrant selection of works, including Barthe’s Passacaille, which showcases intricate variations on a repeating bass line, a form rooted in the Baroque tradition that highlights the lyrical expressiveness of woodwinds.

The program also includes Eyes by Jennifer Cafolla, a contemporary composer whose work often blends personal reflection with inventive soundscapes. In contrast, Claude Arrieu (Louise Simon)’s Quintette en Ut exemplifies early 20th-century French charm, balancing playful melodies with rich harmonies, making it a favorite among woodwind ensembles.

Kaoru Kawai’s Yukimushi evokes the delicate beauty of nature, drawing on traditional Japanese aesthetics, while Cécile Chaminade’s Four Encore Pieces presents Romantic melodies that have captivated audiences since their composition in the late 19th century.

Amy Beach’s Pastorale, one of the first successful female composers in America, is a poignant work reflecting her mastery of lyrical expression, reminiscent of the natural landscapes she cherished. Boris Agay’s Five Easy Dances adds a lively spirit to the program, providing engaging rhythmic patterns and a sense of joy.

Finally, Lina Mathon Blanchet’s Haitian Folk Tale celebrates the rich storytelling traditions of Haiti, offering a vibrant cultural representation through music that invites listeners into a world of narrative and emotion.

“We are thrilled to present this concert series, which not only showcases the exceptional talents of our musicians but also highlights the contributions of women composers” said Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the MSO’s Board of Directors. “This program is designed to captivate both seasoned classical music lovers and those new to the genre. We invite everyone to join us and enjoy the allure and creativity of these remarkable compositions.”

Join us for an afternoon of exquisite music, where you can experience the vibrant world of woodwind artistry in a warm and inviting atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a memorable musical journey!

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org, by calling 1-888-846-8600, or at the door.

ShoreRivers is proud to announce that its highly anticipated fall Rendezvous event is returning for a third year, with guests invited to the Farmstead at Kent Island Resort on Sunday, October 20, from 1–4pm.

Secure your spot now to enjoy an autumn afternoon on Thompson Creek while celebrating the people and programs of ShoreRivers. A premium open bar, lively Americana music graciously provided by Easton-based music group Ampersand, and a thoughtfully curated seasonal menu will be served.

“Connecting ShoreRivers’ work to some of the best things our rivers have to offer — delicious, regional fare, an exceptional atmosphere, and passionate advocates — is key to restoring and protecting these waterways,” says Executive Director Isabel Hardesty. Guests will have the chance to underwrite the impact of that work in priority local conservation efforts through four engaging program stations. We’re grateful for the early support of lead sponsors Watson/Stone Family Foundation, Timothy & Lisa Wyman, and Full Sail Media to make this fun and purposeful event possible.

To add to the festivities, ShoreRivers will present its annual Award for Environmental Stewardship to William A. Anderson, II in recognition of his influential role as a local leader. Anderson has served as a lead advocate on environmental issues at the federal level in Washington, DC and in the Mid-Shore region of Maryland’s Eastern Shore since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972. A ShoreRivers board member for five years and former Vice Chair, he has graciously lent his expertise on numerous, important advocacy issues. We’re proud to recognize the significant amount of time and effort he has put in to support ShoreRivers, and to fight on behalf of what’s right for the rivers we all cherish.

Sponsorship opportunities (which include promotional recognition and complimentary tickets), and general tickets are available. Visit shorerivers.org/events to secure your spot, or email Rebekah at rhock@shorerivers.org for details.

All funds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations support healthier waterways through ShoreRivers’ focused mission of science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement.

For one performance only, on Saturday, October 19, Church Hill Theatre will host an outstanding group of regional musicians for a night of smooth jazz with an R&B twist. The Bratcher Project is an ongoing musical journey founded by acclaimed bass guitarist and song writer Vaughn Bratcher. Other Project members are Karen Linette on vocals, Rodney Kelly Jr. on keyboard, “J. R.” on drums, and Tracey Cutler on sax.
Bratcher calls his group a project because they are a dynamic musical workshop in constant development, exploring new ways to achieve the “almighty Groove.” The musicians intertwine traditional and contemporary jazz in a format that is always fresh and engaging. The other members in the current “project” are all fine musicians at earlier stages in their own careers.
Vaughn Bratcher played with top R&B artists like Al Green, Betty Wright, Doris Duke and Z.Z. Hill early in his career. He moved on to work with gospel legends and “young lions” of the jazz scene like Cyrus Chestnut and George Culligan. He has performed at the Rehoboth Jazz Festival, Artscapes in Baltimore, and many other important venues. His CD, “The Pleasure’s Yours,” got substantial air play and his composition “Island Flow” received an award from the John Lennon Songwriting Competition.
Bratcher promises to lay down a funky groove and seduce listeners with a soft and sweet melody. Church Hill Theatre, known mostly for live dramas and musicals, is branching out to include other genres of artistic expression. The theatre’s new seating, decor, and lighting will make this a “date night” to remember. Join the Bratcher Project on Saturday, October 19, at 7:30 pm. CHT is located at 103 Walnut Street in Church Hill, MD. Tickets are available through the website: churchhilltheatre.org. Or call (410) 556-6003 for additional information.

