CRISFIELD — Students from five elementary schools from Somerset and Wicomico counties wrapped crabs, toured the shoreline, and learned about the storied history of the one-time “Seafood Capital of the World” at the J.M. Millard Tawes Museum. Third-graders from Woodson, Greenwood, Deal Island, and North Salisbury Elementary Schools, as well as first-graders from Fruitland Primary, visited the museum in May and June.

Tours had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students explored the museum’s prized collection of old Crisfield photos, seafood industry gear, workboat models, and duck decoys. At the living Museum Shanty, students saw up-close the molting process where crabs shed their hard shell and become the much sought-after soft-shell crab. Through a special community partnership, students learned about the seafood packing industry with a visit to Metompkin Bay Oyster Co.

Volunteers from the Crisfield Heritage Foundation, which operates the museum, shared their time and expertise during the student tours. A grant from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore provided transportation funding for the Somerset County students.

Exhibits, gift shop, special events, and workshops are offered at the Tawes Museum, located at 3 Ninth Street. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10-2. Visit crisfieldheritagefoundation.org for more details, or contact 410-968-2501 or crisfieldheritagefdn@gmail.com.