Join CBMM’s Vessel Conservation Manager Sam Hilgartner in the Shipyard for Coffee & Wood Chips. Sam will give an update on everything happening in the Shipyard, and answer questions along the way.
Coffee & Wood Chips
Date/Time: Friday, Oct. 3, 10–11am
Location: CBMM’s Shipyard
Cost: $10, Free for CBMM members
(Aug. 20 update: This session of Women’s Woodworking II has been canceled. We intend to host this workshop in the spring of 2026. Please click here to explore more upcoming Shipyard programming.)
In this women’s-only, five-day workshop, participants will expand on their previous woodworking and joinery skills by building their own Adirondack chair. Under the direction of guest instructor Jenn Kuhn, each participant will refine their skill in wood selection, milling, and layout while practicing cutting angles and more complex joints. Previous woodworking experience is mandatory, and participation is required all five days. All tools and materials are provided in the cost of registration.
This program is supported by CBMM’s Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council.
Women’s Woodworking: Part II (CANCELED)
Date/Time: Friday, Aug. 22, 2-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 23-24 & 30-31, 9am-5pm
Location: Education Workshop
Cost: $650, with a 20% discount for CBMM members
In this women’s-only weekend workshop, participants will join Jenn Kuhn for an introduction-to-woodworking. Participants will construct a custom mallet while learning how to make a cut list, buy lumber, measure lengths and angles, and safely use a table saw, band saw, miter saw, router, drills, sanders and a variety of hand tools. The class will close by exploring lamination and finishes.
Participant scholarships are available through CBMM’s Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council. Email Vessel Conservation Manager Sam Hilgartner at shilgartner@cbmm.org for more information on scholarship opportunities.
Women’s Woodworking: Part I
Date/Time: Saturday, June 28, 8am-5pm; Sunday, June 29, 9am-4pm
Location: Education Workshop
Cost: $200, with a 20% discount for CBMM members
By the end of CBMM’s Marlinspike II Seamanship course, every student will walk away with a completed wood bottom canvas ditty bag.
The ditty bag has long been a display of competence in marlinspike seamanship and sail making as its creation requires a familiarity in:
Led by Vessel Conservation Manager Sam Hilgartner, this class is perfect for those who have attended CBMM’s introductory Marlinspike Seamanship course, yet is accessible enough for the beginner student who is up for a challenge.
Participant scholarships are available through CBMM’s Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council. Email Hilgartner at shilgartner@cbmm.org for more information on scholarship opportunities.
Marlinspike Seamanship II: Ditty Bag Workshop
Date/Time: Friday-Sunday, June 6-8, 9am-3pm
Location: Shipyard
Cost: $300, with a 20% discount for CBMM members
(March 26 update: This program is now full. Please click here to join the waitlist or click here to learn more about upcoming Apprentice for a Day Shipyard Programs.)
Learn the basics of seamanship and vessel operations with CBMM’s Shipyard Educator Steve Garrand and Schooner Sultana Capt. Kate Dumhart. Students will gain experience aboard two vessels, a modern outboard powered 16-foot skiff and a traditional inboard powered 29-foot Smith Island crab scrape, plus Chesapeake Bay buyboat Mr. Dickie, which was constructed in CBMM’s Shipyard in 2023. In this class, we will introduce you to the skills needed to gain confidence out on the water and confidence means more fun!
In this class expect to learn:
Participant scholarships are available through CBMM’s Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council. Email Vessel Conservation Manager Sam Hilgartner at shilgartner@cbmm.org for more information on scholarship opportunities.
Basic Seamanship & Vessel Operations (FULL)
Date/Time: Saturday & Sunday, April 5-6, 9am-5pm
Location: CBMM’s docks & waterfront
Cost: $300, with a 20% discount for CBMM members
(Jan. 24 update: This program is now full. Click here to view more upcoming Apprentice for a Day Shipyard programming.)
Learn the basics of marlinspike seamanship with CBMM’s Vessel Conservation Manager and rigger of the Maryland Dove, Sam Hilgartner, in the Shipyard on the weekend of Jan. 25-26.
In this class, we will develop competence in tying the 10 essential sailor’s knots, safe line handling, rope care and storage, rope splicing, working cleats and belaying pins, identifying and selecting ropes, seizing and lashing, understanding mechanical advantage with blocks, understanding marine hardware and much more. Participants should bring a sharp knife and marlinspike.
Heated indoor space will be available. If weather allows, we will spend some time working outside each day.
Marlinspike Seamanship
Date/Time: Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 25-26, 9am-3pm
Location: Shipyard
Cost: $200, with a 20% discount for CBMM members
(June 22 update: This guided paddle is now full. A waitlist is now available. Click here to learn about other upcoming paddling programs.)
Join ACA certified CBMM staff on this leisurely paddle along the Tred Avon River to watch the historic log canoes and try the award-winning ice cream from Scottish Highland Creamery. This paddle is good for all levels. The tasting is included with registration.
Paddle & Tasting: Ice Cream & Log Canoes (FULL)
Date/Time: Saturday, Aug. 10, 9:30am–1:30pm
Location: Bellevue-Oxford Ferry Terminal – Royal Oak, Md.
Cost: $55 without rental and $75 with rental, both with a 20% discount for CBMM members
(May 31 update: This program is now full. Click here to register for other upcoming paddling programs.)
Join ACA-certified CBMM staff for this leisurely paddle along a classic Chesapeake landscape, featuring marsh and tidal waters that meander past oaks, hickory, beech, black gum, dogwood, and poplar trees. You may even see herons nesting in the treetops along the shore.
Participants will launch from Skipton Landing in Cordova, Md., to paddle along Skipton and Mill Creeks before returning to the launch site. Afterward, there is a tasting at the Triple Creek Winery. This paddle is good for all levels. The tasting is included in the cost of registration.
Paddle & Tasting: Wine & Rookery
Date/Time: Saturday, June 1, 9am–1pm
Location: Skipton Landing – Cordova, Md.
Cost: $55 without rental and $75 with rental, both with a 20% discount for CBMM members
Update Oct. 23: This event is now full.
Join CBMM Shipyard Education Programs Manager Jenn Kuhn for this two-day nameboard carving workshop.
Both experienced woodworkers and beginners alike are invited to learn the basics of nameboard carving. Participants will learn and practice proper techniques and safety for using and sharpening straight chisels to hand carve their very own nameboard. All tools and materials are provided and included. Preregistration is required.
Nameboard Carving
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 11 & Sunday, Nov. 12, 10am-4pm
Location: CBMM Education Workshop
Cost: $135, with a 20% discount for CBMM Members
Join Shipyard Education Programs Manager Jenn Kuhn for this Monday morning monthly Shipyard update. Kuhn will highlight the work being done on the historic floating fleet and Chesapeake buyboats Mr. Dickie, Winnie Estelle and Choptank, and also provide updates on the Concordia sloop boat Osprey being restored by the Apprentice for a Day Program.
Coffee & Wood Chips
Date/Time: Monday, Oct. 23, 10–11am
Location: Virtual Program
Cost: $10, Free for CBMM Members
