During the month of June, the Calvert Marine Museum will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Captain John Smith’s Chesapeake expedition. On May 12, 2007, a crew of 12 modern explorers will board a 28-foot open boat, or shallop, at Jamestown and embark on a 121-day voyage to retrace Captain John Smith’s historic 1608 Chesapeake Expedition. Propelling themselves solely by oar and sail, the crew of the 2007 voyage will follow Smith’s route through the Chesapeake, introducing millions of people to this important episode in our nation’s history while highlighting America’s first National Historic Water Trail.
The shallop and its exhibits will be on display at the Calvert Marine Museum on June 9 and 10. While visiting the shallop, young visitors can participate in building a model shallop or creating a colonial era map.
John Page Williams, the naturalist for the John Smith Water Trail, will talk about John Smith’s voyage aboard the Wm. B. Tennison as participants retrace the Patuxent leg of the trail. This three-hour guided cruise will leave from the boat basin at 4:00 p.m. and return at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served. The fee is $35 per person. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited so register early by calling 410-326-2042 x41.
On June 23 the museum will focus on the War of 1812 with Ship’s Company, and will offer a full day of family activities, all free with admission to the museum.
For more information, please visit the museum’s website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 410-326-2042.