The St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point has opened a new exhibit, “A Glimpse into the World of the Oyster Industry,” and a film that showcases the history of St. Clement’s Island from 1634 to the present.
The oyster industry exhibit captures a time when oysters were in abundance and oyster processing houses dotted the shores of the local rivers and Chesapeake Bay. A state-of-the-art flat screen television and surround sound system brings to life the powerful story of Maryland’s founding, the Blackistone Lighthouse, and the passionate story behind the lighthouse reconstruction, completed in 2008.
The museum proudly acknowledged “partners for preservation” who contributed artifacts, services and financial donations towards these significant museum enhancements at a premier event June 19. Jim Banagan, Calvert Marine Museum, St. Clement’s Hundred, community partners, and the St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners were recognized for their contributions.
The museum’s exhibits interpret Maryland’s earliest history from the first colonial landing on St. Clement’s Island in 1634, later history of the island and the Blackistone Lighthouse, as well as life along the Potomac River. The new 14-minute film will provide visitors with a comprehensive and colorful presentation that brings this little island’s big history to life.
The St. Clement’s Island Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of September with weekend water taxi excursions to the island, weather permitting. The museum is managed by the Museum Division of the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks. The museum and grounds are handicap accessible. For more information, call the museum at (301) 769-2222 or log on to the website at www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums.