The Native American inhabitants greatly assisted the early colonists. The indigenous peoples showed the colonists how to build eel pots, tong for oysters and most important of all how to build the famous Chesapeake Bay Log Canoes.

Dedication of the Beach to Bay Indian Trail.

Crisfield has long been famous for its seafood. Those hardy individuals known as the Chesapeake watermen harvested oysters and crabs by the millions. The museum tells their story and the story of the people who process the catch and transport it to markets throughout the United States and the world.

The museum is the starting place for the Port of Crisfield Escorted Walking Tour and the Ward Brothers Heritage Tour. The Port of Crisfield tour takes one through the port area of the City. One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to a modern crab and oyster processing facility where one can see first hand how the products of the Chesapeake are made ready for market. The Ward Brothers Heritage Tour takes one back in time to the days of Lem and Steve Ward--the founders of the art form known as decoy carving and painting. A visit to their workshop and the little known Jenkins Creek area make this tour a truly unique experience.