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.
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 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.
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.