ST MICHAELS, MD – As part of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s June 1, 2019 Maritime Day celebration, guests will now have the chance to get hands on with a piece of history.
Maritime Day will serve as the official start of CBMM’s construction of Maryland Dove, a representation of the 17th-century trading ship that accompanied the first European settlers to what is now Maryland. Remarks will be given by Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., President of the Maryland Senate; and officials from Historic St. Mary’s City, which maintains and operates the ship. All attendees are invited to sign their names to the new vessel’s keel, to see the lofting of its new design, and to help make trunnels, or large wooden nails, that will be used during its construction.
In addition to the keel laying ceremony, Maritime Day will also include CBMM’s annual Blessing of the Fleet at 10am and a full slate of maritime skill demonstrations from its shipwrights and apprentices. The full schedule of demonstrations has recently been announced and includes shaping a dugout canoe at 11am, steam-bending mast hoops at 11:30am, forging metal hooks at 12:15pm, wire splicing at 2pm, and a log sawing demo and contest at 2:45pm.
Running from 10am–4pm, Maritime Day festivities will also include discounted boat rides, and local food and drink. Admittance to Maritime Day is included with CBMM’s general admission, which is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors (65 and up), college students with ID, and retired military; $6 for children ages 6–17; and free for active military, children ages 5 and younger, and CBMM members. Advanced tickets and more information can be found at cbmm.org/maritimeday.
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~ Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum