CBMM Charity Boat Donations & Sales Program Director Wes Williams will share the ins and outs of what to expect when purchasing a boat during “Boat Buying 101” on April 19.

CBMM Charity Boat Donations & Sales Program Director Wes Williams will share the ins and outs of what to expect when purchasing a boat during “Boat Buying 101” on April 19. (Photo by George Sass)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., March 24, 2023 – Just in time for a new season on the water, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is aiming to help prospective boaters navigate the buying process.

CBMM Charity Boat Donations & Sales Program Director Wes Williams will lead “Boat Buying 101” on April 19 from 5:30-7:30pm in Van Lennep Auditorium, sharing the ins and outs of what to expect when purchasing a new-to-you vessel. The cost is $25, with a 20% discount for CBMM members, and registration is now open.

Williams is well-equipped to teach this crash course with a lengthy history of buying and selling boats. He has been a boat owner since he was 12 years old, and he spent a decade as owner/operator of a marina in Texas before arriving at CBMM in February 2021.

With this presentation, Williams aims to offer insight that can be useful to both first-time buyers and those seeking to upgrade or add to their fleet. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions about the process.

Through its Charity Boat Donations & Sales Program, CBMM accepts and sells boats year-round. Donations are tax-deductible and hassle-free, and sales directly support CBMM’s mission to explore and preserve the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and make this resource accessible to all.

Browse the current inventory at cbmm.org/boatdonationprogram or reach out via email (boatdonation@cbmm.org) or phone (410-745-4992) to get more information about the program.

CBMM also now accepts vehicle donations. Find more information about the Vehicle Donation Program at cbmm.org/vehicledonationprogram.

Bill Reybold

ST. MICHAELS, Md., March 16, 2023 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum mourns the passing of William U. Reybold III and sends our deepest condolences to his family.

A CBMM Lifetime Member, Bill Reybold was an active part of our community for more than three decades who is remembered as an enthusiastic advocate for our mission and a friend to everyone he encountered at CBMM. The Easton resident died last week at the age of 90.

“We’ll really miss Bill,” CBMM’s Chief Historian Pete Lesher said. “Bill’s passion for CBMM and our mission was evident over many years. He always took time to express his enthusiasm and appreciation for our exhibitions and programs, particularly our Waterfowling Exhibition and related collections, and we are truly grateful for his support and friendship.”

A prominent soil scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture, Bill became active at CBMM after moving to the area with his late wife Nancy following his retirement in 1989.

Bill’s passion for nature drove his wide-ranging contributions to the community. In addition to his long association with CBMM, he served on the Boards of the Waterfowl Festival, Pickering Creek Audubon Center, and Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage, and his volunteer efforts included work with The Nature Conservancy, the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. He was also a member of the Tidewater Farm Club and served as secretary of the Easton Ruritan Club for 12 years.

CBMM President and CEO Kristen Greenaway counts Bill as the first friend she made upon moving to the area in 2014 to begin her position. She was staying with a friend in her first weeks  on the Eastern Shore and would often run into Bill on her daily walks. Those enjoyable chats sparked a fast and lasting friendship.

“From our first conversation, I could tell Bill was a wonderful man,” Greenaway remembered. “Years ago, his wife told me that Bill really liked me. I asked how did she know? She responded, ‘Because that’s why he punches you on the arm every time he sees you!’”

In recent years, Reybold had remained a regular CBMM visitor, finding joy in the day-to-day bustle of campus and helping to spread that feeling to staff, volunteers, and other guests with his ever-present smile. His inquisitive nature and eagerness to learn something new were evident on every visit.

“Seeing Mr. Reybold was always a bright spot in my day,” said Jenny Allen, an associate in CBMM’s museum store. “He was a gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious love for CBMM. He was always so happy to be here—like he had discovered it for the first time. He always had a kind word, often a compliment, and a joyful smile on his face. I will truly miss him.”

Information on funeral services, including a Friday evening visitation at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Easton, and a full obituary are available here.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is pleased to announce the launch of the newly redesigned cbmm.org.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is pleased to announce the launch of the newly redesigned cbmm.org.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., March 15, 2023 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is pleased to announce the launch of the newly redesigned cbmm.org.

Revamped for the first time in recent memory, CBMM’s new website was developed with user experience at the forefront, whether using a computer or mobile device, and offers innovation to help the organization better serve its members and guests moving through 2023 and beyond.

