COLTON’S POINT, Md. — Shovels hit the ground Tuesday as St. Mary’s County leaders, museum staff, tribal representatives and community members gathered for the groundbreaking of the new St. Clement’s Island Museum. The $6.3 million project, awarded to local contractor W.M. Davis Inc. of Hollywood, Md., marks a milestone in preserving one of Maryland’s most important historic sites.
The new two-story, 9,450-square-foot facility will replace the existing museum on the shore of the Potomac River, overlooking the site of Maryland’s first colonial landing in 1634. With construction expected to begin in September, the redesigned museum will expand exhibit space, add children’s activity areas and feature an open event space.
The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. During construction, museum operations and administrative work will continue inside the annex building located across the street from the original site.
Community Pride and Heritage Preservation
Honoring the museum’s groundbreaking with a blessing in his native language, Francis Gray, tribal chair of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, Southern Maryland’s Indigenous people, welcomed the reconstruction of the St. Clement’s Island Museum. Standing on the shore of the Potomac River, Gray reminded everyone that the expanded museum must carry forward the stories of all who shaped Maryland’s beginnings.
“It’s going to be up to us collectively to tell that story, not just from one perspective, but from the perspective of all who were a part of what originally happened here,” Gray said.
For the Piscataway people, the new museum represents a shift in how Maryland’s founding is told. Gray emphasized that the redesigned facility will allow Native voices to guide the interpretation of their own history, with input from tribal historians, citizens and teachers.
“This now becomes our story. We get to tell our story, and this is what makes this so honorable,” Gray said.
Karen Stone, museum division manager for St. Mary’s County, said the new St. Clement’s Island Museum will not only expand the space but also expand the story it tells. She emphasized that the redesigned exhibits will incorporate both English and Piscataway perspectives, giving the public a more complete understanding of Maryland’s origins. Stone said the project has generated excitement across the county and is intended to be a museum for everyone.
“It will instill a sense of pride in the whole county,” Stone said. “It really is the people’s museum, so everybody should take pride in it and should come see it and participate in it.”
St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Randy Guy underscored the site’s importance in preserving Maryland’s earliest history.
“The museum holds a special place in our community as the keeper of Maryland’s founding story and the many rich cultural, religious and maritime traditions that have shaped our community,” Guy said. “The new facility we are celebrating today will honor that legacy while creating an even greater opportunity for learning, exploration and connection with future generations.”
Pride, Progress and Modern Amenities
Beyond its exhibits, the museum will serve as an economic and educational resource. The project is expected to support local construction jobs and bring long-term benefits to the county’s heritage tourism sector.
County Commissioner Mike Alderson, who represents the northern part of St. Mary’s County, said the new two-story facility will finally give the museum the space and modern amenities needed to tell Maryland’s founding story in full. Expanded exhibits, meeting areas and updated displays will not only highlight the county’s colonial past but also bring forward the narratives of the Piscataway people. Alderson stressed that the project is as much about community pride as it is about history.
“It’s very important that all the stories be told, because all the stories together are the threads that make the fabric that we are today,” Alderson said. “This new museum gives us the space and the pride to do that right.”
The new facility will allow the Southern Maryland community to tell their stories using modern technology, artifacts borrowed from the Smithsonian and the perspectives of Native historians, which is seen as a significant honor to the Piscataway Conoy Tribe.
“We are now telling our story from an Indigenous perspective,” Gray said. “Not to change the story, but to enhance the full story of what occurred.”
Photos from Ron Bailey Photo Productions:
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Sir/Madame – My direct ancester John Shircliff arrived in St. Mary’s Cjty in 1638 on the “Ship Unity” from England. He settled his family around St. Clements and Britain’s Bay area. Over the years Shircliff families relacted to Kentucky, Indiana and my family to Allegany in Western Maryland. I can provide more information is needed. My name is Ansel Shircliffe. Looks like you and committee should be commended for your work. Good Luck