EASTON, Md. (September 24, 2024) – The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of University of Maryland Memorial Hospital Foundation (a fundraising arm of UM SRH) and the Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital (a fundraising and volunteer organization supporting UM SRH) have agreed to provide financial support for the new Shore Regional Medical Center being built in Easton.

The Auxiliary has pledged $2 million over the next five years to the project; the UM SRH Board of Directors and UM Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors have committed to 100% participation by its members in the campaign.

“On behalf of our patients, team members and the communities we serve, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for these generous gifts which will advance access to patient care across the region and offer a modern state-of-the art medical campus,” said Ken Kozel, President and CEO, UM SRH, a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System.

The 230-acre hospital campus, which will be located at 10000 Longwoods Road, is scheduled for completion in summer 2028. The new hospital will replace UM Shore Medical Center in Easton and serve as the primary medical facility for residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties.

“Through fundraising and volunteerism, the Auxiliary has supported our hospital for decades and we are proud to invest in this transformative project for our community,” said Bob Coleman, President, Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital.

Over the past decade, the Auxiliary has donated over $600,000 to UM SRH in support of patient care services. Annually, Auxiliary volunteers donate approximately 20,000 hours of time through service at the Bazaar at 121 Federal Street, the Auxiliary’s consignment shop; the Cancer Center, the Birthing Center and through the hospital’s patient escort service.

“Every member of the UM SRH and Foundation boards has committed to a contribution for this project,” said Kathy Deoudes, chair of the UM SRH Board of Directors. “To see our community coming together to help transform health care in our region is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we unite around a common purpose—creating a healthier, stronger future for everyone.”

“We are beyond excited at the prospect of this new hospital and its meaning for the residents of the region,” said Charlie Capute, chair of the UM Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. “Our members are honored to champion this project, knowing that their collective efforts will leave a lasting impact for generations to come.”

The cost for the new Regional Medical Center is estimated at $540 million, of which $50 million is expected to be secured from private donations. Governor Wes Moore has committed $100 million in capital funds toward the construction of the new UM Shore Regional Medical Center,

For information about making a gift, contact Rebecca Bair, Vice President of Philanthropy, at 667-343-5509 or rebecca.bair@umm.edu.

Bring your wands, wings and magical costumes for a day of fantasy at Adkins Arboretum! Celebrating fancy and fun in the forest, Fairyfest returns to the Arboretum on Sat., Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year’s Fairyfest offers more outdoor magic than ever. Enjoy braiding the maypole with Mid Shore Dance Company and following a trail of fairy houses along the Arboretum’s enchanted forest paths. Feel the wind in your wings on the meadow pirate ship and sword fight with a scoundrel. Kick up your feet in the maypole dance, try your hand at magical games and take a break for a spellbinding craft. The beloved event also includes live entertainment by Mid Shore Dance Academy, Allegro Academy Singers, the Chestertown Ukulele Club and Summati Dance Troupe.

Unicorn rides with Snapdragon Stables, delicious offerings from Beltway Bistro and Blue Monkey Street Tacos food trucks and treats from Night Kitchen Coffee and Bakery will be available for sale. Don’t forget your camera for photo ops at the driftwood entrance arch by Terry Bohner (The Art of Nature) and Garrett Dickel (Bartlett Tree) and the Gnome Sweet Home decorated by Chesapeake Blooms.

Leading up to this exciting day, all are invited to build their own fairy dwellings for The Great Fairy House Challenge. Entries will be displayed on the forest paths in the week before Fairyfest and will be eligible for awards and prizes in the categories of Golden Fairy, Most Magical, Simply Spellbinding and Enchanted Excellence. An entry form and guidelines are available at adkinsarboretum.org.

Fairyfest is $10 per person for ages 3 and up for members, $12 for those ages 3 and up for nonmembers and free for children ages 2 and under. Admission is capped at 400, so early registration is highly recommended at adkinsarboretum.org or by calling 410-634-2847, ext. 0. In case of rain, Fairyfest will be rescheduled for Sun., Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fairyfest is generously sponsored in part by the Maryland State Arts Council. For more information, visit adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 100.

Queen Anne’s County Department of Community Services Area Agency on Aging is excited to announce the 2024 Caregivers Conference, taking place on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Grasonville Senior Center, located at 4802 Main Street, Grasonville, MD 21638. This event will run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and is open to all caregivers.

This year’s theme, “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” aims to provide caregivers with resources, support, and moments of joy. The conference will feature various activities and educational sessions, including:
Guest Speaker: Lon Kieffer, aka DOC, the “Defender of Caregivers”
Craft Making led by Ann Martin, Manager of the Grasonville Senior Center
Protect Yourself Against Scams with the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff
Palliative Care FAQ presented by Compass Hospice
Clownin’ Around KI sponsored by Haven Ministries
Vendors, giveaways, and door prizes

This conference is an opportunity for caregivers to relax, connect with others, and access valuable information and resources.
RSVP Today!

Reserve your seat by calling 410-758-0848 ext. 2703 or emailing Julia Stokes at jstokes@qac.org. Space is limited and tables are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact the Queen Anne’s County Department of Community Services Area Agency on Aging at 410-758-0848.

