Which Museum

Rick L

Rick L

Well-known member
In a couple weeks I may have the chance to pass through Maryland and make a quick visit to one of the decoy museums, never been to either

looking at either the Ward Museum or the Harve De Grace site

a couple hours time tops to see only one -

so - which one and why?

Ward's is a little shorter drive
the Harve De Grace museum has an event listed, so will it be too crowded to see quickly?
 
It depends what kind of decoys you want to see. HDG is mainly working birds from the upper bay. Great museum.

Ward museum has a little of everything. From old gunner to the newest world champion decorative .
 
Ok. Good question


Old decoys. Old boats, gunning gear and guns

Stuff older than me if it's survived that long. Lol
 
HDG

Ward Museum has decoys ... but the majority of their collection is carvings other than decoys ... think, raptors, upland birds, shorebirds, etc.
 
If you are going to be there around the fifth of may, that begins the h de g decoy festival.
Havre de Grace Museum has a sound collections of decoys and gunning memorabilia, including boats, guns and other artifacts--Even some decorative stuff. Lots of other historical sites nearby-war of 1812 stuff.
If you are there that weekend, there is lots to do!
 
I,ve been to both and prefer the havdegrace museum . If your interested in upper bay gunnin decoys and old boats thats the one to see. A couple hrs time will easily allow you time to enjoy. Wards is geared more towards a vast array of carveing styles, mainly decorative, but some working birds thrown in. They do have a recreation of steve & lem wards decoys shop or should i say room. A lot of old market gunnin history at havdegrace museum as well. Wards world championship decoy carveing competiton will be going on in Ocean City , MD. about the time you,ll be heading thru the eastern shore if your interested.
 
thanks guys -

like I said unfortunately it will be a drive by visit

some day I would love to get back see the whole area

we will be there during the 35th ANNUAL HAVRE DE GRACE DECOY & WILDLIFE ART FESTIVAL
so hopefully the crowds are not too bad
 
^^^ The Ward World Championships start this Friday the 22nd through Sunday at the convention center in Ocean City. There will be thousands of decoys and carvings there along with various carving demonstrations. Friday the gunning category birds will go out into the bay and will be judged floating on the water. I'll be hosting a knife carving workshop featuring World Champions Del Herbert, Ashley Gray, Curt Fabre, and Tom Matus in the center's board room Friday from 1-3pm. Hope to see and meet some of you guys.
 
Always love the Ward museum. Plus, Dayton's Chicken is just around the corner! Decoys, fried chicken, and sweet tea...what could be better!


Nate
 
HDG - You will enjoy the museum and the show. If your there Sunday morning, check out the contest that George & company run. Tasty food and drink afterwards as well. Great setting and history.
 
Hey, i just do that for th Museum. It certainly has been a fun ride, though, since 1985, when Bill Veasy asked me to help move things around when the decoy competition was held in a small gym, in the Middle School. THAT was BEFORE the museum was anything more than a brainstorm, which came to fruition, thanks to a ton of dedicated folks over in the H de G area. Our picnic will be on saturday this year, because Mom's day falls on the Sunday of the fitst full weekend in May. Bring some stuff-food or beverages are welcome. Guess i am making duck breast chili this year.
The comp on the flats will be doubled in size, since an entire new set as been added for Upper Bay Style decoys.
 
Rick, Havre De Grace is your place if you want old gunning memorabilia. Wards is awesome but is much more modern style art. I'm a big fan of both.


Dave
 
BTW - thanks for all the comments

[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Havre De Grace won out- planning on a short visit there Sunday - good Lord willin and the cricks don't rise


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Rick, if you make it a day earlier, you will get to see the decoys out in the bay, along with catching a pretty good tailgate picnic. Most of the comps will be held saturday this year. Probably due to Mom's day on Sunday.
 
Rick, if you make it a day earlier, you will get to see the decoys out in the bay, along with catching a pretty good tailgate picnic. Most of the comps will be held saturday this year. Probably due to Mom's day on Sunday.

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sounds like fun, but the die is cast - a quick visit on Sunday is all that can be
Click to expand...
 
May be up for a while on sunday morning. Look for a blue pickup with cap and Runamuckdecoys.com in rear window.
When you get there, ask one of the girls if they can show you around for a quick visit. If you park at the museum, try to budget some time to hop the shuttle and get to the middle school, where the main part of the show is happening.
 
sorry to have missed you George-

the museum was great - my wife even enjoyed the exhibits - the punt guns amazed her

we also made a quick pass through the school part of the show before heading home- lots to see- we did pick up a copy of Rob Leslie's "Autumn Woodies" which will go on the ever limited wall space here


https://www.facebook.com/RobLeslieA...7741480662512/467549580015034/?type=1&theater

tough choice between the bright colors of that one and the subdued look of one with black ducks setting in
 
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