“We’re excited today to share the new cbmm.org with everyone,” CBMM President & CEO Kristen Greenaway said. “Our team has put a great deal of thought and research into designing a site that best showcases all CBMM has to offer and worked together to make it a reality. We hope that all our community members find the new site both engaging and easy to use and visit often to stay connected with all that’s happening at CBMM.”

Over the course of the past year, CBMM worked with non-profit industry leader Elevation on the design and implementation of the new site. The improved features include a streamlined, data-driven sitemap that incorporates user experience research to best highlight CBMM’s wide-ranging offerings as well as an array of new page components and design elements aimed at boosting the look and usability of the site.

The site remains a one-stop hub for all things CBMM with all the information needed to plan a visit, as well as the latest news on campus events and programming. Guests can learn more about all CBMM’s exhibitions, floating fleet, and working Shipyard, search its digital collections portal, and get more details on supporting CBMM by making a gift, becoming a member, planning a private event, or participating in its Charity Boat Donation & Sales Program.

Founded in 1965, CBMM is a non-profit educational organization that preserves and explores the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and makes this resource accessible to all.

CBMM is set to offer private river cruises aboard its historic floating fleet vessels to watch log canoe races on the Miles River.

CBMM is set to offer private river cruises aboard its historic floating fleet vessels to watch log canoe races on the Miles River.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., March 10, 2023 – In the coming months, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is offering private river cruises aboard its historic floating fleet vessels to watch log canoe races on the Miles River.

These two-hour charters, scheduled for June 24 and 25, July 29 and 30, and Sept. 9, 10, 16 and 17, are being offered in place of the log canoe spectator cruises aboard Winnie Estelle, CBMM’s venerable passenger-carrying buyboat that is undergoing a refit in the Shipyard this year.

The cost is $375 per charter for up to six passengers, with a 20% discount for CBMM members. Registration for these cruises is set to open March 17 at bit.ly/LogCanoeCruises2023, with a two-week sign-up period exclusively for CBMM members before open registration begins March 31. The number of charters is limited, and all cruises are dependent on marine conditions.

To become a CBMM member and access early registration as well as the charter discount and all the other exclusive programming and benefits of membership, visit cbmm.org/membership or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or druzicka@cbmm.org.

CBMM is set to offer private river cruises aboard its historic floating fleet vessels to watch log canoe races on the Miles River.

Registration for these private cruises is set to open March 17, with a two-week sign-up period exclusively for CBMM members before open registration begins March 31.

These cruises offer an up-close view of a unique Eastern Shore tradition. Races featuring Chesapeake Bay sailing log canoes are staples of the region with competitions held along the Chester, Miles, Choptank, and Tred Avon rivers.

With an iconic design featuring long masts and large sails, the log canoes keep upright as they accelerate to speeds of 10 knots or more, thanks to crew members climbing to the ends of 15-foot boards that hang off the side.

Amateur photographers, sailing aficionados, and wooden boat enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy on these action-packed charters led by an experienced captain and crew aboard a traditional Bay vessel in CBMM’s floating fleet.

With Winnie Estelle undergoing maintenance, CBMM will also be offering drop-in cruises aboard boats in its floating fleet, including Dory Boat, Volunteer, and Old Point, on Fridays, Saturday, Sundays, and select Mondays, beginning May 19.

These 45-minute Harbor Highlights Tours offer guests the opportunity to explore St. Michaels Harbor, including CBMM’s working waterfront, while learning the history of the port. The cost is $15 per passenger for CBMM members and $25 for non-members.

Passenger cruises aboard Winnie Estelle are expected to resume in 2024.

CBMM is set to host a Volunteer Fair on March 18 for anyone who would like to learn more about joining its volunteer network.

CBMM is set to host a Volunteer Fair on March 18 for anyone who would like to learn more about joining its volunteer network.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., March 6, 2023 – Looking to add to its network of 300+ community volunteers, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is set to host a Volunteer Fair on March 18 at Van Lennep Auditorium from 10-11:30am.

CBMM currently has a wide variety of volunteer roles available across its campus for people of all backgrounds, interests, and experience. Whether you love spreadsheets, a hammer in your hand, or performing for an audience, all skills are valued and add to the quality and number of programs that CBMM can provide to its community.

