Discover Delmarva: The Mermaid Museum
BERLIN, Md- The Mermaid Museum in downtown Berlin dives into one of the mysteries of the undersea world. Mermaids, of course! We met up with Museum Assistant Lia Workman, who showed us how the idea for this museum came to shore. “The building was originally the International Order of Odd Fellows clubhouse, and eventually it was rented by the museum’s creator. She’s a local artist and photographer, and this was her photographer studio.” The gorgeous building has served many purposes over its extensive history. But why was this converted from a photography studio into this unique museum? Workman says, “In 2020, Covid hit, so the owner was thinking of the next step to take. She came up with the idea of a mermaid. The world’s First Mermaid Museum.
The museum showcases everything associated with mermaids, from sightings and the different ideas of appearance each culture had. There were often mis-sightings with manatees, seals as the guilty parties. Although… We did notice one of the items on display, a Jenny Haniver, which looked quite eerie. No need to fear, as this is just a work of art from a stingray carcass. The museum is always looking to add new attractions, including a way to reach out to the depths of the ocean. “The addition of the shell was something rather new. The shell phone, where you can call a mermaid that will answer as you dial the rotary phone. So the owner tries to incorporate things she finds, and one big new “wow” piece each season.”
Mermaids aren’t all fun and games, and some cultures believe they have an important impact spiritually. Mami Wata is a spirit that many look to in Western Africa. Workman says many cultures want to please this spiritual figure. “Give gifts to her because she can either make the weather good, have lots of fish, good luck, good health, and prosperity. Or the weather can be bad, bad health, and bad fishing. So, they want to keep her happy and give her offerings.
Other places have more of an entertainment focus on mermaids. From the Feejee mermaid display to the Weeki Wachee mermaid show. Plus, one of the world’s most famous mermaids, Ariel, who you’ll have to look closely for under their display cases through the peephole.
We had to ask Workman the most important question yet. Are Mermaids real? She say’s “There are some people that believe, and then there are other people who say ‘nah, I got to see it to believe it”.
Soon, the museum will be switching to its summer hours, 10 am to 5 pm every day! They’re available for private events by appointment. For more information on planning your visit or to book a private event, you can visit their website.
