Mathews Maritime Foundation
Museum & Boat Shop
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Mathews Maritime Museum

Owned and operated by the Mathews Maritime Foundation, the Mathews Maritime Museum houses artifacts, documents, and photographs depicting the history and legacy of Mathews County and the Middle Peninsula of Virginia. This area has a varied, rich maritime history from colonial times through today, playing a vital role in all the major events of our country, the Chesapeake Bay, and world-wide commerce.

We welcome you! Our doors are OPEN from 10am-2pm, Fridays and Saturday, May through Nov. Want to tour by appointment? Contact us at info@mathewsmaritime.com. We are located in downtown Mathews, 482 Main Street, Mathews, VA. Get directions.

Steamboat Era in Mathews
A new exhibit opening this Spring



Collections & Lending Library

We currently have over 2800 local items. Displays include waterman artifacts, boatbuilders and boatbuilding tools, and model boats throughout the museum. We have a Navy and Merchant Marine room, and an exhibit on the History of Boatbuilding in Mathews that focuses on Fitchett's Wharf. We also have information on slave emancipation and its connections to Mathews.

  • Lighthouses
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  • Boatbuilding Tools
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  • Watermen Tools
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  • Boat Artifacts
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  • Nautical Books
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  • Models of Boats
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  • US Navy Relics
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  • Civil War Memorabilia
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  • Merchant Mariner Artifacts
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  • Navigational Tools
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  • Navigational Charts
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  • Photos, Photos, Photos!
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  • Education
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  • Nautical Clothing and Gear
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  • Commercial Maritime Items

What's Ahead?

Our enthusiasm for preserving history is always growing, and so is our collection! Help us continue to restore historic boats, fund programs like family boatbuilding, and preserve relics that represent maritime in Mathews.

Going forward, we hope to move the museum out of it’s current public facility and into a new home for artifacts, research media, and educational activities.

Your tax deductible donation of any amount is greatly appreciated.



Museum Gift Shop

Our Museum Gift Shop has a variety of items, including books, DVD's, decals, and more. Check out the new embroidered Peggy of New Point and Mathews Maritime Foundation ball caps.



Recording Oral History

The Oral History Program documents local stories and memories of how things used to be, so that these valuable accounts will not be lost to future generations. Tell your story. Contact us at (804)725-4444 or email info@mathewsmaritime.com.

Mathews Maritime Museum
482 Main St.
Mathews, VA 23109


Open MAY-NOVEMBER,
Fridays & Saturdays, 10am-2pm

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(804) 725-4444

Email

Mailing address:

Mathews Maritime Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 1201
Mathews, VA 23109-1201

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