Discover Delmarva: Tilghman Watermen’s Museum
TILGHMAN ISLAND, Md- The Tilghman Waterman’s Museum houses the stories of the locals and what everyday life consisted of on the island. Helping preserve the local culture for generations to come. Docent Libby Hinson showed us around this quaint museum. “We’re focusing on the rich history of Tilghman Island, the rich heritage. We have over 175 years here on Tilghman Island of prolific boat builders and watermen.” The Island is steeped in tradition along the Chesapeake Bay. Hinson tells us the prime location for the first settlers led to a world-famous ship-making community lasting through the test of time, “Our boats- our log canoes are still out there sailing on the rivers today, and some of them are 130 years old.”
The museum also highlights one of the lost islands of the Chesapeake Bay- Sharp’s Island. “Well, Sharp’s Island was a 1600-acre island. That was at the mouth of the Choptank River, and over the years it went from 1600 acres to about 1943 6 and a half acres.” This island was once home to prime hunting grounds, good fishing, plus a resort hotel. Remnants of the hotel remain to this day on many houses around Tilghman Island! Due to the strategic position in the Bay, a lighthouse was built on the island, which is not anything out of the ordinary. What was? The fact that the lighthouse was on wheels due to the severe erosion even back in the 1800s! Hinson tells us this island is a bellwether for some of the counterparts in the bay. “This island was lost due to wind, erosion, storms, ice, and this is something that’s a challenge other islands are facing in the Chesapeake Bay today.”
Upstairs, the history of the Tilghman Island Packing Company is preserved, which was once the main employer during the “heyday.” Plus, the stories of local legends through their audio history series, which Hinson says is one of their proudest attractions. “And when you’re losing a generation, you’re also losing the history and the stories. So we want to keep those stories so that there available for the future and for their descendants as”
Hinson tells us the museum is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. But they are more than willing to give you an off-hour tour by appointment only. To show your support and to plan your visit, check out their website.
