Discover Delmarva: Delmarva Discovery Museum
POCOMOKE CITY, Md- The Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City, Maryland is an interactive celebration for all things Eastern Shore. We met up with Executive Director Todd Espeland who gave WMDT an exclusive tour around the museum. “The mission of the Delmarva Discovery Museum is to highlight and celebrate all of the wonderful cultures that we have here on the Delmarva peninsula and the Eastern shore.”
This mission is conveyed through varying exhibits throughout the property. From their Steamboat replica, Duck Carvings, and even live animals throughout the museum according to Espeland “In our museum, you can see turtles, snakes, giant snapping turtles, the wonderful otters everybody loves our two otters Mack and Tuck.”
The tour starts with Oscar their giant snapping turtle who originally was 8 inches long when he arrived at the museum. It’s safe to say he’s grown over his time here. They have many marine animals on display that you can find right in the Chesapeake Bay, and of course, they have a Blue Crab!
They also have exhibits diving into the way of life here on Delmarva. “This our is duck blind and our duck carving hut. In this duck carving hut, we have ducks that have been donated to us and we have them on display.” The ducks on display aren’t just decoys- they’re also marvelous works of art The blind is built to resemble something you may see passing an open field across the shore. The waterways on Delmarva have always been an important part of our history and still are to this day. The museum has a replica steamboat where you can pull the horn yourself.
The stars of the museum Mack and Tuck are their extremely energetic ambassadors. Animal curator Taylor Griffith told us how to tell the boys apart “Tuck is our youngest guy here you can tell them apart because he is a little bit lighter in color, and his nose is a little bit more rounder than Mack. Mack is our old man he is around 12 years old he has more of a pointed nose and that’s how we tell them apart.”
The museum cares for a plethora of reptiles including Cornelius their corn snake. These interactions with the animals that can be found across the peninsula help drive a connection according to Espeland “Give people an up-close encounter with these animals. That they’ve never seen or experienced and I think it makes them not only appreciate what we have naturally and the natural beauty of the Delmarva peninsula. Plus, it helps them understand the importance of caring for these animals.”
Espeland says the museum is focusing on educational encounters with their animals throughout the year. They also will be unveiling a new mural of the Pocomoke Indian Nation later this year. You can find more information on their programs and hours of operation on their website.
