Tilghman Watermen's Museum

The Tilghman Watermen's Museum is a maritime museum on Tilghman Island, Maryland, housed in the Lee House, a nineteenth-century building. The collections display artifacts, photographs, and tools connected to the fishing and sailing traditions of the Chesapeake Bay region.

The museum began in 2008 inside an old barbershop before moving to the Lee House in 2015 to expand its collection. This relocation allowed the organization to better tell the story of the region's fishing heritage and the boats that defined it.

The exhibits showcase the work of local fishermen who practice traditional methods like crabbing and oystering that remain central to island life. These traditions shape how residents connect with the Chesapeake Bay and their community identity.

The museum is most easily visited on weekends, though weekday visits can be arranged in advance to ensure someone is available to guide you. Being located on an island means you will need a car to reach it, and the drive itself offers views of the bay area.

The Lee House is one of only two surviving examples of the distinctive W-facade architectural style that defined Tilghman Island in the 1890s. This rare building design reflects how local construction responded to the island's maritime setting.

Location: Tilghman Island

Inception: 2008

Website: http://tilghmanmuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 38.71656,-76.33445

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:46