At the Volunteer Fair, interested individuals will have the opportunity to meet CBMM staff and current volunteers and learn more about how to get involved sharing their time and talent in support of CBMM’s mission of making the Chesapeake Bay available and accessible to all. Registration is available now at bit.ly/CBMMVolunteerFair2023.

CBMM relies on a strong team of volunteers to complement and enhance the work of its professional staff and encourages individuals to join other Chesapeake-minded people from around the region and follow their interests wherever they lead. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)

CBMM relies on a strong team of volunteers to complement and enhance the work of its professional staff and encourages individuals to join other Chesapeake-minded people from around the region and follow their interests wherever they lead. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)

CBMM relies on a strong team of volunteers to complement and enhance the work of its professional staff and encourages individuals to join other Chesapeake-minded people from around the region and follow their interests wherever they lead.

Benefits of volunteering at CBMM can include free membership, free festival entry, inside looks at new programs and exhibits, continuing education opportunities, social events, and more.

CBMM has public-facing volunteer opportunities for docents, interpreters and guest hosts who are enthusiastic about welcoming CBMM guests and helping them find their own personal connections to the Chesapeake, as well as behind-the-scenes roles supporting every area of the organization, both in its day-to-day operations and special events on campus.

A description of many of CBMM’s volunteer positions, including opportunities for teens and students, can be found at bit.ly/CBMMVolunteerRoles. All necessary training is provided for these roles, including opportunities for mentoring, guided instruction, on-the-job shadowing, and independent learning.

Interested volunteers should submit an application at bit.ly/CBMMVolunteerApplication to get started. For more information, contact volunteer@cbmm.org.

The Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival returns to CBMM on April 22-23.

The Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival returns to CBMM on April 22-23.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., Feb. 27, 2023 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is set to welcome the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival back to its waterfront campus on April 22-23.

The popular festival kicks off CBMM’s slate of annual events, running 10am–5pm Saturday and 10am–4pm Sunday, with all tickets valid for admission on both days. Tickets are on sale now at cbmm.org/seaglassfestival.

“I’m really excited about this year’s festival!” Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival Founder and Organizer Kim Hannon said. “We have amazing new artisans from all over the country, plus so many of our returning artisans who always bring beautiful art, jewelry and so much more. We hope our guests have a great time hunting for unique treasures during the two-day event while making some great memories and new friends along the way!”

This edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival will highlight more than 90 artisans and craftspeople from around the country exhibiting and selling coastal and sea-glass related jewelry, home décor, art, and more. A full listing of vendors and more information can be found at seaglassfestival.com.

Each two-day festival ticket includes entrance to the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival, live music, and all the exhibitions and historic structures on the CBMM campus. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase, including beer, wine, and cocktails. 

This edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival will highlight more than 90 artisans and craftspeople from around the country.

This edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival will highlight more than 90 artisans and craftspeople from around the country.

CBMM’s Tolchester Beach Bandstand will host a full schedule of live music from local acts over the two days. Chris Sacks Band (10am1pm) and Jayme Dingler (1:30-5pm) are set to take the stage on Saturday, while Anna Burgess (10am1pm) and Dave Hawkins (1:30–4pm) form Sunday’s lineup.

Executive Director of The Beachcombing Center and sea glass expert, Mary McCarthy, will be available for shard ID throughout the weekend, and Patriot Cruises will offer cruise discounts both days at 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Guests can use code seaglass during checkout on patriotcruises.com to receive 1/2 off their tickets.

The two-day festival ticket is $7 for CBMM member adults and active members of the military (with ID); $19 for non-member adults; $16 for seniors (age 65 and up), college students and retired military (both with ID); $7 for non-member children ages 6–17; and free for member children 6–17, and all children 5-and-under. CBMM members at the Family & Friends level and above can also receive the $7 discounted admission for two adult guests.

In addition to advanced sales online, tickets will be available at CBMM the day of the event. No single-day tickets will be sold to this rain or shine event.

Additional free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service to and from CBMM running throughout the festival.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is prohibited.

Grigg Mullen (center) was joined by Anne (left) and Susan (right) Whaley at the Shipyard Workday on Feb. 18.

