After years of thoughtful planning and generous philanthropy toward the project, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum officially broke ground on its new Welcome Center during the summer of 2022.
Officially opened in fall 2023, the new, fully ADA accessible building houses CBMM’s Welcome Center, Museum Store, and three exhibition spaces. Its construction marks the start of Phase II of CBMM’s ongoing Master Plan campus upgrades.
Members of the CBMM community and local leaders gathered to celebrate the project’s continued progress with a steel signing ceremony on Aug. 24, 2022.
The Welcome Center’s Grand Opening took place on Dec. 2, 2023. The celebration included a performance by smooth jazz saxophonist and St. Michaels native Anthony “Turk” Cannon, plus food demonstrations, hands-on activities, campus tours, and more.
Funding for continued Master Plan improvements come from individual donations and naming opportunities, grants, and operations. Donate to The Annual Fund today to support CBMM’s efforts to enhance campus and create better public offerings.
Welcome Center Photos
Welcome Center Construction Photos
Video Updates
Enjoy our start-to-finish overview of the project!
Highlights from the Welcome Center Grand Opening celebration on Dec. 2, 2023
Nov. 20, 2023 update with Museum Store Manager Liz Cowee
Oct. 31, 2023 update with Vice President of Engagement Shannon Mitchell
Sept. 29, 2023 update with Curatorial Shipwright Sam Hilgartner.
Sept. 1, 2023 update with Exhibition Designer & Projects Manager Jim Koerner.
Aug. 28, 2023 update with Exhibition Designer & Projects Manager Jim Koerner.
Aug. 4, 2023 update with Director of Curatorial Affairs & Exhibitions Jen Dolde.
June 20, 2023 update with U.S. Coast Guard-certified lampist Kurt Fosburg of Superior Lighthouse Restoration.
May 31, 2023 update with Bill Beitel of Baltimore-based Casewerks.
May 9, 2023 update with CBMM Board of Governors Chair Craig Fuller.
March 20, 2023 update with Vice President of Education & Interpretation Jill Ferris
Jan. 23, 2023 update with CBMM Board Member & Master Plan Committee Chair Talli Oxnam
Dec. 19, 2022 update with CBMM President & CEO Kristen Greenaway
Nov. 15, 2022 update with Chief Financial Officer Branden Meredith
Nov. 1, 2022 update with Chief Advancement Officer Liz LaCorte
Oct. 12, 2022 update with Chief Historian & Ambassador at Large Pete Lesher