October 3 | 11 AM - 5 PM
Free Admission
Galesville Maritime Heritage Festival
Sponsored by the Galesville Heritage SocietyWhat to ExpectSpend the day in the waterfront village of Galesville on Maryland’s West River, where four centuries of Chesapeake Bay culture come alive.
Tour the century-old Hartge Yacht Yard, explore the Galesville Heritage Museum and its story of a Revolutionary War–era shipyard, and enjoy family-friendly activities at the West River Sailing Club with the iconic Chesapeake 20 sailboats on display.
Watch a parade of classic and antique boats—or hop aboard a narrated boat tour—then meet local authors, learn about historic fishing techniques and the waterman’s trade, shop our farmers market, and enjoy lunch by the water at a local restaurant or visiting food truck.
Top it all off with live music throughout the day.
Admission is free; donations are encouraged.
❋ Boat ToursNarrated boat tours will offer on-the-water interpretation, connecting the built environment and the natural landscape to the stories of commerce, recreation, and community life along the West River.
❋ Children's ActivitiesTo bring the maritime story to life beyond traditional exhibits, the festival will feature hands-on demonstrations and interpretive displays showcasing historic fishing techniques and the waterman’s trade, providing opportunities for intergenerational learning and deeper understanding of Chesapeake livelihoods. Family engagement is a central focus: the West River Sailing Club will host children’s activities and youth-friendly programming, with the iconic Chesapeake 20 sailboats on display to illustrate local design, recreation, and competitive sailing traditions associated with the West River.
The Festival features an exciting series of Maritime Heritage Talks by local writers and historians, presented in the Galesville Methodist Church Fellowship Room.
At 11:30 AM, Thomas Point Lighthouse -- A Chesapeake Icon with author David Gendell will begin the series, followed at 12:15 PM with Owens Yachts - Second Only to Chris-Craft in the 20th Century, presented by Jeffrey Beard.
At 1:15 PM, The Last Days of the Schooner America by David Gendell will appeal to everyone who loves sailboat racing and American history. At 2:15 PM, author Kathy Smith recounts The Deadliest Shipwreck in Chesapeake History.
The closing Maritime Heritage Talk by author Mick Blackistone and photographer Mitzi Bernard at 3:00 PM is entitled Women Working on the Chesapeake. All Maritime Heritage Talks will be held in the Fellowship Room of the Galesville United Methodist Church located at 4825 Church Lane.
❋ SeafoodIndulge in local food, along with a farmers market featuring produce from local farms, and meal options at Galesville restaurants and visiting food trucks. These elements support local businesses, encourage extended visitation, and create a welcoming environment that draws a broad cross-section of the public.
❋ Historic Boatyard ToursGuided walking tours of the century-old Hartge Yacht Yard, offering rare public access to a nationally recognized local boatyard and highlighting the crafts and trades that have sustained the waterfront economy for generations. Visitors will also be invited to the Galesville Heritage Museum for exhibits and interpretation focused on local history, including the story of a Revolutionary War-era shipyard that was burned by the British—an important chapter in the village’s historic relationship to the Chesapeake and the nation’s founding era.
❋ Maritime Heritage Talks❋ Live MusicPull up a lawn-chair and enjoy local entertainment from The Eastport Oyster Boys and That West River Band!
❋ Antique Boat ParadeWater-based programming will further expand access and interpretation. The festival will include a parade of classic and antique boats, viewable from the shoreline, celebrating the living legacy of Chesapeake vessels and stewardship.
Thank You to Our Festival Sponsors
Commodore
Captains Table
Community Partners
Schedule of Events
The Galesville Maritime Heritage Festival invites you to experience waterfront traditions firsthand.
Bring your family. Invite your neighbors. Spend the day along the waterfront.
Check back soon for more details…
The Galesville Maritime Heritage Festival invites you to experience waterfront traditions firsthand.
Bring your family. Invite your neighbors. Spend the day along the waterfront.