Grigg Mullen (center) was joined by Anne (left) and Susan (right) Whaley at the Shipyard Workday on Feb. 18.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., Feb. 24, 2023 – With drill in hand, Susan Whaley received her instructions and turned back toward Mr. Dickie, the 36-foot buyboat named in honor of her late father that continues to spring to life in the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Shipyard.

“Alright, we’ll try not to screw it up!” Whaley assured her longtime friend and the boat’s owner Grigg Mullen, with a playful chuckle.

Mullen started Mr. Dickie’s construction in his own woodshop before bringing the project to CBMM, and one of the benefits of the build’s new home is the opportunity to share the traditional Chesapeake vessel and its story with others.

Last Saturday, Whaley and her sister Anne were special guests at CBMM’s Shipyard Workday and eagerly dove in to lend a hand with the boat that Mullen has named for Dickie Whaley, his former Eastern Shore neighbor who introduced him to the joys of life on the water as a boy.

It was a special day for all involved, offering Mullen and the Whaley sisters the chance to reconnect and reminisce about good times while working on the boat’s cross-planked bottom boards.

“It’s just fabulous to be here today,” Anne said during the group’s break for lunch. “We’re glad to work on it and be a part of it.”

Susan and Anne Whaley work on Mr. Dickie.

Susan and Anne Whaley work on Mr. Dickie.

“It reminds me of how far back the two families go,” Mullen added. “We’ve all gone from being children under the watchful eyes of our parents to being grandparents or great aunts with a chance to honor our parents.”

Mullen spent just a few of his early years living on the former Blakeford Plantation in Queen Anne’s County, but he made lifelong memories on the water alongside the Whaleys.

Mullen served as a big brother to the Whaley sisters, and they spent many days exploring the neighborhood’s creeks and wetlands together.

Along the way, the boy learned the finer points of fishing and crabbing from Dickie Whaley and his wife Sue, often cruising the area in skiffs handcrafted by Dickie, who worked as farm manager at Wye Plantation and was a noted cattle breeder.

“They both had a big influence on my appreciation of Eastern Shore life,” said Mullen, who now lives in Lexington, Va. “They’re a big reason that it’s strong enough that I continue to come back to the area 60 years later.”

In this photo from 1960, Grigg Mullen and Susan Whaley are on the water with Dickie Whaley. (Photo courtesy Grigg Mullen)

In this photo from 1960, Grigg Mullen and Susan Whaley are on the water with Dickie Whaley. (Photo courtesy Grigg Mullen)

This is the second boat that Mullen has built to honor the Whaley family. In 2012, he finished work on a Hooper Island draketail named Miss Sue in honor of Sue Whaley.

That year, Sue and Dickie were able to be part of the boat’s christening and launch at CBMM during the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival.

Now, Mullen has contracted with CBMM’s Shipyard to build Mr. Dickie, a scaled-down homage to the historic buyboat Mundy Point. It’s a posthumous honor for Dickie, who died in 2016 a little more than a year after Sue’s passing.

“This would have meant a lot to my dad,” Anne Whaley said. “He knew there was going to be a boat built, but he didn’t know the specifics. It’s wonderful that Grigg followed through. I think my dad, and my mother also, would be very proud.”

Mullen has stayed in touch with Anne and Susan through the years and reached out recently to invite them to stop by the CBMM Shipyard to see the build in progress.

It was Susan who realized they could be involved in the build by attending a Shipyard Workday.

“We said, ‘Why not?” Susan said. “It sounded like a lot of fun to me.”

Grigg Mullen (left) works with Anne and Susan Whaley on Mr. Dickie.

Grigg Mullen (left) works with Anne and Susan Whaley on Mr. Dickie.

Last weekend, the Whaley sisters made the trip to CBMM, with Susan driving down from Centreville, Md., and Anne making the short trip from Preston, Md.

They jumped right into the action, drilling bottom planks, applying bedding compound, and screwing them in place under the guidance of Mullen and Shipyard Education Programs Manager Jenn Kuhn.

“I’m pleasantly surprised at what we’re doing,” Anne said. “I thought we’d be sweeping the floor or handing a nail. I didn’t realize we’d be actually up there sawing, gluing, and nailing.”

After a memorable day in the Shipyard, Mullen was proud of his friends and thankful for their help working on Mr. Dickie, which is expected to be completed this summer.

“It was great fun,” Mullen said. “By the end of the day, all I had to do was make sure they had planks and screws, and they knew what they were doing and went at it. They really seemed to enjoy the chance to do this in memory of their father.”

