Last updated: September 16, 2025
Place
Upper Bay Museum
WAGS Media/Blonnie Brooks
Quick Facts
Location:
219 W Walnut Street, North East, MD 21901
Significance:
The Upper Bay Museum preserves the maritime traditions, artifacts, and cultural legacy of Upper Chesapeake Bay watermen and hunters in a historic riverside fish house.
Designation:
Chesapeake Gateways Network Site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
5 listed
Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Wheelchair Accessible
Located on the banks of the North East River, the Upper Bay Museum immerses visitors in the maritime traditions of the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Housed in the historic H.L. Harvey Fish Market, this Chesapeake Gateways Network Site collects and preserves one-of-a-kind artifacts that tell the stories of local watermen, hunters, and boatbuilders.
Step inside to discover full-scale displays of traditional fishing vessels, nets, decoys, market hunting gear, and ice harvesting tools. Exhibits highlight both the tools of the trade and the people who used them, offering insights into how Bay communities once worked the water. A replica decoy shop and interpretive signage deepen the experience, and a short introductory video sets the stage with archival photos and drone footage of the site.
The museum connects visitors to the Chesapeake Bay watershed through hands-on learning and local storytelling. It also supports regional education by working with schools, libraries, and community events like the Upper Shore Decoy Show. As part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, the museum helps interpret the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
Nestled in North East Community Park, the site is a short walk from the Cecil County Tourism office and offers access to the river for paddling. Learn more here.
Step inside to discover full-scale displays of traditional fishing vessels, nets, decoys, market hunting gear, and ice harvesting tools. Exhibits highlight both the tools of the trade and the people who used them, offering insights into how Bay communities once worked the water. A replica decoy shop and interpretive signage deepen the experience, and a short introductory video sets the stage with archival photos and drone footage of the site.
The museum connects visitors to the Chesapeake Bay watershed through hands-on learning and local storytelling. It also supports regional education by working with schools, libraries, and community events like the Upper Shore Decoy Show. As part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, the museum helps interpret the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
Nestled in North East Community Park, the site is a short walk from the Cecil County Tourism office and offers access to the river for paddling. Learn more here.