Dock Talk Work and Play on the Bayby Ruth Christie
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here’s a new exhibit in Baltimore. Opening November 6 at the Maryland Historical Society (MdHS), “Work and Play on the Bay” will provide tangible evidence of how important the Chesapeake Bay has been to Maryland for more than 350 years. The 18th to 20th centuries will come alive through ship models, paintings, decoys, mastheads, trail boards, and more. See who built and raced Bay clippers, pungies, bugeyes, skipjacks, and log canoes. Learn about lives spent “drudgin’ for arsters on the rocks” or “gunning for the gentry.” Curator Carol McClees says, “The Chesapeake is amazing! So much has happened here. Baltimore and the Bay have many rich economic and recreational traditions. The port trafficked in tobacco, canned oysters, and many other goods and services. Among other firsts, Baltimore is where fertilizer was developed. In addition to the Chesapeake’s fine racing and
sailing legacies, the area was known for and representing virtually every aspect of duck hunting. Before they were outlawed, Maryland history and life. We’re talking homemade 150- to 300-pound punt guns half hulls, photographs, maps, musical could kill 500 scores, costumes, ducks at a time; furniture, ceramMarion Brewington Essay Prize one of these ics, silverware, toys, guns will be jewelry, weapons, and rite the best manuscript on the history of on display. We more. MdHS manseafaring, fisheries, commerce, warfare, also will have ages the H. Furlong or recreation on the Chesapeake Bay or fun, hands-on, Baldwin Library, its tributaries; and you could win $1000. Mail your family-friendly several exhibitions and manuscript by December 31 to the Deputy Director activities, events around town, for Collections, Maryland Historical Society, 201 where kids can and a wealth of online West Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. tong for oysters websites and resourcmuseum_dept@mdhs.org and “play with” es. The Society also navigation inprovides educational struments, for programs to schools, starters. This exhibit will have something Girl Scouts, and adults; and publishes the for everyone.” Maryland Historical Magazine and selected The exhibit is the first of several changbooks. ing displays in MdHS’s core exhibit, The Society has many volunteer and “Maryland’s Maritime Heritage: From internship opportunities and accepts taxFells Point to the World.” Themes include deductible donations and collectables.
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November at the Maryland Historical Society
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autical Nite—Celebrate the opening of “Work and Play on the Bay” November 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. Nautical Nite will include a cocktail buffet with music by Them Eastport Oyster Boys (nautical dress and socks optional). Reserve your $75 ticket by contacting McClees at (410) 685-3750 x384 or cmcclees@mdhs.org.
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eterans Day—MdHS is hosting a party to honor the opening of another exhibit, “Maryland Veterans of World War II,” November 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. John R. Schaffner will present “A Baltimore Kid in the Army.” A 20-year-old corporal with the 106th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge, Schaffner and his comrades stopped the surprise German offensive at Parker’s Crossroads during the winter of 1944-45. The event also will include a commemoration ceremony with Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, other state and local officials, the Honor Guard, and the Baltimore City College Choir. Admission is free to all veterans, active military, and their families and friends; tickets are $10 for all others. MdHS will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day. This exhibit runs through 2009.
Chesapeake Bay Sailing
Photo courtesy of the Maryland Historical Society
shipbuilding, privateers, the U.S. Navy, and the port’s colorful personalities. Founded in 1844, MdHS houses more than 350,000 objects and 7 million books and documents, ranging from pre-settlement to the present day
MdHS is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $4 per adult and $3 per senior citizen; kids under age 12 get in for free. Admission is free every first Thursday of the month. (410) 685-3750 x321, mdhs.org
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