Less than an hour from Washington, D.C. you will find the capitol of Maryland, Annapolis, MD with gorgeous views of the Chesapeake Bay. No trip to Annapolis is complete without a wander through the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park.
In our effort to highlight all of the best museums in Maryland, we spoke with Caitlin Swaim, Museum Curator at the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park to share what makes this museum worth the day trip and what you need to know before you drive east.
Where is the museum located?
- Address: Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park, 723 Second Street, Annapolis, MD 21403 (Eastport neighborhood of Annapolis, MD)
What topics does the museum cover?
Our museum covers Annapolis maritime heritage and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay.
What is your museum’s claim to fame?
The Annapolis Maritime Museum campus is the site of the last remaining oyster packing plant in the area, the McNasby Oyster Company.
The Annapolis Maritime Muesum & Park is proud to have within its collection one of only a few remaining Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks, the Wilma Lee is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Wilma Lee was built in Wingate, Maryland, in 1940 by the well-known boat builder Bronza Parks.
What is your favorite exhibit or artifact in the museum?
The exhibit features a holographic waterman who shares his experiences on the Chesapeake Bay with visitors from behind the counter in his shack.
What kinds of special exhibits and events do you host throughout the year?
The Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park hosts annual signature events such as the Annapolis Oyster Roast and Sock Burning, Tides & Tunes Summer Concert Series, Boatyard Beach Bash, and September Sunset Concert Series hosted at our Park Campus.
We also host a Winter Lecture Series in January and February at the Museum Campus.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes, the Museum offers a guided tour to general admission ticket-holders during operating hours.
Specific topic-based tours are only offered during scheduled, guided tours.
Group tours can select from three tour focuses – Ecology, Oyster Harvesting, or Annapolis Waterfront. Groups can book a guided tour two-weeks in advance by visiting the museum’s official website (amaritime.org) or by calling 410-295-0104 x 19.
At this time, all tours are only offered in English and no audio tours are available.
How much time should someone plan to spend at the museum?
The Museum is best experienced for a minimum of one hour but many visitors can and do spend more time there.
What should someone bring with them and what items are not allowed in the museum?
Cameras, photography, and service animals are permitted in the museum. Visitors may bring water and snacks into the exhibit space.
However, food in restaurant-style to-go containers is not permitted.
Is photography allowed inside (without flash)?
Yes.
What should parents of young children know before visiting the museum?
The waterfront Museum offers both indoor and outdoor space for children to explore.
Get to know a holographic waterman, take a virtual boat ride, flip through the pages of an interactive book or get to know local aquatic life in our two 500-gallon aquariums.
What’s the coolest item for sale in the gift shop?
The gift shop features custom merchandise specific to the museum including candles in unique oyster cans and tableware fit for any galley.
Is there a museum cafe or restaurant?
No on site dining or vending machines, but local dining options are within walking distance of the Museum Campus.
What should teachers planning a field trip know before reaching out to you?
Field trips are scheduled year round at our location or the school. Cost of programs are $6/student per hour. Most school-aged programs are 2 hours.
What else should a visitor know before visiting?
Parking is limited, however there is free street parking available close to the Museum, in the surround neighborhood of Annapolis, Maryland.
The exhibit spaces are wheelchair and stroller friendly. The Museum has a women’s, men’s, and family/handicap restroom with diaper changing station. A water fountain and bottle filling station is also available.
What are your normal days and hours of operation?
Regular operating hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 3pm.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes, the Museum is a single story building with ramps.
Does the museum have a bag check or coat room?
No.
Is there parking available?
Yes.
Is there an admission fee?
The Museum offers a tiered admission.
- Adults $7
- Seniors $5
- Military $5
- Children $5
- Children under 3 are free.
