New Chesapeake Bay Exhibit Unveiled As Annapolis Museum Reopens

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Annapolis Maritime Museum reopens Saturday, welcoming back visitors after a year-long hiatus. The facility closed Dec. 30, 2019 for a major renovation. Workers finished the remodel last year, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed the big reveal.

The newest exhibit, called "Our Changing Waterfront," explains how the Chesapeake Bay is intertwined with local history. The interactive display cost nearly $1 million. Private donors paid for most of the installation.

The museum features three sections: Oyster Economy and History, Bay Health and Annapolis Waters. Some of the highlights are:

• Two 500 gallon aquariums that compare today's bay health to its 17th-century waters
• A "Hary Potter" style book that explores the Chesapeake watershed
• A touch-screen game that teaches about sustainable oyster harvesting
• A virtual reality boat that simulates several watercraft

"There's nothing more stimulating than leaving a museum after having seen a great exhibition," museum President Alice Estrada said in a press release. "We know that our inspiring new exhibits will not only provide high-tech, high-touch learning experiences but also deliver on the wonderful art of storytelling."

Estrada unveiled the updated museum at a Friday ribbon-cutting. These officials joined her at the ceremony:

• Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley
• State Sen. Sarah Elfreth
• State Del. Shaneka Henson
• State Del. Dana Jones

The nonprofit museum is located at 723 Second Street in Eastport. It is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day except Monday. The organization also owns a historic skipjack named "Wilma Lee" and a 12-acre park at 7300 Edgewood Road.

Click here to learn more about the museum.

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