Salisbury University announces new Museum of Eastern Shore Culture

SALISBURY — The Museum of Eastern Shore Culture at Salisbury University is coming to downtown Salisbury.

The university’s announcement said it will include items formerly displayed at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, which closed its Schumaker Pond location last year after an HVAC system failure.

The university also severed its relationship with the foundation last year.

The new museum will be on the first floor of the Powell Building at 218 W. Main St., adjacent to SU Downtown.

The university said it is scheduled to open this summer.

It will feature exhibits and information related to local culture, including items formerly displayed at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art.

“As part of SU’s growing downtown presence, the museum will allow us to continue showcasing these priceless works of art while expanding into broader areas, including folklife, traditional arts and the rich regional heritage of the Eastern Shore and the Delmarva Peninsula,” said Dr. Laurie Couch, SU provost and senior vice president of academic affairs.

Among the exhibits upon opening will be a permanent display dedicated to the legacy of two world-renowned artists from Crisfield: Lem and Steve Ward, namesakes of the former Ward Museum.

Out of respect to the continuing efforts of the Ward Foundation, which founded the Ward Museum in 1992 and partnered with SU to operate the facility after its assets were transferred to the University in 2000, the university said it is not carrying over the “Ward” name to the new space.

“The Ward Brothers and the art they created are an integral part of the heritage of the Eastern Shore,” said Raye-Valion Gillette, curator and folklife specialist of the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture and former curator of the Ward Museum.

“It is important for us to recognize their contributions while also expanding the scope of the new space to include aspects of local culture beyond wildfowl art,” added Alexandra Kean, museum operations coordinator of the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture and previous interim deputy director of the Ward Foundation.

Items from the former Ward Museum will be on display on a rotating basis, as they were at their former home. Partnership agreements are being put in place with several area arts and cultural organizations to display select pieces of the collection. Notable future partners include the Delmarva Discovery Museum; Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism; and the Somerset County Historical Society. Items not on display will be kept in climate-controlled storage.

Admission to the museum will be free.

“Our top goals are to ensure the artwork is cared for and remains accessible to the public,” said Kean.

Rotating exhibits will feature artwork by students and regional artists, as well as displays focusing on indigenous cultures and collaborations with other community organizations.

“As a leader, community partner and educational resource, the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture will create engaging experiences representative of the region’s rich and diverse heritage and artistic expression,” said Gillette, noting the vision statement for the facility.
In addition to exhibits, the museum also will host programming including workshops with local artisans, a speaker series featuring regional topics of interest, featured artist talks, regular youth and community programs, and open hours during the Salisbury Arts & Entertainment District’s monthly 3rd Friday celebration.

“We want this to be a community space,” said Kean.

Michael Layne, executive director of the Ward Foundation, said he had no comment on the new museum.

“But we would like to thank our donors, volunteers, carvers, collectors, and other Ward Foundation supporters who are working alongside us to preserve the legacy of Steve and Lem Ward, even in the face of challenges such as the loss of the Museum building,” said Mr. Layne in an email. “The focus on the art and education of decoy making and waterfowl on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and surrounding areas is crucial for maintaining cultural heritage and fostering appreciation for these traditional arts.

“Thanks to the dedication of the local and decoy communities this past year our continuing events such as the Chesapeake Challenge which was held in Crisfield, MD in conjunction with the Crisfield Heritage Festival, and the Sam Dyke Memorial ‘old bird’ Antique Decoy competition which was held in Easton at the Waterfowl Festival were very successful.

“Our upcoming Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Arts Festival in Ocean City, MD, will take place on April 26-28, 2024. Not only will this international art competition host amazing pieces competing for the title of Best in World but will also host fabulous vendors, educational decoy classes, and a Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art Pop-Up Exhibit: Around the World in 80 Carvings. These important events contribute to the Foundation’s mission. The continued dedication of supporters, donors, volunteers, carvers, and collectors is instrumental in helping the Ward Foundation rebuild and continue its valuable work.”