The Oyster
& Maritime Museum

The Oyster & Maritime Museum, a non-profit educational institution, is located on Maddox Blvd just before the entrance to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Founded in 1965 by a group of island women, the museum opened in 1972 and was recently expanded in 1996. The museum tells the story of island history and of the oystering and seafood business which was the major industry of the island.

At the museum, you'll find not only examples of the traditional tools used in the oyster industry, but also a wealth of information on the gathering and processing of oysters. A good place to start is the sight and sound diorama that explains oystering - from breeding and growing to harvesting, packing, and shipping. You'll see models of oyster boats and an oyster dock and hear an excellent narration. Other displays and photographs provide further insight into the traditions of oystering on Chincoteague and Assateague.

The museum's collection also includes:
fossils from the waters around the islands and from locations around the world; display cases containing a great variety of interesting and curious shells from around the world; objects that were thrown into the water and "recycled" by oyster larvae (the larvae cement themselves to almost any solid object which will then serve as their home);a variety of artworks which include not only painted and sculpted shells, but also a number of beautiful and practical items; and many other displays relating to life on and around the islands (including the original Fresnel lens from the Assateague Lighthouse).

For more information call (757) 336-6117.
Web site - http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/oyster/index.html

Oyster and Maritime Museum
7125 Maddox Blvd.
Chincoteague, VA 23336
757-336-6117