LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County commissioners approved additional funding for the long-planned renovation of the St. Clement’s Island Museum, clearing the way for construction to begin later this summer. The $6.3 million project will be built by WM Davis Inc., a Hollywood, Maryland-based contractor, keeping the investment, and its economic impact, in the local community.
The project, originally approved in 2022 with an estimated cost of $4.4 million, faced delays due to property lease approvals, design contract issues and extended permitting on Maryland Department of Natural Resources land. Rising costs for mechanical, electrical and site work pushed the total price higher, requiring the commissioners to authorize an additional $1.9 million from the county’s capital reserve fund, known as the FIN.
Deputy Director of Public Works and Transportation Gary Whipple told commissioners that a longer, five-week bid window led to strong competition, with nine construction bids received for the renovations.
“If you throw out the high and low and average the rest, you have a pretty good scatter shot of what contractors say is the risk to build this now,” Whipple said. “And so we have a good number now for what we have to move forward to take down the existing museum and replace it.”
A Local Win For A Landmark Project
When bids were opened June 11, WM Davis emerged as the responsive and responsible low bidder, with a contract amount just over $4.3 million for construction. Procurement Manager Brandon Hayden recommended the award, noting the value of hiring a firm with proven local experience.
Commissioner Eric Colvin called the award “a good thing for St. Mary’s County and our citizens,” emphasizing the benefit of trusting a local company with a high-profile public project. Commissioner Mike Hewitt agreed, calling WM Davis’ selection “an excellent benefit to the county.”
Founded in St. Mary’s County, WM Davis Inc. has completed numerous public and private projects in the region. By keeping the museum renovation local, county leaders hope the contract will support area jobs and ensure familiarity with community expectations.
Preserving And Re-Imagining History
The St. Clement’s Island Museum, perched on the eastern shore of the Potomac River, tells the story of Maryland’s first colonial landing in 1634 and the intertwined histories of English settlers and the Piscataway people, the Chesapeake Bay area’s Indigenous communities. Exhibits trace the religious and political climate of 17th-century England, the voyage of the Ark and the Dove, and the heritage of the Potomac River.
The new two-story, 10,930-square-foot building will be constructed on the same footprint as the current facility. Plans call for 2,500 square feet of expanded exhibit space, a glass-sided meeting room, children’s activity areas, research library and multipurpose rooms. Exhibits will incorporate additional artifacts, including Native objects from Smithsonian collections, and interpretive content from both English and Piscataway perspectives. Outdoor amenities, such as the historic Doris C dory boat, will remain.
The museum store, operated by The Friends of St. Clement’s Island and Piney Point Museums, will continue to support educational programs and site preservation.
Funding Debate And Fiscal Caution
The commissioners discussed the impact of using capital reserves, with some members concerned about depleting the FIN for a single project. The account’s balance will drop from $2.27 million to about $361,000 after the museum transfer. This is still higher than in recent years, according to Chief Financial Officer Vanetta Van Cleave.
Commissioners also weighed potential effects on other capital projects, such as the planned Shannon Farm Park in the county’s north end. Ultimately, the board voted to move forward, citing the museum’s historical importance and the readiness of the project to proceed.
Breaking Ground On A Community Asset
Groundbreaking is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, with construction expected to take approximately 15 months. County leaders see the renovated museum as both a cultural asset and a draw for heritage tourism in the Seventh District.
“This is going to be an annual draw for visitors and a point of pride for residents,” Colvin said during the meeting. “It’s the kind of project that reminds us why investing locally matters.”
By selecting a local contractor and modernizing a site central to Maryland’s founding story, commissioners and project leaders aim to strengthen both the county’s economy and its connection to the past.
For more updates on county parks, attractions and improvements, visit St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/Recreate/RPCIP.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
