Last updated: July 23, 2025
Place
Ward Brothers Workshop
Eric Long, Crisfield MD
Quick Facts
Location:
3195 Sackertown Road, Crisfield, MD 21817
Significance:
he Ward Brothers Workshop, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserves the artistry and Chesapeake heritage of renowned decorative decoy carvers Lem and Steve Ward.
Designation:
National Register of Historic Places; Chesapeake Gateways Network Site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
5 listed
Accessible Rooms, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Wheelchair Accessible
Step into history at the Ward Brothers Workshop, owned and operated by the Crisfield Heritage Foundation. As a Chesapeake Gateways Place, the workshop preserves the original space where world-renowned decoy carvers Lem and Steve Ward perfected the “Crisfield Style” of decoy carving and pioneered decorative bird carving.
Visitors can walk through the original workshop buildings, including the brothers’ former barbershop and Lem’s painting "Lean-To," all preserved much as they left them. See authentic tools of the trade, including the bandsaw, chopping blocks, cutouts, and even the brothers’ original barber chair. Twice monthly from May through October, local decoy carvers provide live demonstrations and tours, keeping the Wards’ legacy alive for new generations.
Docent-led tours offer an inside look at the artistry, craftsmanship, and humble beginnings that made Crisfield a center for decoy carving. Interpretive programs share the story of how the brothers transitioned from barbers to full-time artists, shaping an enduring American folk art tradition.
The Crisfield Heritage Foundation maintains and restores the workshop to honor the Wards’ remarkable impact on carving, conservation, and Chesapeake Bay heritage. Visit the website for tour dates, special events, and more information about experiencing this unique piece of Maryland’s cultural landscape.