Maryland in the Age of Sail Lecture Series

January - April 2020

Join Mark Wilkins, Curator of Maritime History at the Calvert Marine Museum, as he explores “Maryland in the Age of Sail.” This eight week lecture series includes topics such as European expansionism, the tobacco trade, the Civil War on the Chesapeake, and traditional Maryland watercraft of the 19th and 20th centuries. One-hour lectures begin at 7 p.m. in the Harms Gallery and are free and open to the public. 

Remaining lectures in the series:

CANCELED with plans to reschedule

March 19: Battle of Hampton Roads & the Civil War on the Chesapeake and in Maryland
Chronicle the transition from the sailing navy to one made of iron. See why the Bay was so important during the Civil War, and discover ways Confederate raiders tried to out-smart the Union blockade of the eastern seaboard.

April 2: Steam and Sail on the Bay in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Explore the transition from sail to steam on the Chesapeake Bay. Eventually steam vessels replaced sail and rowed craft to facilitate movement of cargo and passengers across the Bay. Review various types of 19th and 20th century steamers and sailing craft.

April 16: Development of Chesapeake Bay Watercraft and Fishing
Many types of watercraft were developed for use on the Chesapeake Bay. Learn about  the design, construction, and history of these vessels—skipjacks, bugeyes, draketails, and crabbing skiffs, as well as some lesser-known vessels that have worked the Bay.