Last updated: September 19, 2025
Place
Schooner SULTANA
Sultana Education Foundation
Quick Facts
Location:
207 S Water St unit a, Chestertown, MD 21620
Significance:
The schooner SULTANA connects thousands of students annually to the Chesapeake Bay’s natural and cultural heritage through immersive, on-the-water education experiences.
Designation:
Chesapeake Gateways Network Site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
5 listed
Beach/Water Access, Boat Ramp, Dock/Pier, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto
Step aboard the schooner SULTANA for an unforgettable journey through the Chesapeake Bay’s natural and cultural heritage. Operated by the Sultana Education Foundation, this full-scale reproduction of a 1768 British Royal Navy schooner serves as a hands-on classroom for exploring the Bay’s ecology and history. Sailing from the historic port of Chestertown, Maryland and other Bay locations, this site immerses more than 4,500 students each year in dynamic programs focused on colonial maritime life, water quality, and Bay ecology.
Afloat and ashore, visitors participate in hands-on programs that explore the ecology, wildlife, and human history of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Students can test water samples, examine marine life, and handle sails and navigation using 18th-century techniques. SULTANA’s educational programs also extend to land-based experiences at the Holt Education Center and Lawrence Wetland Preserve, another Chesapeake Gateways Network Site, making it possible to create full-day, place-based learning adventures.
As part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, the Sultana Education Foundation is deeply committed to connecting people to the Bay’s unique stories, resources, and stewardship opportunities. Through the lens of this authentic replica schooner, participants gain a deeper understanding of the Chesapeake’s role in American history and its continued ecological importance. To plan your visit or learn more, please visit their website.