Last updated: 2/14/2024
Crisfield, Maryland
Address
3 Ninth St
Crisfield, MD 21817

Hours

Monday - Friday
10 AM - 4 PM
Saturday
10 AM - 2 PM
Sunday
closed
Currently Closed Sundays: Walking Tours by appointment
Gift Shop hours
Thursday - Saturday
10 AM - 2 PM

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Nancy Smoker
phone: 410-968-2501
Tim Howard
phone: 410-968-2501
Description

Crisfield Heritage Foundatin consists four properties: the Tawes Museum at 3 Ninth St, Crisfield, MD; The Ward Brothers Workshop on Sackertown Road; The Governor Tawes Library/home; The Customs House and Cedar Island Marsh. Self guided Historic Walking Tour.

The City of Crisfield and the surrounding areas are among the richest in the State of Maryland for cultural heritage and eco-tourism activities . Enjoy our areas pristine fishing, kayaking and canoeing opportunities; camping at Janes Island State Park and the relaxed tempo of our waterfront setting

To make plans in advance, please call the Crisfield Heritage Foundation at (410) 968-2501, and inquire about our guided walking tours, upcoming events, accommodations and general information. Meanwhile please enjoy our website to discover more about Crisfield -The Heart of the Chesapeake.

Mission

The Crisfield Heritage Foundation is committed to preserve the heritage of Crisfield and its environs, to educate the public concerning this heritage, and to serve the catalyst for tourism in the Crisfield Area.

History

In 1977, a group of Crisfield citizens and State of Maryland dignitaries formed an organization to explore ways to preserve the memory of Governor J. Millard Tawes. Governor Tawes was the 54 governor of the State of Maryland and a native son of the City of Crisfield. The group analyzed various ideas and options and eventually settled on the option to form a foundation in the name of the former governor. This foundation was directed to establish a museum to preserve and display the governor’s memorabilia. Accordingly, the J. Millard Tawes Foundation was formally incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland in June, 1979.

You can read more on our website.

Services
You will love our gift shop!

Our Foundation operates a gift shop in the Tawes Museum lobby, located at the east end of 9th Street in downtown Crisfield, Maryland near the southwest gate of Somers Cove Marina. Proceeds from sales help support the non-profit and its many activities. Items will appeal to adults and children. Many of the items are of a local nature and reflect the heritage of our community. Crisfield is a seafood town and many cookbooks have been written in the area. If you buy a cookbook, we have some of the seasonings you will need, the pot to cook your crabs in and dishes to serve your quest. The kids will love the toys. You can treat your self to one of our local books and learn about the Chesapeake Bay and its legendary lore. Phone: (410) 968-2501

Tours

Visitors interested in the culture and heritage of the Crisfield area include, school groups of any age, Road Scholar/Elderhostel, vacationers, travelers, tourist, educational professionals and all interested in the Eastern Shore.

Walking Tour: The Port of Crisfield Walking Tour takes a patron through the port area of the city. Highlights include a historical overview and behind the scenes glimpses into seasonal seafood processing plants to see first hand how the products of the Chesapeake are made ready for market.

Group Tours: While the Tawes Museum is self guided, we can customize your group's visit to include docent assisted tours of the museum, "Crab Shanty", Ward Brothers' Decoy Workshop, as well as the Port of Crisfield Walking Tour. Contact Museum Curator for more information and arrangements.

School Tours: Exploring the City of Crisfield and discovering its culture and heritage can be one of the most educational experiences of a student's life. Students can learn about the environmental eco-system of the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, wildlife, plant life and natural resources. In addition, the student can understand how a community of people developed a unique culture by living off the resources drawn from the Bay, its rivers, marshes and creeks. Contact Executive Director for more information on how to customize a meaningful experience for students.

Road Scholar: Experience educational travel at its best in the City of Crisfield. Everyone will enjoy the culture of this waterfront town and the history of a people that sustained their lives by marketing the abundant natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay. Tours can be customized for any group and can include Museum exhibits, wildlife observation, superior food and scenery that is unparalleled on the East Coast. Contact the Executive Director for information on how to customize your Elderhostel Tour.

Gift Shop
Group Tours
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

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