The Tawes Museum isn't the same as you might remember it

CRISFIELD — If you haven’t visited the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum in the last three years or longer you may not recognize it.

The years of static displays have been rotated out and special exhibits are featured which have ranged from agriculture to seafood to this year a focus on the city’s movie theaters.

It’s also a place to learn more about forgotten villages, like Old Island, see working and decorative decoys by the world-famous Ward Brothers, and view memorabilia from Maryland’s 54th governor.

Crisfield Heritage Foundation (CHF) Chair Nancy Smoker said, “For years the exhibits stayed the same but in the last three years we have either replaced or upgraded every exhibit in the museum.”

“Even if you were here last summer, you’re going to see some new things.”

During a recent invitation-only event representatives from the city, Somerset County Recreation, Parks & Tourism, Janes Island State Park, Arts & Entertainment-based organizations and others were encouraged to “find out who we are” and “how we can support each other.”

Prior to 2019 the CHF had five full-time employees including an executive director all funded by the hugely-popular Road Scholar program. After that ended — and not restarted after the COVID-19 pandemic — the nonprofit pared down to an all-volunteer group with two seasonal part-time workers the only paid staff.

“We lost $170,000 just like that,” Mrs. Smoker said, adding that Road Scholar has still not returned a program based anywhere in Maryland.

Mrs. Smoker said the CHF is a nonprofit that not only operates the museum but the Ward Brothers’ original workshop, the Customs House and 300 acres of the Cedar Island Marsh Sanctuary. And while the museum building is owned by the state, the CHF is responsible not only for utilities but maintenance — a costly expense as the building is over 40 years old.

Admission to the museum is free (donations welcome) and the museum’s second floor Chesapeake Room is available for rent for groups of up to 100 or 50 if food is served. Out back is a working crab shanty.

The Ward Brothers’ original workshop on Sackertown Road is also open twice a month and has had decoy carving demonstrations along with information about the legacy of Lem and Steve Ward.

Mrs. Smoker said last year over 3,600 people visited from 36 states and D.C. plus seven foreign countries. School groups with over 400 students and chaperones visited, with bus transportation for third graders in Somerset County paid for by American Legion Post 16. The post also picked up the costs of renovations to the shanty.

The museum opened in 1983 and is often a first stop for those taking a cruise boat to Smith Island, making it an unofficial visitors center. “It’s a vital part of the tourist experience,” she said. Admission is free but donations are welcome, or stop in for the gift shop to make a purchase to include one of the many books of local interest.

Membership dues help cover some costs but with less than 100 members there’s a reliance on donations for example from the American Legion and grants from organizations like the Community Foundation, Beach to Bay Heritage and Choptank Electric which supported the HVAC and elevator repairs.

The County Commissioners also provide $5,000 through its community promotions fund.

Like every small nonprofit, however, the CHF is concerned about staffing and volunteers, building maintenance, and continuation of programs and exhibits. It would also like to complete restoration of the Customs House on the corner of West Main and 11th streets which it took ownership of in 2015. Its future also includes having a sustainability plan in place.

“We’re not really asking for money, what we want is support and communication about our organization,” Mrs. Smoker told the group. “Advocate for us, so that we can branch out a little bit,” and “help each other.” “If you’re planning something, how can we help you, how you help us?”

Immediately afterward guests toured the museum with docents Pat Somers, Rich Smoker and Frank Rhodes speaking about the exhibits. Currently the CHF is planning its third annual Heritage Festival on Sept. 28 and sponsors, exhibitors, artists and vendors are wanted as well as watermen and crafters who may receive a small stipend for their demonstrations.

Admission for this is also free.

Delegate Charles Otto, who was on the tour, said the name and legacy of Gov. Tawes is being lost, adding that he was the only chief executive to also serve all as treasurer and comptroller, positions that make up the Board of Public Works. He recommended the CHF invite Gov. Wes Moore to the museum in September prior to the Crab & Clam Bake because the maintenance of the museum building should be part of the state’s capital expense budget.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the same hours for the Ward Brothers workshop open Saturdays June 29, July 13, July 27, Aug. 17, (Aug. 31 hours 3-5), Sept. 14, 28 and Oct. 12. For more information visit www.crisfieldheritage.org , call 410-968-2501 or email crisfieldheritagefdn@gmail.com.