The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum officially opened its doors on May 22, 1965, as a project of the Historical Society of Talbot County amid a still-bustling complex of workboats, docks, and seafood packing houses on Navy Point in St. Michaels, Md.

Over the past six decades, CBMM has blossomed into a world-class maritime museum and vital community partner serving more than 80,000 guests per year on its 18-acre campus in fulfillment of its mission to preserve and explore the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and make this resource accessible to all.

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, CBMM is sharing the journey through a video series highlighting key themes across its history. The final installment explores the traditions that CBMM has developed over six decades with an emphasis on its mission-inspired annual festivals celebrating the best of the Bay.

CBMM has been hosting events on our waterfront campus since our earliest days, and we now welcome tens of thousands of guests annually to experience Chesapeake life through our beloved festivals that span the calendar from April’s Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival to December’s Winter on the Chesapeake. There’s a spotlight on the Spurry family and their deep connection to CBMM through Watermen’s Appreciation Day and much more.