Eastern Shore Watermen's Museum and Research Center

The Eastern Shore Watermen's Museum and Research Center is housed in the historic Onancock School building. The museum is operated by the non-profit organization, the Watermen's Heritage Foundation of Virginia's Eastern Shore. The archives contains 45,000 digitized photos, which are included as part of a rotating slideshow that is available for viewing by the public. Many of these images are also featured in exhibits within the museum. The permanent collection includes replicas of boats used for crab fishing and oyster harvesting, as well as tools and other artifacts traditionally used by watermen in the Chesapeake Bay. The museum's mission is to "collect, document, archive, share, and celebrate the heritage of the Watermen of Virginia's Eastern Shore."

The Eastern Shore Watermen's Museum and Research Center is maintained by a non-profit organization, the Watermen's Heritage Foundation of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Its mission is to "collect, document, archive, share, and celebrate the heritage of the Watermen of Virginia's Eastern Shore." This history includes traditional trades such as crab fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. The museum is located in a historic building just a short walk from the Onancock Wharf and Marina. By preserving the region's maritime heritage, the museum also hopes to contribute to the future for local watermen on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

The research center seeks to conduct oral histories with local residents, including those who have stories to share regarding the region's maritime heritage. As many as 45,000 images are preserved in the museum's archives. Since most these photos have already been digitized, they are included as part of a rotating slideshow, which is available for viewing by the visiting public. These archival images are further highlighted in the museum's seasonal exhibits. Artifacts such as tools and model boats are also presented for display as part the museum's permanent collection.

The Eastern Shore Watermen's Museum is located in the Historic Onancock School building, which was built circa 1920. The building is now a community cultural center. In addition to providing space for the museum and research center, the Historic Onancock School building offers year-round activities, classes, and events for the public, as well as a community room that is available for rent. It also provides space for artisans and craftspeople, such as weavers, jewelry-makers, and wood carvers. On the lawn in front of the building, there are flowering trees in spring and a large art installation, which spells the word "love."

The Ways of Watermen, Chesapeake Bay Magazine. February 10th 2017. Accessed March 5th 2022. https://chesapeakebaymagazine.com/the-ways-of-watermen/.

Welcome, Historic Onancock School. Accessed March 5th 2022. https://www.historiconancockschool.org/.

Eastern Shore Watermen's Museum and Research Center, Virginia.org. Accessed March 5th 2022. https://www.virginia.org/listing/eastern-shore-watermens-museum-and-research-center/6001/.