CBMM will host a two-day introductory Women’s Woodworking Workshop in March before following up with a four-day intermediate course in July.

CBMM will host a two-day introductory Women’s Woodworking Workshop in March before following up with a four-day intermediate course in July.

By Eric Detweiler, Communications Specialist

Jenn Kuhn’s own introduction to the skills she teaches in the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Women’s Woodworking Workshops came in her first days at boat-building school. Talk about a crash course.

Kuhn, now the Shipyard Education Programs Manager, first offered the class at CBMM in 2012 while an apprentice in the Shipyard, and over the past decade-plus, it’s provided her an enjoyable avenue for sharing her knowledge with dozens of women interested in learning more about the techniques and tools vital to her career.

“The goal in offering a course like this is to make everything a little bit more inclusive and accessible,” Kuhn said. “As a woman in the trades, it would’ve been awesome when I was going through high school if I could have taken shop class. It wasn’t even a consideration. This course is about offering the opportunity to learn.”

Kuhn will be teaching the introductory Women’s Woodworking Workshop again on March 11-12 in the Shipyard, guiding participants through the basics of buying lumber, making a cut list, and using a variety of power and hand tools to construct a wooden mallet. The course has reached capacity, but interested participants can sign up for the waitlist at bit.ly/WomensWoodworkingWaitlist.

On July 21-24, CBMM is hosting a four-day intermediate course in which participants will expand on the woodworking and joinery skills they’ve learned from the intro class to build a stool. The cost is $295, with a 20% discount for CBMM members, and all tools and materials are included. Registration is now available at bit.ly/JulyWomensWoodworking.

CBMM’s Shipyard Programs Education Manager, Jenn Kuhn has been leading CBMM’s Women’s Woodworking Workshops since 2012. (Photo by George Sass)

CBMM’s Shipyard Programs Education Manager, Jenn Kuhn has been leading CBMM’s Women’s Woodworking Workshops since 2012. (Photo by George Sass)

Kuhn models the Women’s Woodworking programming off a course she previously taught at the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle, and it’s been a consistent hit on the Eastern Shore offering participants the chance to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the Shipyard for a few days and come away with a completed project.

Ultimately, Kuhn’s goal with these courses is to provide a comfortable, welcoming, and safe environment for women to learn and work together, regardless of background or even future plans to use a table saw or the other power tools on the project list.

“As they say, knowledge is power,” Kuhn said. “Whether or not anybody ever goes on to do anything else with woodworking, it’s great to have that knowledge and understand how these skills can help you.”

Indeed, Brenda Fike arrived at the introductory course in 2021 with no experience since middle-school woodshop but eager to learn more.

Over two days, the Easton resident found Kuhn’s presentation informative and the atmosphere fun, with the project offering just the right level of challenge.

Fike’s mallet, with a head made of carefully-selected osage orange, hangs in her home workshop as a proud reminder of her work that weekend.

“I thought everything about it was great,” Fike said. “I knew nothing going in, and Jenn made it an experience that was totally educational, interesting, and fun for me.”

Jan Kirsh echoed that sentiment. The local sculptor and landscape designer was looking for a woodworking refresher while putting together a museum show, and she enjoyed a memorable weekend at CBMM in Kuhn’s course, working alongside a group of women who have stayed in touch and become friends. (The mallet that she made remains useful in her art studio, too.)

“Jenn is a great instructor,” Kirsh said. “Her high level of ability rubs off on her students. She has a real comfort in the shop that gives you a sense of how qualified she is, and she transfers that sense of confidence while you’re working with a piece of powerful woodworking equipment on your own.”

The mission of the Women’s Woodworking Workshops is personal for Kuhn, who still uses the first mallet that she ever made as one of her first projects at boat-building school in her day-to-day work. She makes sure to regularly include the courses on CBMM’s Apprentice for a Day programming schedule and also teaches them occasionally at the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Upstate New York.

Now a seasoned boatbuilder, Kuhn always appreciates the chance to invite other women to the Shipyard and share her woodworking expertise.

“My hope is to help our participants feel more comfortable and less intimidated coming into an area where we weren’t always included,” Kuhn said. “Historically, most of the shop folks were men. Now that’s totally changing. We’re eons from that, which is awesome, but I know there are still a lot of women out there who wish that they would’ve had something like this growing up.”

