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June 23, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

5 News Notes

St Michaels Museum at St Mary’s Square ‘Where St. Michaels History Comes Alive’

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Plan a visit to St Michaels Museum to learn about the history of St Michaels including the War of 1812, the life of Frederick Douglass when he lived in the town as a slave, and the commercial development of this busy town.

An exhibit about the Hambleton Family of Martingham and Perry Cabin is on view. Come find out the 240-year history of St Mary’s Square. It was the center of a 1778 town plan put together by English factor James Braddock during the American Revolution. Braddock’s plan featured the Square and two gates, north and South. It was the center of the new town. The square was the home of the Methodist Sardis Chapel, as well as several schools.

Explore St. Michaels with a docent-led walking tour of the town that begins at the museum at 10:00 on Saturdays May through October. $20 adults, youths 17 and under are free. Private tours for a $50 Minimum on other days and times can be arranged by calling Kate Fones at 410-745-4323.

“Frederick Douglass, as a Slave, in St. Michaels 1833-36”

Second, Fourth and Fifth Saturdays of each Month

This tour is given as a 90-minute walking tour on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Saturdays. The tour gives a view of the early life of St. Michaels’ most famous 19th century resident and the most important African American Abolitionist in the Civil War.

“Historic St. Michaels: its People, Places and Happenings”

First and Third Saturdays of Each Month

This tour is given as a 90-minute walking tour on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays. It highlights St. Michaels during the 19th Century. Stories will be told viewing many restored structures from that era and describing life of famous and typical residents of these times including Frederic Douglass.

Great News! Our Popular Children’s Parade will once again be a part of our traditional 4th of July celebration this year at our grounds July 4, 2022!! Visit our new website for all the news and details about our 4th Celebration and all museum activities!

The St. Michaels Museum is open Fridays from 1-4, Saturdays 10-4, Sundays 1-4. We are located at 201 E. Chestnut St, on historic St. Mary’s Square, in St Michaels where there is usually plenty of street parking. Website – www.stmichaelsmuseum.org and phone 410-745-9561.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

St. Michaels Museum’s New Look!

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The St Michaels Museum invites you to view the new addition to the museum as well as the new arrangement of the museum exhibits. Explore the history of the museum’s three 19th century buildings: the ca. 1860 Teetotum used as a commercial duplex, the 1865 Sewell House, home of waterman Jeremiah Sewell, wife Harriet and their large family, the 1851 Chaney brother’s House, a rare opportunity to see a home built and owned by free African Americans before the civil war. Museum exhibits cover such topics as the 1813 Battle of St. Michaels, the life of Frederick Douglass, when he lived here as a teenage slave from 1833 to 1836 and his dramatic return in 1877, as well as the commercial life of the town over the years, and the local art and crafts of St. Michaels.

This year there are new extended hours. The museum will be open every Saturday in November thru December 4th from 1-4. During Christmas in St Michaels Weekend December 11th and 12th we will be open Saturday 11-3 and Sunday 1-3 with no entrance fee.

The popular docent-led walking tours of St Michaels will begin at the museum at 10:00 am the charge for adults is $15 and $5 for youths (6-17). Private tours can be arranged for $20 by calling Kate Fones @ 410-745-4323 or Scott Hercik @ 703-713-2100.

“Historic St. Michaels: its People, Places and Happenings” takes place on the First and Third Saturdays of each month. This tour is a 90-minute walking tour that highlights St. Michaels from the late 18th century and the 19th century to present day. The town’s buildings, people and events are covered.

“Frederic Douglass, as a Slave, in St. Michaels 1833-36” takes place on the second, fourth and fifth Sat of each month. This tour is a 90-minute walking tour that covers the St. Michaels that Frederick Douglass knew as an enslaved teenager. It tells of his family roots in Talbot County, how he became a famous abolitionist as well as his civil rights activities and his dramatic return to the town in 1877.

St. Michaels Museum Hours:
October: Fridays 1-4, Saturdays 10-4, Sundays 1-4.
November Thru December 4th: Saturdays 1-4
Christmas in St Michaels Weekend December 11th& 12th
Saturday 11-3, Sunday 1-3: No Admission charge

The museum is located at 201 E. Chestnut St, on historic St. Mary’s Square, in St Michaels where there is usually plenty of street parking. Visit our website at www.stmichaelsmuseum.org for more information or call 410-745-9561.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

CBMM Opens Monday for Members; Tuesday for General Public

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The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels will continue its phased reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic by opening to members on Monday, June 29, and to the general public on Tuesday, June 30.

Under town law, face masks are required both inside and outside museum buildings and social distancing of six feet is mandated.

“We appreciate the support from our members and guests who continue to share their CBMM memories and welcome us into their homes with our new virtual programming,” said CBMM President Kristen Greenaway. “All of our guests have a very special connection to CBMM, and we are delighted to invite them to access in person our interpretive educational exhibitions and vast open spaces.”

CBMM has been closed since March 14 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the reopening of CBMM’s shipyard, museum store, and members only marina, CBMM has deliberately phased in its approach for the health and comfort of its guests.

During CBMM’s closure, all staff have been trained on updated policies and procedures in response to COVID-19.

Plexiglass sneeze guards have been installed at point of sale stations in the welcome center and museum store to protect guests and staff during contactless transactions.

Signage and floor markers have been positioned around campus to direct traffic flow, create appropriate distancing, and eliminate areas of congestion.

Motion sensors have replaced push button interactives in a number of locations across campus.

“Our top priority is to provide a comfortable environment for our members, guests, staff, and the community,” said Greenaway. “We are doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and we request that everyone visiting CBMM does their part as well.”

Several locations and exhibits will remain closed:

• The pilot house from the 1912 buyboat Thor will be closed until further notice, but guests may still play outside on it.

• The Boatshop mezzanine, Sail the Seas interactive, and the shipyard footbridge crossing will be closed.

• Only first floor access will be permitted in the Hooper Strait Lighthouse.

For membership contactless entry, please renew or purchase memberships online by visiting cbmm.org/membership. Additional information on CBMM’s enhanced health and comfort measures and operational changes for reopening can be found at welcome.cbmm.org.

CBMM’s 18 acres of wide-open space provides a park-like atmosphere for all to enjoy with ample outdoor seating, beautifully landscaped gardens, and serene waterfront views. Learn about the Chesapeake Bay’s history, traditions, and culture with the museum’s working shipyard, floating fleet of historic vessels, and outdoor exhibitions, all situated along the Miles River and St. Michaels Harbor. Outdoor exhibitions include the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse (limited to first floor), Tolchester Beach Bandstand, Living Shoreline, and Watermen’s Wharf.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.