The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is excited to share a pair of new exhibitions on the horizon!

Bear Me Into Freedom: The Talbot County of Frederick Douglass is a special exhibition set to open Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, on the second floor of the Changing Exhibitions Gallery, and Stories from the Shoreline is a long-term exhibition that will open on July 1, 2026, in the black box exhibition space inside CBMM’s Welcome Center.

Both exhibitions are included with CBMM general admission, which is always free for CBMM members. Stay tuned for details about opening festivities, including events for our members to be among the first to explore these new stories.

Bear Me Into Freedom: Opening during Black History Month, this special exhibition explores how Frederick Douglass’ early life in Maryland’s Talbot County shaped his journey to become a prominent abolitionist, writer, and orator.

Organized around a series of waypoints that guide guests through key moments and locations from Douglass’ life, the exhibit will draw from the black-and-white photography from Jeff McGuiness’ book of the same name as well as historical documents and images, and hands-on activities to create an immersive and educational experience.

A key highlight of the exhibit is the central interactive that will allow guests to ask questions via tablet and receive a curated response from a Douglass hologram that utilizes closed-loop artificial intelligence built on inputs from the rich primary and secondary source material by and about the celebrated Talbot County native.

This new exhibition will run in parallel with Sailing to Freedom: Maritime Dimensions of the Underground Railroad, which is currently on display on the ground floor of the Changing Exhibitions Gallery.

Stories from the Shoreline: This long-term exhibition celebrates life on and around the Chesapeake Bay, sharing the perspectives of people and communities about their connection to this unique landscape where water and land intertwine.

The exhibition features firsthand accounts to illuminate Chesapeake pastimes and passions like shoreline fishing, waterfowling, muskrat trapping, riverside baptisms, plein air painting, market gunning, eco-tourism, waterfront clubs and gambling, and community conservation.

These stories are complemented by compelling photos and everyday tools, fine art, and folklife artifacts—including CBMM’s world-class decoy collection—to create an engaging experience for all ages.

We can’t wait to share these new stories with you in 2026!

Join the community shaping the Chesapeake! As a CBMM member, you become part of the Chesapeake story and join our mission of preservation and exploration. You’ll enjoy exclusive experiences, insider access, and perks across campus and beyond throughout the year. Your membership is the next chapter!