The CBMM and Chesapeake College are partnering this spring to host a marine welding course, beginning on March 27.

The CBMM and Chesapeake College are partnering this spring to host a marine welding course, beginning on March 27.

 

ST. MICHAELS, Md., Feb. 10, 2023 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and Chesapeake College are partnering this spring to host a marine welding course.

The seven-session course, WEL: Special Topics–Marine Welding Processes, is scheduled for Monday evenings, March 27–May 8, from 6–8:30pm. The cost is $850 with a 20% discount for CBMM members. Advance registration for the program is required.

Over seven weeks, course participants will delve into marine welding processes, gaining an understanding of the environmental and process-based concerns associated with welding in a marine environment while learning the basics of GMAW (MIG) and GTAW (TIG) processes.

Students will explore different ferrous and non-ferrous metals, focused on steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper-based alloy while gaining understanding of galvanic scale, different metals, and degradation above and below the waterline.

All sessions will be held at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, Md., except for session two held in CBMM’s working Shipyard. No prior welding experience necessary. All tools and materials are included with the cost of registration.

Full and partial participant scholarships are available. Interested participants can email Shipyard Education Programs Manager Jenn Kuhn at jkuhn@cbmm.org for more information.

Scholarship opportunities for this course are supported by CBMM’s Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

In addition to tuition savings for courses like this one, CBMM members enjoy free general admission as well as access to exclusive discounts, perks, programming, and CBMM’s virtual portal. For more information on becoming a member, visit cbmm.org/membership or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or druzicka@cbmm.org.

In an upcoming workshop at CBMM’s Shipyard to be held Feb. 25-26 and March 4-5, participants will have the opportunity to hone their woodworking skills while constructing their own 19th century sea chest.

In an upcoming workshop at CBMM’s Shipyard to be held Feb. 25-26 and March 4-5, participants will have the opportunity to hone their woodworking skills while constructing their own 19th century sea chest.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., Jan. 25, 2023 – Grigg Mullen is a noted timber framer who stays busy with a variety of projects, both big and small, on-going out of his home in Lexington, Va.

Sometimes, though, the retired college engineering professor heads to his woodshop simply to find peace and quiet. “If I really want to go out in the shop and relax, I do hand-cut dovetails,” said Mullen, referencing the time-tested technique for joining wooden ends by interlocking them after making precise cuts. “They’re a lot of fun. They look wonderful, and they’re not actually that mystifying when you go to cut them. You’ve got to be careful and pay attention to detail, but they’re not impossible.”

Mullen will get a chance to share that traditional woodworking skill and other tips of the trade as part of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s upcoming Build Your Own Classic Sea Chest workshop.

Over the weekends of Feb. 25-26 and March 4-5, Mullen will lead participants in constructing a 16-inch-by-18-inch-by-36-inch 19th-century sea chest. The building process focuses on using hand tools to create the beveled dovetail joined ends and sloping sides that give the pine chest its classic look.

The cost for the four-day workshop is $775, with a 20% discount for CBMM members, and includes materials. Some basic woodworking experience is required. Register now at bit.ly/CBMMSeaChest.

Mullen was inspired to build his first classic sea chest after seeing a seven-page spread in the September/October 2005 edition of WoodenBoat that outlined author Gary K. Larkins’ 24-step process for constructing one.

Mullen has built a few of these sea chests over the years. One he put up for charity auction and was bought by a former student and another he gave to his 2-year-old granddaughter.

Mullen is excited to finally teach the workshop at CBMM after a previously scheduled version was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

For participants, the takeaway is a unique conversation piece fit for land or sea. By original design, the chest’s sloped sides helped it fit the curvature of a boat and provided a sturdy base for rough seas, but it’s easy to imagine a myriad of potential other uses.

In resurrecting the classic build, the WoodenBoat article’s subtitle promised “sturdy utility from the 19th century.”

Along the way to the finished product, Mullen will guide participants step-by-step. He said the precision required in the process, especially on the dovetails, presents a satisfying challenge for anyone looking to hone their woodworking skills.

“When you’re making dovetails, things can get complicated, but it’s not insurmountable,” Mullen said. “It takes careful layout, careful saw work and then careful chisel work to clean everything up before you fit it all together. It definitely takes patience.”