Explore Southern Maryland’s Museums
A treasure trove of history and culture is waiting to be explored in Southern Maryland. Known for its rich indigenous heritage, colonial importance, and proximity to our nation’s capital, this region is home to several unique museum experiences you can only find here. In this journey, you'll encounter museums that preserve significant moments in American history, from colonial milestones to modern triumphs. Picture yourself exploring an archaeology park where the remnants of the past are unearthed, revealing secrets long buried beneath our feet. Experience the thrill of standing beside military aircraft that tell tales of bravery and innovation, machines that changed the course of history. Learn about the Chesapeake Bay’s delicate ecosystem and watch adorable river otters at play. You can find each of these right here in Southern Maryland. Let us show you around!
PAX River Naval Air Museum
22156 Three Notch Rd
Lexington Park, MD 20653
https://paxmuseum.com/
(301) 863-1900
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday 10AM – 5PM and Sundays 12PM – 5PM. Flight Simulator only open on Sat & Sun.
Embark on a unique journey into the world of naval aviation at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum (PRNAM) in Southern Maryland. Unlike traditional aviation museums that focus mainly on operational aircraft, PRNAM offers a one-of-a-kind experience centered around the research, development, test, and evaluation aspects of aviation. This makes PRNAM an unparalleled destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
PRNAM's collection is distinctive, showcasing not only ideas and concepts that were introduced to the Fleet but also those that never made it. This approach provides an intriguing glimpse into the 'what-ifs' of aviation history. With over 22 one-of-a-kind aircraft on display, visitors have the rare opportunity to get up close to these historical marvels.
The museum's flightline, spread over 2 1/2 acres, features 25 different Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, many being unique test aircraft and prototypes. This includes the cupola from the Cedar Point lighthouse, a historical beacon at the junction of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay.
Aviation Prototype Exhibits
Opened in 2016, the Test and Evaluation Hall is an iconic feature of the museum. It houses multiple aircraft, ranging from a replica Curtiss A-1 Triad to the Lockheed Martin X-35C Joint Strike Fighter prototype. This hall also features galleries such as the History of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Naval Aviation in Space, and the upcoming Women in Aviation exhibit.
The Flight Technology Hall, the museum's longstanding home, is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits. Here, visitors can engage with flight simulators, explore the art room, and discover various galleries showcasing unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft engines, ejection seats, and an array of aircraft and aircraft carrier models.
Flight Simulator Experience
A highlight of PRNAM is the flight simulators, offering an exhilarating experience of flying real F-14 cockpits. Choose from a range of aircraft, including the F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18 Hornet, A-10 Warthog, P-51 Mustang, or even a larger aircraft like a C-130 Hercules. These simulators provide a realistic flying experience, allowing visitors to fly in the same airspace, engage in aerial maneuvers, and even simulate takeoffs and landings on an aircraft carrier. The simulators are available for a fee of $12 for 30 minutes, providing a thrilling adventure for anyone aged 8 and older.
History of Flight
Built in 2018 through a partnership with St. Mary’s County government, the Collections Management Facility is a digitally climate-controlled structure. It houses a vast collection of reference books, flight test video reels, and numerous artifacts. The museum’s volunteer team is dedicated to cataloging these precious items, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Calvert Marine Museum
14200 Solomons Island Road
Solomons, MD 20688
https://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/
(410) 326-2042
Hours: Open daily from 10am-5pm
Discover the rich tapestry of the Chesapeake Bay's history at the Calvert Marine Museum, a captivating destination for families and individuals alike. This unique museum, nestled in the heart of Southern Maryland, offers an immersive experience into the pre-history, natural history, and maritime heritage of the region, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the Chesapeake Bay's intriguing story.
Estuarine Biology Gallery
This popular exhibit brings the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay to life. Marvel at the fascinating creatures that inhabit these waters, from the graceful jellyfish to the intriguing chain dogfish, a small shark native to the Bay. The gallery also features river otters, skates, rays, and an array of fish, providing an up-close look at the diverse marine life of the region.
Paleontology Gallery
Step back in time with the gallery's prehistoric timeline, showcasing iconic fossils and illustrating where Calvert Cliffs' fossils fit into Earth's history. The exhibit includes original fossils from various sea creatures, sharks, fish, turtles, and even land animals from the Miocene era. A highlight is the life-size diorama featuring a 35-foot skeletal restoration of the extinct Miocene giant white shark, Otodus megalodon, a favorite photo opportunity for visitors.
Drum Point Lighthouse
Experience maritime history at the beautifully restored Drum Point Lighthouse, a screwpile, cottage-type light that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This lighthouse, one of only three remaining from forty-five that once guided ships in the Chesapeake Bay, offers a glimpse into the life of a lighthouse keeper in the early twentieth century.
Maryland’s Maritime Heritage
The “Maritime Patuxent: A River and Its People” exhibit tells the story of human interaction with the Chesapeake Bay, tracing the region's history from the Pawtuxunt Indians to the present day. Discover artifacts from the War of 1812, models of work boats, the story of Solomons Island, and the evolution of the seafood industry. The gallery also addresses current environmental challenges, highlighting the Bay's ongoing narrative.
Don’t miss the Small Craft Building on your visit! Housing twenty small craft from the museum's collection, this exhibit showcases vessels ranging from a dugout canoe to the forty-five-foot draketail Penguin. It's an impressive display that reflects the diverse boating history of the region.
River Cruises on the Wm. B. Tennison
Cap off your visit with a relaxing sightseeing cruise on the Patuxent River. This leisurely hour-long journey offers stunning views of the Solomons inner harbor, the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, and the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge, providing a perfect way to appreciate the beauty and significance of the area.
Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
10515 Mackall Road
St. Leonard, MD 20685
https://jefpat.maryland.gov/
410-586-8538
Hours: Visitors Center open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm; Park & Trails 7:30am-Dusk daily
Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum (JPPM), located along the scenic Patuxent River in Calvert County, Maryland, spans an impressive 560 acres, offering a unique glimpse into 9,000 years of human history. With over 65 archaeological sites, JPPM is a treasure trove of historical and cultural secrets waiting to be discovered. The park boasts miles of trails for hiking enthusiasts, while the Visitor Center offers a range of interactive exhibits that provide insights into the land and its ancient inhabitants. JPPM is also home to the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (MAC Lab), a state-of-the-art facility housing over 8 million artifacts. Here, visitors can engage in hands-on conservation activities and explore collections from each county in Maryland.
Woodland Indian Village
One of the park's highlights is the Woodland Indian Village, established in 2007. This immersive exhibit portrays the life of the native people over 400 years ago, when explorer John Smith first encountered them. Despite lacking metal tools, these indigenous communities built remarkable structures and developed a rich, complex culture. The Village, complete with wigwams furnished with tools, furs, and baskets, offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and learn about the Patuxent Indians.
Unearth Maryland’s History
JPPM also offers an engaging Public Archaeology Program. This program invites the public to experience archaeology firsthand, whether it's excavating a site, screening for artifacts, or washing finds at the MAC Lab. It's an exciting way for families to connect with the past and perhaps even make new discoveries.
The MAC Lab serves as a crucial center for the research, conservation, and curation of archaeological finds from Maryland. It acts as a repository for collections from state and federal projects, as well as private donations, making these invaluable resources available for research, education, and exhibition.
In addition, JPPM's Research Library holds one of the region's largest collections on the archaeology and history of Maryland and the Middle Atlantic area, with over 14,000 references. This extensive collection is a vital resource for students, scholars, and the general public, particularly those conducting research.
Walking Audio Tours & Hiking
The park also offers three walking audio tours accessible via cell phone. These tours cover various historical periods, including the replica Indian Village, the impact of the War of 1812, and the life experiences of Marylanders from colonial times to the present. With five distinct trails to explore, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural and historical beauty of JPPM.
St. Clement’s Island Museum & Park
38370 Point Breeze Road
Colton’s Point, MD 20626
https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/Recreate/Museums/StClementsIsland/
(301) 769-2222
Hours: Museum Open Daily 10am-5pm
Water Taxi to Park Open Daily, March 25 – October 31
First cruise from the museum: 10:00 A.M.
Last cruise from the island: 3:00 P.M.
Embark on a journey through time at the St. Clement’s Island Museum & State Park, a captivating destination nestled on the east shore of the Potomac River in Maryland. Overlooking the historic St. Clement’s Island, the museum stands as a testament to Maryland's first colonial landing in 1634 and is a treasure trove of early American history and Potomac River heritage.
Portal to Maryland's Colonial Past
The museum vividly narrates the story of Maryland’s earliest days, focusing on the English history that led to the establishment of the colony. It delves into the religious and political issues of the 16th and 17th centuries, spotlighting George Calvert, the First Lord Baltimore, and his vision of founding a colony based on religious tolerance. Visitors will be enthralled by the tales of the Ark and the Dove, ships that braved the Atlantic Ocean, navigating through pirates and storms, to establish a permanent settlement on the Potomac River.
At the museum, you can immerse yourself in Father Andrew White’s account of the voyage and landing, complemented by a 7 x 20-foot mural depicting the colonial arrival. The Potomac Room showcases the heritage of the Blackistone Lighthouse and the local industries such as hunting, crabbing, fishing, and oystering. An authentic 19th-century one-room schoolhouse on the grounds offers a glimpse into early American education, while the historic watercraft, the Doris C, represents the river’s maritime past.
St. Clement's Island State Park
The island itself, accessible by water taxi, is a serene getaway. Visitors can explore the 40-foot commemorative cross, a symbol of America’s foundation of religious toleration, and a replica of the Blackistone Lighthouse, offering insights into the island’s 19th and 20th-century history. The park is perfect for picnics, with covered pavilions and benches along the scenic riverside, and offers hiking trails with interpretive panels chronicling the island’s history.
The water taxi service, running from March 25 to October 31, provides an easy and enjoyable way to reach the island. With continuous trips starting at 10:00 a.m., visitors can conveniently explore this historical gem and return by 3:00 p.m., making for a perfect day trip.
Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum
3725 Dr. Samuel Mudd Road
Waldorf, MD 20601
https://drmudd.org/
Hours: The museum is open seasonally (Spring-Fall) only on the following days: Wednesday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Step back in time at the Dr. Mudd House Museum, where history is not just told, but vividly brought to life. This historical gem offers a unique window into a pivotal moment in American history, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The museum, once the home of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, gained notoriety as the place where John Wilkes Booth sought medical assistance for his broken leg following the infamous assassination.
What makes a visit to the Dr. Mudd House truly exceptional are the tours led by costumed docents. These knowledgeable guides, dressed in period attire, transport visitors back to the 19th century, offering rich narratives and insights into the life and times of the US during the Civil War era. Another captivating feature of the tour is the escape route, including a journey through the dense Zekiah Swamp. Here, visitors can experience the same challenging terrain that Booth navigated during his flight from the law. The swamp's thick foliage and mysterious air add an authentic and thrilling dimension to the story, allowing visitors to truly grasp the historical significance of the events that unfolded here.