The Museum of Eastern Shore Culture at SU will open November 2 through Friday, October 18, 2024

By SU Public Relations

SALISBURY, MD—Salisbury University opens its new Museum of Eastern Shore Culture at 218 W. Main St. on Saturday, November 2nd.

The museum features decoys by the Ward Brothers and other distinguished carvers from the SU’s permanent collection. However, this museum is about more than just carvings. Inaugural exhibitions include contemporary works by local and SU students and faculty, regional Native American artifacts and more.

“While the collection is an important part of this museum, the story we want to tell expands to include and encompass all regional and community traditions,” said Raye-Valion Gillette, the museum’s curator and folklife specialist. “This will be a place where residents and visitors can learn more about the heritage and culture of the East Coast through art and accompanying programs.”

Portions of the collection on display will include decoys made by Crisfield, Md., locals Lem and Steve Ward, whose decorative works are credited with elevating the practice of decoy carving to an art form. (Lem, in particular, was honored by President Ronald Reagan and named a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow.)

Another exhibition will feature carvings of prototype ducks made by several carvers from the collection.

Contemporary artists are also featured at the museum, with opening exhibitions highlighting works by Maryland artist, historian and writer Yolanda Acree, whose collages explore themes such as black cultural identity and world-making; Eastern Shore landscape artist and SU alumnus Kenneth Brown; Susan Holt, artist and retired art instructor and director of the Mosley Gallery at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; and Worcester County mixed media abstract artist Deb Rolig.

Other inaugural exhibitions include artwork by students and faculty from SU’s hot glass program, artifacts and interpretive panels representing the Pocomoke Indian Nation, and a selection of quilts from the collection of the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture SU.

“Our inaugural exhibitions will cover a wide range of East Coast culture that we believe will be of interest to visitors,” said Alexandra Kean, museum operations coordinator. “As exhibitions change in the future, we plan to showcase more parts of the collection, as well as local and regional artists and others who have made important contributions to local heritage.”

The museum received support from several statewide cultural organizations, including Maryland Humanities and the Maryland Heritage Area Authority, which awarded a $35,800 grant to provide interpretive and accessibility features at the museum.

“Beyond what is on display at the museum, we plan to offer educational programs and community engagement opportunities, as well as events hosted by SU, the museum and our community partners,” Gillette said. “The opening is just the beginning.”

The museum’s opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is available in the downtown garage (free for two hours on weekdays, free all day on Saturdays). Entry to the museum is free and the public is welcome.

For more information about the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture, visit the museum’s website.

Learn more about SU and ways to make “Tomorrow Yours” on the SU website.