the havre de grace maritime museum

I was pleasantly surprised when we visited this museum. I've driven by it many times but had never gone in. For a small donation (just $2) you can spend some time here looking at various maritime artifacts including Coast Guard artifacts. There is a very nice video of John Smith's discovery and exploration of the Chesapeake Bay in the 1600s. In addition to the maritime artifacts, there are many Native American artifacts too.This museum is close to many other interesting things to see in Havre de Grace.

I enjoyed looking at the different items in the museum. I found the information on John Smith interesting and also liked looking at different items related to boats and ships

The Havre de Grace Maritime Museum is adjacent to the Concord Point Lighthouse, Havre de Grace Promenade, and Tydings Park. The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum is also nearby. One can take in all these attractions from one parking space. No need to drive from place to place! There is plenty of free parking along Concord Street and Lafayette Street. Admission is free but a donation of $2.00 per person is requested. We visited this museum after visiting the lighthouse and walking on the Promenade. Before going up a flight of stairs to the main part of the museum, we began our visit in the Boat Shop at street level. The boatwright was at work on the hull of a small sailboat. The boatwright told me that outside of the channels, most of the Upper Chesapeake Bay around Havre de Grace is about chest deep. On him, that would be about 5 feet deep. The shallow depth precipitated a discussion of the gundalows, nearly flat-bottomed barge-like boats that used lateen sails and tidal currents to transport people and goods in the shallow waters of the rivers and bays near Portsmouth and Dover, NH and South Berwick, ME. Mariners in Maryland used something similar only there they called them scows. There was a model of a scow in the museum. It closely resembled a gundalow. The exhibits and a video tell the story of the area’s maritime history from the time of the Native Americans. The exhibit titled “Beyond Jamestown: Life 400 Years Ago” has a video related video that shows a reenactment of Capt. John Smith’s exploration and mapping of the Chesapeake Bay and several rivers that flow into it. They traveled the shallow waters in shallops. The video’s narrator said that his maps were perhaps the most accurate maps ever done of the area. Smith was seeking the Northwest Passage to Asia. He did establish trade with Native American settlements he encountered. The “Working on the Bay” exhibit tells the history of fishing in Chesapeake Bay. Commercial fishing was once a thriving business. But, overfishing and the construction of Conowingo Dam in the Susquehanna River contributed to dwindling stock of oysters, crab, and fish. Today, there are very few commercial fishermen. As a historian particularly interested in the Colonial Period through the War of 1812, I especially liked two timely special exhibits related to the War of 1812:1) “Naval History In The War of 1812” recounts how the British attacked America’s major coastal cities of Washington, Baltimore and New Orleans and were met at each city by the American Navy, Army and militia forces. 2) “The Rodgers Family and The War of 1812” tells about several family members who became naval heroes in several wars and attained the ranks of Commodore and Captain. The museum also offers lectures for adults and educational programs for the youngsters. We also visited the museum’s What Knots Maritime Gift Shop for a few souvenirs. Offerings included books for children and adults, puzzles, games, stuffed animals, CD’s, jewelry, T-shirts, postcards, key rings, refrigerator magnets, and more. I got postcards and a T-shirt.We enjoyed our visit to this small but nicely done museum. We would visit again whenever we return to the Havre de Grace area.If you found this review helpful, kindly click YES below.

Great little museum which is constantly being updated. Also offers many classes, concerts, lectures...Definitely worth checking out their programs. Free with donations requested. Get on their mailing list to see all there events.

The Maritime Museum features insights into the rich history of Havre de Grave as well as the exploration and settlement of the upper Chesapeake Bay. One room is dedicated to the evolution of the settlement of this area as the English began to move north from Virginia. The importance of the Bay for fishing and hunting becomes much clearer in reading the story boards. A short, but informative, account of the War of 1812 gives new insights into the attempt by Britain to reclaim its former colonies with the story of the attack on Havre de Grace fascinating. Beyond these two exhibits, there is a hodgepodge of displays that is of limited interest. No admission fee, but suggested $2.00 donation.

This is a great spot to understand the nature of the area. The presentations are intelligent and give you a wonderful understanding of the shipping and navigation.

Great introduction to area history. Easy access and parking. Good for a short or long tour depending on your parties energy level.

This museum is truly a gem and never fails to amaze. The exhibits are so well done, the docents so knowledgeable, and the entire experience is worth the trip. W e really enjoyed seeing life develop along the banks of the river.

This is a good place to take children who are in pre school to third grade. The exhibits are mostly for this age group and some are interactive. The building is very nice on the inside and you can see the water. It would have been nice to have our questions answered by the woman at the front desk but she referred us to the "signs" in the museum. Bathrooms were clean. Gift shop items were over- priced and dusty. Our groups experience was overall a positive one.

Worth checking out if you are Havre De Grace. A nice video of the area and the history of the area. If you are a boat or fish lover, the place for you!! Really enjoyed seeing old and new relics.

Worth a trip, had a great time. They have a section for the kids to dress as pirates and sailors. Great section on the American Indian.

Very interesting and very informative displays,my 8 year old grandson loved it.Its worth a look-see.

The Havre de Grace Maritime Museum is a tremendous place to spend an afternoon or so and learn all about the history of Havre de Grace, the State of Maryland, the Northeastern region, Harford County, etc. The exhibits are most informative and are growing all the time. There is ho admission fee; just a suggested donation of $2. The place is getting better all the time and great things are planned for the museum. They are working hard to efficintly use all their space and preserve the treasures they have. Any donations are greatly welcome to finance their endeavors. You can find out about John Smith, the War of 1812, Havre de Grace history, and local industry just to name a few items. Soon they will have an exhibit saluting Bethlehem Steel. This place is truly an emerging treasure and I hope the day comes when it becomes a wait just to get inside because of the crowd. .

Very interesting collection of local maritime items and implements. Learned a lot about watermen and their profession. Don't miss it!

This is a small museum that explains the history of the Upper Chesapeake and Lower Susquehanna region. It talks about fishing, duck hunting, native americans, lighthouses and navigation. What is really interesting is the display of three petroglyphs that are adorned with native american symbols. They were retrieved before the Conowingo Dam was completed as the area they were found was flooded by the dam. Good place to stop when strolling on the promenade right outside.