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.

Welcome!

Our museum is regularly OPEN Friday and Saturdays, May-November, from 10AM-2PM. Tours are available by appointment. We are located in downtown Mathews, at 482 Main Street, Mathews, VA, 23109.

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.

Collections

Our collections are in the process of being added online. Check back often to see what new treasures have appeared. Currently featured is a "Bugeye" model, from the museum's Model Room.

Recording Oral History

Collections & Lending Library

We currently have over 2600+ 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.

• 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