Kay Brown, Assistant Director
The Water’s Edge Museum (WEM) in Oxford, Maryland, is gearing up to celebrate its fourth anniversary on Saturday, February 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. This milestone marks its unique place as Talbot County’s first African American museum and the first on the Eastern Shore directed by a woman of African descent. The event promises to be both a celebration of history and a tribute to the community’s roots.
“This year, our anniversary falls on the first day of Black History Month, and it felt like the perfect moment to honor everything we’ve accomplished,” said Assistant Director Kay Brown. “When we realized it coincided with our anniversary, it was like a sign to make it even more special.”
The day will feature a performance by Leroy Potter and the Maryland Spirituals Initiative, honoring the history of the Black community and paying tribute to Miss Tish Moaney. Miss Tish, the beloved matriarch of Oxford’s Waters Church and a founding museum member, recently passed away. “Miss Tish was here for the museum’s opening,” Brown said. “Her legacy is a big part of our story, and we want to celebrate her life as part of this event.”
As part of the program, a short video will also feature Miss Tish’s singing, paired with spirituals from the museum’s collection. Her music and the Maryland Spirituals Initiative’s presentation will echo the themes found in the museum’s collection of works by artist Ruth Starr Rose, whose paintings capture the lives and traditions of the African American communities on the Eastern Shore. “Those spiritual songs were so integral to Ruth Starr Rose’s work and the community she painted,” Brown said. “It all ties together beautifully.”
To Brown, who grew up listening to gospel, these songs are also a powerful way to connect with others. “Gospel music keeps me grounded,” she said. “It’s part of who I am, and I know it resonates with others too.”
The event will feature a talk by Commissioner Eleanor Thompson. Humble Hearts Island, a local Black-owned business, will provide refreshments. “It’ll be a nice chance for people to mingle and enjoy some good food while they’re here,” Brown said.
Guests will be able to tour the museum and see its latest interactive exhibits, which were designed to engage visitors of all ages. “When you can touch and experience history, it sticks with you,” said Brown. Features like mapping visuals and textured displays will help bring the stories of the past to life.
That focus on connection is central to the museum’s mission, shaping the event’s planning process. Brown and her team wanted guests to feel like they were part of the experience. “It’s not just about reading facts on a wall,” she said. “We want people to feel the history, to see themselves in it, and to understand how it’s shaped their lives today.”
For Barbara Paca, WEM’s founder, the Museum has come a long way in its short history. “When you enter, you immediately know you are in a special place,” she said. “Oil paintings of founding Black families line the walls, and the curation, which is constantly changing thanks to the talented youthful leadership there, creates an engaging experience for everyone. Everyone leaves The Water’s Edge feeling happy—and as though someone has shown a light on a beautiful miracle of history that happened against all odds on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Maryland.”
Raising awareness about the museum being part of the community is a top priority for the leadership. “We want people to know we’re here,” Brown said. “There are so many stories to share, not just from Talbot County but across the Eastern Shore. This museum honors those stories.”
And Brown wants more: She encourages people to dig out old photos and memorabilia. “We need to save these memories before they’re gone,” she said. “I’m lucky to have photos from my own family, and I want others to have the same opportunity.”
With this type of enthusiasm, Paca is equally excited about her Assistant Director, “The Water’s Edge Museum is noted as the first museum on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to engage a director of African descent and has continued that tradition to date.”
The feeling is mutual. Brown is excited about her role, describing it as a groundbreaking opportunity and a profoundly personal journey. “It’s been life-changing for me,” Brown said. “The connections I’ve made, the people I’ve met—it’s amazing. This is more than a job; it’s a passion.”
As for the future, the Water’s Edge Museum is planning more events to connect with the community. A movie night featuring Hidden Figures is on the February calendar. “It’s a great way for families to come together and learn about Black history,” Brown said.
The museum has also been working with local schools to integrate its exhibits into educational programs. “Getting kids involved is so important,” Brown said. “When they come here, they’re not just learning—they’re experiencing history. It’s something they’ll carry with them.” Like the new mapping project, interactive exhibits aim to bring these stories to life for younger audiences.
“Community partnerships, which continue to play a vital role in the museum’s success, are also an important extension of its efforts.” Brown highlighted collaborations with other local organizations, including churches and historical societies, which have helped expand the museum’s reach. “It’s all about working together,” she said. “We’re stronger when we support each other.”
The anniversary celebration offers a perfect introduction for those who may not have visited the Water’s Edge Museum. “This is a chance to see what we’re all about,” Brown said. “We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we’re excited to share it with everyone.” She looks forward to welcoming the community. “We’re ready,” she said. “This museum is about history, connection, and celebration. We want everyone to feel that when they visit.”
The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged to ensure enough refreshments for everyone. For more information or to RSVP, visit https://www.watersedgemuseum.org or follow them on social media. Whether you come for the music, the stories, or the sense of community, this celebration is a meaningful way to honor the past and look to the future.
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