Calvert Marine Museum Sets Strategic Plan For 2026-2030

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert Marine Museum (CMM) offered the public a look into the next phase of its strategic plan, spanning from 2026-2030, at the May 5 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting.

The latest strategic plan is built around four key pillars:

Make The Museum A Destination

Objectives: Build an inclusive, dynamic visitor experience, enhance visitor amenities, develop the Paleontology Center and increase CMM’s visibility.

This goal is about the visitor experience and builds on an existing strength, since the CMM is a leading cultural institution in Southern Maryland. Making it a true destination means, in some ways, making big bigger (physically, organizationally and/or programmatically), as well as building in mechanisms to enhance visitor centricity and regional visibility.

Maximize The Museum’s Statewide And Regional Impact

Objectives: Create new partnership strategies, enhance outreach and accessibility, pursue new academic initiatives and cultivate a sustainable volunteer pipeline.

This goal focuses on generating public benefit for all inhabitants of Calvert County and the region — not only its human inhabitants, but also its animal and plant life. In this way, the CMM embraces a service orientation and becomes a community builder that is dedicated to improving quality of life. This goal contributes to ongoing sustainability as well, linking the two goals, since maximizing impact not only justifies continued county support but also boosts arguments for private contributions.

Improve Site And Building Functionality

Objectives: Assess the physical condition of existing facilities and infrastructure, complete a functional needs assessment of existing spaces and facilities and define future needs, create a new Campus Master Plan, create an operational plan to support the facilities development in the new Campus Master Plan.

This goal supports all others — an impactful, service-oriented destination attraction needs a physical plant equal to the task — but also serves the audience, staff and back-of-house needs.

Ensure Future Sustainability

Objectives: Cultivate and expand revenue sources through operations and fundraising initiatives, strengthen engagement with individual, corporate and foundation donors, explore additional opportunities for regional and public-sector partnerships to ensure sustained institutional growth and community.

CMM is fortunate to have the support of the Calvert County government and a number of reliable earned revenue streams managed by its various operating partners. That said, future sustainability is never assured, and in unstable times it behooves any organization to anticipate risks and plan accordingly.

“With these guiding goals, we aim to further our reputation as a trusted educational resource and a vibrant community hub. We will invest in innovation, foster inclusivity, and steward the remarkable legacy of the museum — from ancient fossils to the maritime heritage and biology of the local land and waters,” Executive Director Jeffrey Murray wrote in the strategic plan documents.

Commissioners praised the Marine Museum’s efforts, its volunteer program and work with local schools. Commissioner Earl “Buddy” Hance said the museum is a “great thing for Calvert County.”

“The Marine Museum is a gem,” Commissioner Catherine Grasso said. “It is just invaluable to the county.”

Commissioners thanked Murray and his board and staff and expressed support and excitement for the next phase of the CMM before officially approving the 2026-2030 strategic plan in a 5-0 vote.

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