Discover Talbot County’s rich history through its museums — from the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to hidden gems in Tilghman Island, Easton, Oxford, and Trappe.
Where History Lives on the Chesapeake
In Talbot County, history isn’t tucked away in dusty archives — it’s alive in shipyards where wooden boats are still built by hand, in portraits of families who once shaped small towns, and in the voices of watermen who still work the Bay. Step into any of Talbot County’s museums and you’ll find yourself transported: to a bustling port town, a rural farmhouse, or a wharf echoing with the sounds of sails and hammers. Each museum tells a piece of the county’s story, and together they weave a rich tapestry of life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum — The Beating Heart of the Bay
Begin your journey in St. Michaels, where the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum sits on 18 acres of waterfront. Here, history is hands-on: watch shipwrights restore historic vessels in a working shipyard, climb aboard a skipjack to imagine a day of oystering, or wander the exhibits that explore everything from lighthouse keeping to the lives of watermen. With sweeping views of the Miles River, it’s easy to see why this museum is the anchor of Chesapeake storytelling.
St. Michaels Museum at Mary’s Square — The Town That Fooled the British
History comes alive in a trio of 19th-century buildings at the St. Michaels Museum. Here, you’ll explore life in St. Michaels from the mid-1600s onwards, discover the tale of “the town that fooled the British,” during the War of 1812, and learn about Frederick Douglass time while enslaved in St. Michaels during his youth. Although the museum has limited hours, a free self-guided walking tour of St. Michaels is always available through their website.
Tilghman Island Watermen’s Museum — Voices of the Working Water
Cross the bridge to Tilghman Island, and you’ll find a small museum with a mighty purpose. The Tilghman Island Watermen’s Museum preserves the voices and traditions of the island’s watermen. Photographs, oral histories, and artifacts share what it meant — and still means — to make a living from the Chesapeake. It’s not just a museum; it’s a community effort to keep alive a way of life that defines Tilghman Island.
Talbot Historical Society — Easton’s Storykeepers
In the county seat of Easton, the Talbot Historical Society holds treasures that span centuries. From rare photographs and local archives to a peaceful garden oasis, the collection offers a deep dive into the county’s past. Stroll through exhibits that introduce you to Talbot County’s notable figures and ordinary families alike, and step outside into a hidden garden where time slows down.
Oxford Museum — One of America’s Oldest Ports
In Oxford, one of the nation’s oldest towns, the Oxford Museum captures the rhythm of a place that once rivaled Annapolis as a colonial port. Its exhibits highlight artifacts from daily life, maritime history, and community stories that reflect centuries of resilience and charm. The museum also offers a free, self-guided audio tour of Oxford.
Water’s Edge Museum — Stories That Must Be Told
Also in Oxford, the Water’s Edge Museum lifts voices that history too often left untold. Through art, documents, and storytelling, the museum shares the achievements of Black families and individuals who shaped the Eastern Shore’s culture and economy. It’s a place of reflection and celebration, ensuring these important legacies are honored and remembered.
Rural Life Museum of Trappe — Everyday Lives Remembered
In the small town of Trappe, the Rural Life Museum tells the quiet yet powerful stories of farming families and rural communities. Inside, you’ll find tools worn by years of work, photographs of family gatherings, and artifacts of everyday life. It’s a glimpse into the simple but steadfast rhythms that sustained Talbot County’s countryside.
Your Story Awaits
From working shipyards to intimate rooms filled with cherished keepsakes, Talbot County’s museums preserve stories that might otherwise be lost. Each visit invites you to listen, learn, and imagine life from another time. Whether you’re drawn by the call of the Chesapeake, the intrigue of a war hero’s tale, or the resilience of farming and family, you’ll find a story here that stays with you.
Museum hours vary, with some only open seasonally, so please confirm before visiting.
