Capt. Salem Avery House

The Capt. Salem Avery House is a waterfront residence dedicated to maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay region. Its rooms display objects and information about fishing activities and the lives of boat captains during the 1800s.

A Long Island sea captain moved to Maryland in the 1850s and built a life as an oyster fisherman there. His family and business grew over decades, making him a well-known figure in the local community.

The house reveals how watermen and their families lived and worked in this region. You learn how oyster harvesting shaped daily life and connected everyone in the community.

The house sits right on the water and is easy to reach by walking from the waterfront. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the paths to the building and around the area can be uneven.

The captain was not just a fisherman but also operated trading vessels that moved goods between ports. This dual role as both oyster harvester and merchant made his business model unusually successful for the era.

Location: Shady Side

Inception: 1984

Website: http://captainaverymuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 38.85194,-76.51194

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:43