CHESTERTOWN, Md. (September 11, 2024) – The 14th annual Pink Polar Bear Golf Tournament raised $15,550 – the largest amount in the tournament’s history – to fund the purchase of equipment that will allow state-of-the-art breast MRIs to be performed in the Eleanor and Ethel Leh Women’s Center at University of Maryland (UM) Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. Held on Sunday, August 25th, at the Chestertown Yacht & Country Club, the tournament attracted a record number of 88 Club members and guests.

UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown is part of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, which is a member organization of University of Maryland Medical System.

“The Chester River Health Foundation is grateful beyond words for the success of this year’s Polar Bear tournament, because the Leh Women’s Center is such an important health care resource for women in our community,” said Maryann Ruehrmund, Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of the Chester River Health Foundation. “Participants and sponsors should be proud that the proceeds from this year’s event, combined with last year’s proceeds, will fully fund the purchase of a special piece of equipment needed for MRI studies of the breast. On behalf of the Foundation board, it’s my pleasure to thank Chester River Yacht & Country Club members Katina Lee, Susan Berson, Kathleen Flanagan and Larry Orr, along with the Club’s Pro Shop staff, for taking this year’s event to the next level of participation and fundraising.”

Over the last 14 years, the tournament has raised a total of $46,850 for the Leh Women’s Center. “It’s called the Pink Polar Bear tournament because finding breast cancer can be a little like finding a polar bear in a snowstorm,” said Kelly Bottomley, Manager of Outpatient Radiology Services for UM SRH

“Supporting breast health diagnosis by offering MRI exams is an excellent initiative for the Leh Women’s Center,” said Christopher Levey, MD, Medical Director, University of Maryland Shore Medical Group – Radiology. “The MRI exam is important for screening patients who are high-risk for breast cancer, for problem-solving based on patients’ prior mammography and ultrasound results, and for patients who already have a breast cancer diagnosis and may be undergoing chemotherapy prior to surgery.”

The Leh Women’s Center will begin offering breast MRI studies in December 2025 when a new MRI machine is installed. Adding breast MRI to the Leh Center’s services will enable patients throughout Kent and northern Queen Anne’s counties to get this important diagnostic care close to home.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., Sept. 10, 2024 – With its fall Speaker Event schedule, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is pleased to spotlight a range of accomplished presenters sharing their unique expertise and storytelling to highlight the region’s rich history, environment, and culture.

Hosted in the Van Lennep Auditorium and available virtually, these programs are designed to spark important conversations while fostering connections between the past, present, and future of the Bay. They are supported by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

The suggested ticket cost is $8 per session. To sign up, and get more information, visit cbmm.org/SpeakerSeries.

“I am looking forward to this whole series of Speaker Events,” CBMM’s Vice President of Education & Interpretation Jill Ferris said. “Bringing individual perspective and historical scholarship, each presenter explores a different aspect of life in the Chesapeake to help us better understand the world around us.”

The fall series begins next Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 5:30pm, with a homecoming via “The 1960s in St. Michaels: An Author Talk with David Guth.” A St. Michaels native, Guth will share an advance reading from his new historical fiction novel “In the Moment” based on his own experiences growing up in the Bay Hundred area in the 1960s that inspired his work.

The spotlight will be on the traditional workboats that line many area harbors on Thursday, Oct. 10, with a presentation from maritime journalist and historian Larry Chowning on Chesapeake Bay Deadrises.

The deadrise and cross-planked bottom style of boatbuilding started on the Bay in the 1880s, when builders of wooden boats began using planks, instead of logs, to create hulls with an unmistakable V-shaped bottom. Chowning will share insights into the history and culture of the deadrise, which grew to be so popular that both Maryland and Virginia have named deadrise vessels as their state boats.

Not far from CBMM’s campus, a team of archaeologists have been searching a remote part of Dorchester County since late 2020 for evidence of Harriet Tubman’s early life, including her birthplace and the 10-acre home site of her father, Ben Ross. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Dr. Julie Schablitsky will provide a glimpse into the historical research and archaeology that has gone into the effort to locate and interpret these sites with “The Archaeology of Harriet Tubman’s Birthplace.”

On Friday, Dec. 6, CBMM will delve into its newest special exhibition with “Sailing to Freedom: Recovering and Re-centering the Maritime Dimension of the Underground Railroad.”

This program will feature Dr. Timothy Walker, a history professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth whose book “Sailing to Freedom” provided the basis for CBMM’s soon-to-open exhibition in the Changing Exhibitions Gallery. Walker will share how his research has expanded understanding of how freedom was achieved by sea and what this journey looked like for untold numbers of African Americans.

More mission-focused Speakers Events are on the horizon in 2025, including a talk with historian Eric Cheezum sharing his scholarly research on Chessie the Chesapeake Bay Sea Monster (Jan. 30) and a program on the future of the Bay watershed (Feb. 6) with Martha Shimkin of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office and Anna Killius of the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

Additional speakers and programming will be announced in the coming months. Find more information about all CBMM’s upcoming events at cbmm.org/events.