CBMM's Pete Lesher is presented the inaugural Commodore's Marlinspike Award by ACBS-Chesapeake Bay Chapter Board Member Jeff Beard. (Submitted photo)

CBMM’s Pete Lesher is presented the inaugural Commodore’s Marlinspike Award by ACBS-Chesapeake Bay Chapter Board Member Jeff Beard. (Submitted photo)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., July 28, 2023 – During the Boat Captains’ Welcome Reception on June 16, Pete Lesher of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum was awarded the first-ever Commodore’s Marlinspike Award for his ongoing contributions to boating history. The presentation was a highlight of the Antique and Classic Boat Society’s 35th annual boat festival at CBMM, which features traditional boats, nautical art, and bay-area culture on Father’s Day weekend each year.

The Commodore’s Marlinspike Award was inspired by Lesher’s ongoing body of work in which he “unravels the knots of history” and interprets his findings for multiple audiences. Lesher was recently promoted to Chief Historian and Ambassador at Large at CBMM, where he has been employed since 1991. Among the many topics presented by Lesher during past Festivals were “Chesapeake Bay Steamboat Lines,”  “Hooper Island Draketails,”  “Boats by Bronza Parks,” and “Automobile Ferries on Chesapeake Bay and Tributaries.”

Lesher earned a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College and earned a master’s in History from Columbia University. His professional contributions include serving on the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, the board of Maryland Humanities, the Council of American Maritime Museums, and as an accreditation peer reviewer for the American Alliance of Museums. Closer to home, Lesher serves as Vice President of the Talbot County Council. He lives in Easton, Md., with his wife Mariana and two children, with whom he sails a classic 1963 Bermuda 40 yawl and a 1922 18-foot Lowndes Johnson-designed sloop.

The Marlinspike Award was the result of a nomination by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter’s Board Member Jeff Beard in appreciation of Lesher’s many years of close cooperation with the volunteer Antique and Classic Boat Society.

“Our Antique Boat Club is extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with the professionals at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum,” said Beard.  “And we look forward to next year’s show on CBMM’s beautiful campus featuring classic fishing boats.”

Next year’s Antique & Classic Boat Festival, to be held on June 14-16, 2024, will feature vintage commercial and sport fishing vessels from all along the East Coast, including old Boston Whalers to antique Rybovich sport fishermen, and everything in between.

(This news release was submitted by Antique and Classic Boat Society-Chesapeake Bay Chapter President Bob Hamilton.) 

The 35th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair will be held at CBMM on Friday-Sunday. (Photo by George Sass)

The 35th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair will be held at CBMM on Friday-Sunday. (Photo by George Sass)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., June 14, 2023 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum welcomes a Father’s Day weekend tradition back to its waterfront campus, presenting the 35th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair on Friday-Sunday.

The festival celebrating the past, present, and future of antique and classic boating runs from 10am-5pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday. You can buy tickets now, and they will also be available at the door. Remember, admission is good for two days.

Hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society, this is one of the largest classic boat shows in the Mid-Atlantic region and much more. This year’s festival highlights the theme of “Show Us Your First Love,” inviting boat owners to display their boats and share stories about what first launched them on their love of classic and antique boats.

Whether you’re a returning guest or this is your first time, these FAQs about the festivities are designed to help you to get the most out of your time on campus.

You can find more information about the Antique & Classic Boat Festival at cbmm.org/ACBF and reach out to havefun@cbmm.org with any additional questions.

Each year, the Antique & Classic Boat Festival brings a sense of nostalgia to CBMM's waterfront campus and docks. (Photo by George Sass)

Each year, the Antique & Classic Boat Festival brings a sense of nostalgia to CBMM’s waterfront campus and docks. (Photo by George Sass)

Where should I park?

Parking is available at CBMM. Please note that CBMM’s parking lot will reach capacity during large events.

On Saturday, overflow parking is located at St. Michaels Middle/High School on Seymour Avenue with shuttles running on a loop to and from CBMM from 10am-5:30pm.

Additional public parking lots and street parking are available throughout the town. Find more things to know about visiting CBMM festivals here.

What are all these boats?

Throughout the weekend, CBMM’s campus and docks will be filled with 100+ antique and classic boats representing a multitude of makers and eras, inviting guests to take a nostalgic step back in time and appreciate these venerable vessels. (The Golden Cup, a DJ who spins classic tunes from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s will provide a fitting sound track!)

Builders represented at the festival typically include Chris-Craft, Lyman, Gar Wood, Elco, Thompson, Trumpy, Owens, Egg Harbor, and other great classic marques.

Owners of boats in all phases of restoration are expected to participate, as part of a varied collection featuring historic (up to 1918), antique (1919-1942), classic (1943-1975), late classic (1976-1997), and contemporary (any wooden boat built within the last 25 years) examples.

A reminder that boarding boats is at the discretion of the owner.

The juried Coastal Arts Fair showcases artisans from up and down the East Coast. (Photo by George Sass)

The juried Coastal Arts Fair showcases artisans from up and down the East Coast. (Photo by George Sass)

What is the Coastal Arts Fair?

One of the festival’s highlights is a juried Coastal Arts Fair. In the courtyard surrounding the Tolchester Beach Bandstand, guests can browse vendors hailing from as far away as Canada and Florida showcasing products, services, and art represent in the boats, the water, and coastal life. There will be additional vendors set up in the Small Boat Shed.

