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Credit Glenn Thompson for photos
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Updated: Skipjack Heritage Day- 9 May 2026
Website Administrator Wes Simpkins, April 20
HERITAGE DAY coming soon..May 9th!
**PREMIERE showing of our documentary "Voices of the Skipjack" during the day!
**Scrapple for breakfast 7:00 to 10:00 -- --11:00 to 2:00 Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Chicken strips & drinks!
Craftsmen Bill Suavely- Trailboard Carver & Peter Gorlick- Knot tying expert, will be with us most of the day.
Peter will also explain all the tools used by Brown Sailmakers ... (Full Story & Photos)
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to our websi te. Here, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for what Skipjack Heritage, Inc. is all about—who we are, what we do, and our passion for preserving what we believe to be some of the most historic and legendary vessels ever built, worked, and sailed on the Chesapeake Bay, along with the dedicated captains who guided them.
Skipjack Heritage, Inc. highlights both working and non-working skipjacks that remain in use and seaworthy today, while also honoring the memory of past vessels—skipjacks, bugeyes, and others—that were once part of the lower Delmarva region. We celebrate not only the boats themselves, but also their owners, captains, crews, and families.
What makes Skipjack Heritage, Inc. especially unique is our broader mission. Beyond the vessels, we are committed to preserving the heritage and legacy of greater Deal Island, Maryland, and the surrounding communities—their history, people, faith, and culture. (See our Deal Island History page)
We are a close-knit and, in many ways, insulated community within Somerset County, Maryland—one that many have chosen to remain a part of for generations. Our way of life is deeply rooted in community, shaped by our traditions, our people, our distinctive speech and dialect, our local foods, and our enduring dependence on the Chesapeake Bay. These elements are not just customs—they are an essential part of who we are.
We are committed to preserving and protecting this heritage for future generations. We owe it to our history, to the many ancestors who spent their lives working the water with dedication and pride, and to the generations to come who deserve to know and carry forward that legacy.
 It has been one of our greatest honors to take ownership of the iconic "Skipjack, City of Crisfield" ............(also see this link from the Chesapeake Bay Magazine) built for Gus Forbush of Crisfield by C. H. Rice and his son Ed in Reedville, Virginia in 1949. She was Captained by "Daddy Art Daniels" for many years. His sons Stan, Bob and Terry Daniels also captained her dredging oysters, etc. Captain Art Daniel........., who has passed away, went home with the Lord in 2017 and saw his family donate her to Skipjack Heritage, Inc. who has secured many donations, grants where she is once again getting rebuilt to sail the Chesapeake Bay waters. Taking on the responsibilty of getting her seaworthy again has been a great testimony not only for Skipjack Heritage, but those from the local community, working and retired Skipjack captains, enthusiasts
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| Captain Art, sons and grandson gittin'r done on the City of Crisfield |
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who have personally sacrificed and volunteered their time and sweat. It is our hope to complete this task will happen by the end of 2026.
As of this writing she has been totally fiber-glassed! We have a new mast, boom, sails and the rigging to install. It has been a long process that will be completed in the coming months. What a great day of Celebration that will be. If you have a desire to see this majestic Skipjack back in the water you can help with her completion by sending a donation to.......
To anyone and everyone who has contributed past, present and are considering to offer a selfless financial donation or have provided hours of restoration work to make our goal come true ..... we say "THANK YOU" from the bottom of our hearts!
 The idea for a museum and heritage center was first proposed as early as the 1960s by local resident and community activist Mr. Ben Evans. Thanks to his vision—and the continued efforts of many dedicated residents, civic organizations, and local authorities—that dream has finally been realized. Today, we are proud to have a home within the community dedicated to preserving our heritage for generations to come.
Video- Just Passin’ Through - Eps 6: Skipjack Heritage President Harold "Captain Stoney" Whitelock and Saving Skipjacks
The Skipjack Heritage Museum is run and supported by dedicated board members and local volunteers. Our mission is to preserve and share the maritime heritage of the island and surrounding communities, with a special focus on the people, culture, traditions, and the Chesapeake Bay that define this region.
Our knowledgeable staff are always available to answer questions and enhance your visit. We welcome and encourage contributions of photographs, documents, and artifacts to help enrich and preserve the Heritage for future generations.
- Preserving the Skipjack legacy: The museum's primary mission is to preserve the history of the skipjack, America's oldest working sailing
 vessel, including its restoration and keeping the history of the greater Deal Island relavent.
- Educating future generations: We use model boats, photos, and artifacts that we house to the credit of our local community to educate both current and future generations about the life of a waterman.
- Showcasing maritime heritage: Our museum exhibits highlight the island's commercial fishing industry, its captains, and the broader maritime heritage of the upper Tangier Sound. To illustrate the special heritage of the communities of the greater Deal Island municipalities has a deep meaning to our communities and those who have unselfisly contributed to our cause. See our media page for pictures of items on display in the Museum.
- Focus on local history: We document and preserve the stories and history of the local communities, going beyond just the maritime aspects to showcase the broader way of life in the area. The Skipjack being indicative to Deal Isand and its local communities was a hub for the thriving oyster trade. The boats were central to the economy, providing a livelihood for generations of local watermen and their families.
- Community involvement: We rely on items and oral histories donated by local residents to build their collections, ensuring the community's direct involvement in preserving its own story.
- Skipjack Heritage Video's -
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“Each donation, small or large, contributes to “Preserving the Heritage” of our State Boat, the Skipjack.
Would you consider supporting our mission to preserve, maintain, and benefit from these historic Maryland boats in our Chesapeake Bay?”
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Feel free to explore our site and browse the various histories, which will be updated regularly. You’ll also find plenty of photos that help bring each subject to life and give you a better sense of what’s being shared.
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| Deal Island "August Storm" of '33 damage |
First Skipjack Races at Deal Island in 1929 |
Captain Webster on the Skipjack Maime Mister |
Skipjack Heritage would like to honor and thank "William Wheatley" for his endeavor and commitment over the years to see Skipjack Heritage, the Museum come to fruitage and the many thousands of pictures he kindly left to Skipjack Heritage, Inc.
Excellent video about our beloved Deal Island
Your feedback is important to us! Feel free to sign the guestbook.
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