State Approves $1.09 Million For Calvert Marine Museum Property Acquisition In Solomons

SOLOMONS, Md. — The Maryland Board of Public Works approved $1,092,500 on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, for the acquisition of a waterfront parcel adjacent to the Calvert Marine Museum campus, advancing plans for future expansion of the museum’s waterfront facilities and public space.

The funding was approved without discussion as part of the board’s Program Open Space Local Share agenda and will allow Calvert County to purchase approximately 1.1 acres at 215 Lore Road in Solomons — the Back Creek Holdings property — which sits directly adjacent to the museum’s existing nine-acre campus.

The approved purchase price of $1,092,500 falls between two independent appraisals — Associated Appraisers LLC valued the parcel at $1,025,000, while Hooper & Associates of Waldorf appraised it at $1,160,000.

Future Plans For The Property

According to the Calvert County FY 2026 Program Open Space Annual Program, the property at 215 Lore Road is 1.1 acres and includes approximately 60 feet of waterfront with a pier. The parcel is completely surrounded by existing museum property — the museum already owns the land directly behind it — making it the last privately held piece between the museum campus and the Beacon Marina.

What The Expansion Would Mean For The Museum

The acquisition has been a long-stated goal reflected in the museum’s 2018 site master plan. Plans call for installing a marine railway to support seasonal inspections and repairs of two of the museum’s historic vessels — the bugeye Wm. B. Tennison and the skipjack Dee of St. Mary’s, both National Historic Landmarks. The deeper water in front of the property would also allow the museum to welcome larger visiting vessels, including the Sultana and Maryland Dove.

Additional plans call for extending the boardwalk along the waterfront, expanding water-based activities and increasing public green space for outdoor festivals and events — reducing the museum’s longstanding reliance on privately owned property across Solomons Island Road. The existing single-family dwelling on the parcel is proposed for use as staff office space, collections storage and guest housing for visiting lecturers, with the basement available for visiting boaters. The property will be fully open to the public as part of the museum campus.

About The Calvert Marine Museum

The Calvert Marine Museum has been a cornerstone of Calvert County’s cultural and educational landscape since its founding in 1970. Located at the confluence of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay, the museum offers exhibits and programs focused on the region’s maritime heritage, paleontology and estuarine science. The museum holds a collection of more than 200,000 artifacts and is fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

The museum also hosts community events throughout the year, including its popular Summer Waterside Concert Series, which draws nationally touring acts and visitors from across the region. See who is playing this year here.

The Calvert Marine Museum is located at 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, MD 20688. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults; $9 for seniors, military and veterans with valid I.D., AAA and AARP members; $6 for children ages 5–12; children under 5 and museum members are admitted free. For more information, visit calvertmarinemuseum.com.

What Is Program Open Space?

Program Open Space is Maryland’s primary land conservation and outdoor recreation funding program. Established in 1969, the program helps state and local governments acquire, preserve and develop land for parks, public recreation, natural resource conservation and open space protection. The program is funded primarily through a portion of the state’s real estate transfer tax and provides grants to counties and municipalities for projects ranging from new parks and trails to waterfront access and recreational facilities.

Additional information about Program Open Space is available through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The full Calvert County FY 2026 Program Open Space Annual Program and the Calvert Marine Museum 2018 Site Master Plan are available online.

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