An Evening of Skipjacks
Honoring Maryland’s maritime heritage through storytelling, film, song, and community.
Museum of Eastern Shore Culture | 218 W. Main St, Salisbury, MD 21801
Monday, August 24th | 6:00pm
Monday, August 24th | 6:00pm
The Beach to Bay Heritage Area (BBHA), in partnership with Skipjack Heritage Inc. and the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture, invites the public to An Evening of Skipjacks on Monday, August 24, at 6:00 p.m. at the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture, 218 W. Main Street, Salisbury.
This free public program will celebrate the history, traditions, and enduring legacy of Maryland's iconic skipjacks. The evening will begin with an introduction to the history of the skipjack, followed by traditional maritime music and songs that have long been associated with life on the Chesapeake Bay. Guests will then enjoy a screening of the documentary Voices of the Skipjack, which captures the stories, traditions, and experiences of the men who continue to preserve this unique maritime heritage.
Following the film, attendees will hear firsthand from three well-known and respected skipjack captains: Capt. Shawn Ridgley, Capt. Wade Murphy III, and Capt. Stoney Whitelock, who will share personal stories and insights from their years working aboard Maryland's historic sailing vessels. Acclaimed historian Dr. Clara Small will also discuss the often-overlooked contributions of Black watermen to the Chesapeake Bay's maritime traditions. The program concludes with an audience question-and-answer session featuring the captains and guest speakers. Guests are also encouraged to engage with exhibitors who will be offering additional information on the region’s heritage and showcasing model skipjacks.
Admission is free and refreshments will be served during the program.
This free public program will celebrate the history, traditions, and enduring legacy of Maryland's iconic skipjacks. The evening will begin with an introduction to the history of the skipjack, followed by traditional maritime music and songs that have long been associated with life on the Chesapeake Bay. Guests will then enjoy a screening of the documentary Voices of the Skipjack, which captures the stories, traditions, and experiences of the men who continue to preserve this unique maritime heritage.
Following the film, attendees will hear firsthand from three well-known and respected skipjack captains: Capt. Shawn Ridgley, Capt. Wade Murphy III, and Capt. Stoney Whitelock, who will share personal stories and insights from their years working aboard Maryland's historic sailing vessels. Acclaimed historian Dr. Clara Small will also discuss the often-overlooked contributions of Black watermen to the Chesapeake Bay's maritime traditions. The program concludes with an audience question-and-answer session featuring the captains and guest speakers. Guests are also encouraged to engage with exhibitors who will be offering additional information on the region’s heritage and showcasing model skipjacks.
Admission is free and refreshments will be served during the program.
Inaugural Tindley Day Celebration
July 7th | 5pm - 7pm
Calvin B. Taylor House Museum | 208 N. Main St., Berlin, MD 21850
Calvin B. Taylor House Museum | 208 N. Main St., Berlin, MD 21850
A collaboration between the Germantown School, Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, and the Beach to Bay Heritage Area
Join Germantown School, the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, and Beach to Bay Heritage Area at the Taylor House museum to inaugurate the annual Tindley Day celebration on Tindley Day (July 7)!
Come learn about and celebrate the life of Dr. Rev. Charles Albert Tindley, the Berlin native who rose to greatness through his own efforts. Known as the "Barefoot Boy of Berlin," Tindley recieved no formal education and taught himself how to read from old newspapers. His strong desire to go to church led him to become one of the most influential ministers and gospel composers in the nation.
This celebration will feature guest speakers sharing the story of Tindley, performances of his famous hymns, an exhibit on Rev. Tindley on loan from the Germantown School, and a reading of the Tindley Day proclamation that established July 7th as Tindley Day. Plus, there will be ice cream available from the Seaside Sweets ice cream truck! Join us for this evening of celebration, song, history, and ice cream!
Come learn about and celebrate the life of Dr. Rev. Charles Albert Tindley, the Berlin native who rose to greatness through his own efforts. Known as the "Barefoot Boy of Berlin," Tindley recieved no formal education and taught himself how to read from old newspapers. His strong desire to go to church led him to become one of the most influential ministers and gospel composers in the nation.
This celebration will feature guest speakers sharing the story of Tindley, performances of his famous hymns, an exhibit on Rev. Tindley on loan from the Germantown School, and a reading of the Tindley Day proclamation that established July 7th as Tindley Day. Plus, there will be ice cream available from the Seaside Sweets ice cream truck! Join us for this evening of celebration, song, history, and ice cream!
HISTORY & HYMNS:
An Evening of Gospel on the Shore
Featuring Dr. John Wesley Wright, Annabell Midley, and
American Idol Star Jay Copeland
American Idol Star Jay Copeland
May 16th, 2026 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Asbury United Methodist Church | 1401 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801
Admission | $25
SEATING IS LIMITED!
Asbury United Methodist Church | 1401 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801
Admission | $25
SEATING IS LIMITED!
Dr. John Wesley Wright
|
Annabell Midley
|
Jay Copeland
|
The Beach to Bay Heritage Area presents HISTORY & HYMNS: An Evening of Gospel on the Shore featuring Dr. John Wesley Wright, Annabell Midley, and American Idol star Jay Copeland! Join us on May 16, 2026 at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury at 4:00pm for an unforgettable night on the shore!
The program will explore the rich history and enduring legacy of gospel music on the Eastern Shore, blending storytelling and live performances to explore the rich history and enduring legacy of spirituals, gospels, and communal singing on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Food and refreshments will follow.
Spirituals and gospels have a long history on the shore, being traditions passed down for generations. Reverend Charles Albert Tindley was a renowned minister with roots in Berlin. He wrote several hymns which helped establish him as one of the founding fathers of gospel music. Today, artists like Dr. John Wesley Wright not only keep these traditions alive, but share their importance to wider audiences. Don't miss out on this unique lower shore experience!
In addition, the Beach to Bay Heritage Area will be presenting Heritage Awards during this event.
The program will explore the rich history and enduring legacy of gospel music on the Eastern Shore, blending storytelling and live performances to explore the rich history and enduring legacy of spirituals, gospels, and communal singing on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Food and refreshments will follow.
Spirituals and gospels have a long history on the shore, being traditions passed down for generations. Reverend Charles Albert Tindley was a renowned minister with roots in Berlin. He wrote several hymns which helped establish him as one of the founding fathers of gospel music. Today, artists like Dr. John Wesley Wright not only keep these traditions alive, but share their importance to wider audiences. Don't miss out on this unique lower shore experience!
In addition, the Beach to Bay Heritage Area will be presenting Heritage Awards during this event.
Heritage Award Categories:
- Legacy Award
- Heritage Award
- Tee O'Connor Heritage Professional Award.
Seating to this event is limited. Ensure you get a spot by ordering online. Any remaining tickets can be purchased at the door the day of the event and are available while supplies last!
Ticket confirmation will be emailed. Be sure to check your spam folder after ordering.
Physical tickets are not required, simply provide your name or order number when checking in at the day of the event!
Physical tickets are not required, simply provide your name or order number when checking in at the day of the event!
