I loved seeing the detail and talent that goes into the making of these decoy. This is a very informative little museum.
My husband and I are not hunters, but we are interested in American art. We learned about the history of Havre de Grace in the duck hunting world, surprised to find that this area supplied duck to Baltimore, Philadelpha and beyond. Also saw multiple barrelled guns specifically for taking down as many ducks as possible and subsequent banning of this practice. Much more could be said about this informative place. Just go instead.
This small museum tells the story of decoy carving by watermen of this area. Great place to visit if you like local information, or decoy carving.
Learning about decoys in all aspects is a great way to really appreciate the 'art'. I will never look at a decoy as simply a decoration again!
Havre de Grace has been the center of decoy carving for many years, set right in the middle of the eastern migration trail of flocks of birds. This rich history is captured nicely in the Decoy Museum with two floors of exhibits about hunting for water birds and the importance of decoys to its success. Some interesting narrative accounts of the sport along with insights about the development of decoys carving and production. A full array of beautiful decoys are scattered throughout the museum. Most interesting is the second floor exhibit of the masters in the decoy carving profession presented in full dress set among their creations. A small admission charge for a museum that you will not find anywhere else.
Interesting place. Known for years but never been there. The 2nd floor view was beautiful of the bay. If you like decoys, art or the water sports like hunting this is for you. If not, I can't recommend it. Its pricey unless you are into this. But the view is great. There are many many decoys.
Very informative,the history of how they over killed the water fowl before they had regulation.great displays of hunting methods and the tradition of decoy making.
A well-organized small museum on the waterfront of Havre de Grace. The exhibits are well organized following the timeline of decoy history. Videos show decoy making technics and narration by the artists. A second floor has cabinets of decoys displayed with lifelike wax figures of the carvers. This is truly a museum where you can learn a whole lot about decoys, whether you are a newbie or an aficionado. A cute gift shop has unique, well-priced items for purchase. Well worth a visit any day of the year.
I have to admit I was a little hesitant to spend $6 to visit a decoy museum as I'm not a hunter nor am I into working with wood or painting.Boy was I surprised at this little gem! The displays are wonderfully detailed and very interesting. The wax figures were amazing, and their collection of carved birds were amazing.Do yourself a favor and visit this place.
Look, I am not a decoy maven, but I still enjoyed the museum and the skill of the artisans. Worth a quick stop.