Artifacts representing waterfowling as a pastime, occupation, and community and foodways tradition comprise one of CBMM’s strongest collections. Decoys, gunning skiffs and sinkboxes, firearms, tools, clothing, as well as paintings, prints and photographs, document the importance of this seasonal activity in the Chesapeake region. CBMM’s extensive decoy collection includes primarily working goose, duck, swan, and shorebird decoys by more than 70 regional makers, such as Sam Barnes, Ben Dye, Daddy Holly, Ira Hudson, and the Ward brothers. CBMM’s waterfowling collection, including items from the Harry S. Walsh collection, are on display in the Waterfowling building, and will be featured in the new long-term exhibition, “Stories from the Shoreline.”