Check back soon for more details…
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11:15am
Opening Welcome -
11:30am
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse: A Chesapeake Icon | Dave Gendell12:15pm
Owens Yachts, Second Only to Chris Craft in the 20th Century | Jeff Beard1:15pm
The Last Days of the Schooner America | Dave Gendell2:15pm
Deadliest Shipwreck in Chesapeake History | Kathy Smith3:00pm
Women Working on the Chesapeake | Mick Blackistone -
12:00pm
That West River Band1:00pm
Sea Shanty Sing Along2:00pm
Eastport Oyster Boys -
11:30am
Village Boat Tour1:00pm
Steward Shipyard Boat Tour2:00pm
Village Boat Tour -
11:30am
Tour of a Working Boatyard (with Xan Schlegel) -
1:00 - 3:00pm
Viewable from
Galesville Wharf
West River Sailing Club
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12:15pm
3:30pm
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Schedule of Events
The Galesville Maritime Heritage Festival invites you to experience waterfront traditions firsthand.
Bring your family. Invite your neighbors. Spend the day along the waterfront.
Keep checking back for additional details…
Saturday, October 3, 2026
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full Festival Schedule
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11:00 AM
👨🌾 Farmer's Market
Community Center
🖼️ Galesville Rosenwald School & Community Center Display
🍽️ Food & Beverages🖼️ Model Boats Display
Memorial Hall
🖼️ Pound Net Display
📖 Featured Authors & Book Signing
📚 New Bay Books (for Sale)🖼️ Local & Maritime History Displays
Heritage Museum
🖼️ 18th Century Steward Shipyard Display
📍 Festival Headquarters
🚐 Shuttle Site🖼️ Antique & Classic Boats Shoreside Display
United Methodist Church
🍽️ BBQ & Beverages🖼️ Hartge Nautical Museum
Hartge Yacht Yard🍽️ Roasted Oysters & Beverages
West River Market🛝 Children's Activities
West River Sailing Club
🖼️ Chesapeake 20's Dockside Display
🍽️ Food & Beverages -
11:15 AM
💬 Opening Welcome & Talks Begin
Heritage Museum -
11:30 AM
💬 "Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse: A Chesapeake Icon" with author Dave Gendell
United Methodist Church📍 Tour of a Working Boatyard (Est. 1865) with Xan Schlegel
Hartge Yacht Yard🚤 Village Boat Tour
Galesville Wharf -
12:00 PM
🎶 Live Music: "That West River Band" (12:00 - 1:00 PM)
West River Sailing Club -
12:15 PM
💬 "Owens Yachts, Second Only to Chris Craft in the 20th Century" presented by Jeff Beard
United Methodist Chruch🚤 Watermen Demonstration (12:15 - 1:15 PM)
Galesville Wharf -
1:00 PM
🛥️ River Boat Parade - Viewing Site (1:00 - 3:00 PM)
Galesville Wharf🛥️ River Boat Parade - Viewing Site (1:00 - 3:00 PM)
West River Sailing Club🚤 Boat Tour to Steward Shipyard
Galesville Wharf -
1:15 PM
💬 "The Last Days of the Schooner America" by Dave Gendell
United Methodist Church -
2:00 PM
🎶 Live Music: "Eastport Oyster Boys" (2:00 - 4:30 PM)
West River Sailing Club🚤 Village Boat Tour
Galesville Wharf -
2:15 PM
💬 "Deadliest Shipwreck in Chesapeake History" with author Kathy Smith
United Methodist Church -
3:00 PM
💬 "Women Working on the Chesapeake" presented by Mick Blackistone and Mitzi Bernard
United Methodist Church -
3:30 PM
🚤 Watermen Demonstrations (3:30 - 4:30 PM)
Galesville Wharf -
5:00 PM
⛔ Festival Closes
Make a Donation
When you choose to give, you’re helping the Society advance our mission to promote and preserve the history of the village of Galesville and its immediate environs, within its community and the general public.
