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Skipjack Heritage, Inc. was formed in 2007 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the maritime history and cultural heritage of America’s oldest working sailing vessel, the skipjack. This heritage encompasses not only the vessels themselves, but also the people who built, owned, captained, and worked aboard them, as well as the many other workboats used by the region’s watermen. Our mission extends beyond the skipjack to include the broader cultural history of our region, including the upper Tangier Sound and the greater Deal Island area—encompassing Smith Island, Holland Island, and surrounding communities. Our goal is to document and preserve the events, stories, and traditions of our people and their way of life, from the earliest settlers to the present day. Though our mission is to preserve the history and heritage of our region, we are equally committed to educating present and future generations--ensuring that the watermen's way of life is not lost, but honored and preserved for all time.
He, along with those who have since passed and all who shared in this passion, would take pride in seeing their efforts come to fruition. Their commitment reminds us that the history, people, and traditions of those who sacrificed so much to leave us this valued inheritance must never be forgotten. It is now our responsibility to preserve these stories and pass them forward to future generations. On behalf of Skipjack Heritage, Inc., we extend our heartfelt gratitude and deepest appreciation to William Wheatley for his unwavering dedication, vision, and commitment through the years in helping see the Skipjack Heritage Museum come to fruitage. William Wheatley’s passion for preserving the heritage, people and working traditions of the Chesapeake Bay has left an enduring legacy for future generations. Through his kindness and generosity, he entrusted Skipjack Heritage, Inc. with many thousands of photographs that beautifully document the culture, maritime history, watermen, skipjacks and communities of the Chesapeake region.
We are a nonprofit organization, recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable institution.
Become a member of Skipjack Heritage, Inc. and "Join Us" today
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The development of this museum and heritage center was first envisioned in the 1960s by area resident and community activist Mr. Ben Evans. Through his vision—and the dedication of many local residents, civic organizations, and community leaders—that vision was carried forward into planning and construction, culminating in the home we now proudly hold within this community to “preserve the heritage.
