The Water’s Edge and Bellevue Passage Museum are sister museums located on the Tred Avon River in Talbot County. These museums highlight the stories and contributions of Black watermen, farmers, and residents on the Eastern Shore. Both museums demonstrate the contribution of local residents and watermen as essential stewards of the environment. This expedition will allow participants to explore the rich and diverse history and culture of Black watermen on the Eastern Shore while engaging with members from these two organizations that are actively preserving and sharing that history.
In this unique expedition, participants will start at the Water’s Edge Museum in Oxford and receive a guided tour of the museum and property. The museum’s exhibits highlight the stories of Black families and their work to support Maryland’s economy through art and interactive signage. Participants will then cross the Tred Avon River aboard the historic Oxford-Bellevue Ferry to enjoy a meal in Bellevue Park, the future site of the Bellevue Passage Museum and Gardens. This event will close out with a tour of Bellevue hosted by the Bellevue Passage Museum founders, who will share the deep history, creativity, and industry of the Bellevue community. Participants will return on the ferry to Oxford.
Thanks go to our expedition sponsor & partners
Expedition Registration & Cancelation Policy
ShoreRivers Expeditions are made possible this year through generous support from the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways Program and the Chesapeake Bay Trust, allowing us to offer these experiences free of charge to our community. As part of this shared investment in accessible, hands-on environmental education, we ask participants to register with intention and a commitment to attend.
Each expedition has limited capacity to ensure a meaningful experience. When spots go unused due to last-minute cancelations or no-shows, it impacts our staff, partners, and fellow community members who may have been eager to participate.