There will also be a nautical flea market and a Field of Dreams for those looking to buy a classic boat set up near the Mill Street Gate along CBMM’s Living Shoreline. Also, be sure to stop by the Antique & Classic Boat Society’s Ship Store to learn more about the organization and buy your festival merchandise.

Can I take a boat ride?

Yes, members of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will be taking guests out on the water from 1-3pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Sign up for free to experience a classic vessel in action at the deck adjacent to the Van Lennep Auditorium. Rides may be limited or not available depending on boat availability and weather conditions.

On Saturday and Sunday, members of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will be taking guests out on the water for free boat rides. (Photo by George Sass)

On Saturday and Sunday, members of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will be taking guests out on the water for free boat rides. (Photo by George Sass)

What’s going on in the Van Lennep Auditorium?

Driven by the Antique & Classic Boat Society’s mission of continuing the legacy of these boats through preservation, restoration and education, the festival will feature a lineup of 10 seminars on Friday and Saturday highlighting experts, historians, and authors. These talks run from 10am-3pm both days and are free for festival guests and participants. The full schedule is available here.

What activities are there for kids?

There’s fun for the whole family at the festival. Check out the kids’ boat building station set up between CBMM’s Bay History building on Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 1-3 pm. There’s also a family-friendly scavenger hunt offering an interactive exploration of the festival that can be picked up in the CBMM Welcome Center or ACBS Ship Store.

What else is on the schedule?

On Saturday and Sunday, the day starts with a flag raising ceremony on Navy Point led by a local chapter of the Sea Scouts.

Of course, festival guests are encouraged to explore all the exhibitions and historic structures on CBMM’s 18-acre campus as well as its working Shipyard and historic floating fleet. Your Chesapeake adventure begins here.

The Antique & Classic Boat Festival will showcase 100+ antique and classic boats with examples on land and in the water. (Photo by George Sass)

The Antique & Classic Boat Festival will showcase 100+ antique and classic boats with examples on land and in the water. (Photo by George Sass)

What is there to eat and drink?

There will be a handful of regional vendors selling food and beverages, as well as a bar offering a variety of selections of beer and cocktails adjacent to the Shipyard.

Can I bring my dog to the festival?

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including the Antique & Classic Boat Festival.

What else is going on in town?

We’re thrilled to welcome you to St. Michaels, which has been named one of USA Today‘s Top 10 best small coastal towns.

Be sure to take a stroll around our quaint historic Eastern Shore town and get a sense of all that it has to offer. Visit StMichaelsMD.org to learn more and plan out the rest of your stay here.

Wooden and fiberglass classics, vintage racers, and other antique boats return to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum from June 16-18 for the 35th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair.

Wooden and fiberglass classics, vintage racers, and other antique boats return to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum from June 16-18 for the 35th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair. (Photo by George Sass)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., May 16, 2023 – Wooden and fiberglass classics, vintage racers, and other antique boats return to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum from June 16-18 for the 35th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair.

Hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society, this Father’s Day weekend tradition is one of the largest classic boat shows in the Mid-Atlantic region and annually brings a sense of nostalgia to the Miles River and CBMM’s waterfront campus.

The festival runs from 10am-5pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday. For advance tickets and more information, visit cbmm.org/antiqueandclassic.

In addition to the wide range of vessels on display representing a multitude of makers and eras, the Antique & Classic Boat Festival is accompanied by a juried Coastal Arts Fair showcasing vendors whose products, services, and art represent boats, the water, and coastal life.

Driven by the Antique & Classic Boat Society – Chesapeake Bay Chapter’s mission of continuing the legacy of these venerable vessels through preservation, restoration and education, the festival will feature a lineup of 10 seminars on Friday and Saturday highlighting experts, historians, and authors. (Find the full schedule here.) Other festival highlights include a Field of Dreams for those looking to buy, boat rides, a nautical flea market, and a children’s scavenger hunt, as well as a DJ spinning classic tunes.

This year’s festival highlights the theme of “Show Us Your First Love,” inviting boat owners to display their boats and share stories about what first launched them on their lifelong love of classic and antique boats.

This year’s festival highlights the theme of “Show Us Your First Love,” inviting boat owners to display their boats and share stories about what first launched them on their lifelong love of classic and antique boats. (Photo by George Sass)

This three-day celebration of the past, present, and future of antique and classic boating invites guests to take a step back in time.

Builders represented at the festival typically include Chris-Craft, Lyman, Gar Wood, Elco, Thompson, Trumpy, Owens, Egg Harbor, and other great classic marques. Owners of boats in all phases of restoration in the following classes are expected to participate, as part of a varied collection featuring historic (up to 1918), antique (1919-1942), classic (1943-1975), late classic (1976-1997), and contemporary (any wooden boat built within the last 25 years) examples.

This year’s festival highlights the theme of “Show Us Your First Love,” inviting boat owners to display their boats and share stories about what first launched them on their lifelong love of classic and antique boats.

Two-day admission to the Antique & Classic Boat Festival is $19 for adults; $16 for seniors (65+), college students with ID, and retired military with ID; $7 for active military with ID, CBMM members, and children 6–17; and free for children 5 and younger.

In addition to advanced sales online for Friday/Saturday and Saturday/Sunday, tickets will be available at CBMM throughout the festival. No single-day tickets will be sold to this rain or shine event.

Additional free event parking for Saturday’s festivities will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service to and from CBMM.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including the Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is prohibited.

SEMINAR SCHEDULE