European colonial history tends to take center stage when examining our history, and while it is an important element of American history, that is only part of our story. Our extensive history spans thousands of years, beginning far before Captain John Smith's exploration of the peninsula in 1608. Around 10,000 years ago, changes in climate resulted in glacial ice melting, rising sea levels, and the formation of what is known as the Chesapeake Bay today. The Chesapeake and the Delmarva Peninsula with its rich resources are tied closely to the indigenous history of the Shore, with many groups forming settlements along the Chesapeake's tributaries.
Some of the earliest Africans to arrive in the area during British colonization arrived as slaves in 1619. Near the end of August, The White Lion, an English privateer ship, landed at Point Comfort in Virginia after intercepting a Portuguese slave ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Here, the crew of The White Lion sold their captives as slaves to local planters. This interaction marks the beginning of the large-scale forced importation of enslaved Africans to America. While many Black Americans remained enslaved up until the abolition of slavery in 1865 with the ratification of the 13th Amendment, many were born free, gained freedom through manumission, or escaped from bondage. These free black populations, often founding their own communities, have a rich history of courage and resilience. They also have contributed to American history in countless ways through their achievements.
Some of the earliest Africans to arrive in the area during British colonization arrived as slaves in 1619. Near the end of August, The White Lion, an English privateer ship, landed at Point Comfort in Virginia after intercepting a Portuguese slave ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Here, the crew of The White Lion sold their captives as slaves to local planters. This interaction marks the beginning of the large-scale forced importation of enslaved Africans to America. While many Black Americans remained enslaved up until the abolition of slavery in 1865 with the ratification of the 13th Amendment, many were born free, gained freedom through manumission, or escaped from bondage. These free black populations, often founding their own communities, have a rich history of courage and resilience. They also have contributed to American history in countless ways through their achievements.
Black History |
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Allen Historical Society Museum:
Located in the 1883 Huffington-Pollitt House in Allen, the Allen Museum aims to preserve and share the history of the historic Allen village. Exhibits include those on Native American life, Buffalo Soldier Thomas E. Polk from Allen, early village life, and more 3430 Allen Rd, Eden |
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Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center:
With ties to a building dating back to 1838, the John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church was incorporated in 1876. It was abandoned for a period until local educator Charles Chipman and his wife Jeanette purchased the building and converted it into a center for Black history in Salisbury 325 Broad St, Salisbury |
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Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture:
The Nabb Center contains extensive archives and artifacts pertaining to the family and cultural history of the Shore both before and after European settlement. Their presentations and exhibits also help share our history. 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury |
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Germantown School Community Heritage Center:
Built in 1922 through a community initiative to bring education to a Black neighborhood, this school house was just one of over 5,000 Rosenwald Schools built in the South. Today, the school recreates the traditional Rosenwald School experience, explores local Black history, and serves as a community center as well 10223 Trappe Rd, Berlin |
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San Domingo School:
Originally built in 1919, San Domingo was a Rosenwald School that was restored in the 2000s by the community and former students. It is one of the few standing Rosenwald schools in Maryland and the country 11526 Old School Rd, Sharptown |
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Sturgis One Room School:
Sturgis One Room School operated as an African American school for 37 years until 1937 when it closed its doors. Today, the Sturgis One Room School Museum Inc. actively works to preserve, promote, and protect the rich cultural heritage of Sturgis One Room School 209 Willow St, Pocomoke City |
Indigenous History |
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Allen Historical Society Museum:
Located in the 1883 Huffington-Pollitt House in Allen, the Allen Museum aims to preserve and share the history of the historic Allen village. Exhibits include those on Native American life, Buffalo Soldier Thomas E. Polk from Allen, early village life, and more 3430 Allen Rd, Eden |
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Delmarva Discovery Museum:
16,000 sq ft of exhibits featuring the natural and cultural histories of Delmarva's Chesapeake Bay region spanning over 12,000 years 2 Market St, Pocomoke City |
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Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture:
The Nabb Center contains extensive archives and artifacts pertaining to the family and cultural history of the Shore both before and after European settlement. Their presentations and exhibits also help share our history. 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury |
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Rackliffe House:
Captain Charles Rackliffe, a merchant-planter and the grandson of one of the earliest English settlers to Maryland's coast, built this two-story, three-bay Manor house overlooking the water in the 1740s. Today it has been restored to its original 18th century appearance and shares the Native American, Black, and European-American history of the site and area 11800 Marsh View Lane, Berlin (Behind the Assateague Island Visitor Center) |
