WELCOME TO THE HAVRE DE GRACE DECOY MUSEUM
Located on the banks of the historic Susquehanna Flats, the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum houses one of the finest collections of working and decorative Chesapeake Bay decoys ever assembled. The museum was established in 1986 as a private, non-profit institution existing to preserve the historical and cultural legacy of waterfowling and decoy making on the Chesapeake Bay.
Decoys have been a central element of Chesapeake culture for centuries. In the beginning, they were made for one purpose — to lure waterfowl within range of the hunter’s shotgun. Decoys were simple, utilitarian representations of ducks and geese rough-hewn from wood. No one considered them art. Today, decoys lure far more people than waterfowl. One is perhaps more likely to find a decoy adorning a collector’s mantelpiece than floating in a hunter’s rig. Contemporary carvers produce sophisticated works of art with century-old skills that have been passed down from master to apprentice for generations.
We invite you to visit the Decoy Museum to discover the art of decoy making and the waterfowling traditions that truly make Havre de Grace the “Decoy Capital of the World!”
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THE HAVRE DE GRACE DECOY CAM
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Tuesday Decoy of the Day
Happy Birthday!
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum will be closed today for the safety of staff and visitors.
Happy Birthday!
Museum Challenge!
TONIGHT — MARYLAND PREMIERE!
Happy Birthday!
Belated Happy Birthday!
MARYLAND PREMIERE — THIS FRIDAY!
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum will be closed tomorrow for the safety of staff and visitors. The museum offices will be open and available by phone and email.
CALL FOR EXHIBITORS!
This Pintail decoy showcases a highly realistic paint style designed more for display than for use in the field. Pieces like this mark an important moment in decoy history, when carvers began creating works meant to be admired as art—not just used for hunting.
Influential carvers such as the Ward Brothers helped lead this shift, inspiring generations of artists with their lifelike painting techniques. Their style was passed on to others, including Charlie Joiner of Havre de Grace, further strengthening the area’s reputation for exceptional decoy artistry.
Today, decoys like this pintail are celebrated as collectible folk art, blending craftsmanship, tradition, and beauty.
See it up close at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum
As we welcome a new month, the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum celebrates the life and legacy of Herbert Amos Barnes (1888–1965) of Havre de Grace.
We honor his contributions to the art of decoy carving and the heritage of our community.
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum honors Allen White Purner (1921–2006) of North East today. We remember his life, legacy, and contributions to the world of decoys and the heritage of our community.
Can you find it?
Where in the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum is the duck button hidden?
Come explore our exhibits and see if you can spot this little surprise.
Share your guesses in the comments — let’s see who’s the ultimate museum detective!
Don’t miss The Conspiracists at State Theatre Havre de Grace — featuring the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum on screen!
Tickets: https://www.thestatehavredegrace.org/movie/the-conspirasists
Laughter, local history, and a fun night out — get your seats before they’re gone!
#TheConspiracists #MarylandPremiere #HavreDeGrace #DecoyMuseum #IndieFilm #ComedyMockumentary #FilmPremiere #MovieNight
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum wishes a special birthday remembrance to Walter Derridinger Sellers (1890–1969) of Silver Spring.
We honor his legacy and contributions, remembering him with admiration on this day.
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum sends a warm belated birthday remembrance to Horace Graham (1893–1981) of Charlestown, whose life and contributions to decoy carving continue to inspire us.
We honor his legacy and celebrate him, even if a little late!
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum stars on screen in the new comedy mockumentary The Conspiracists! Catch it at its Maryland Premiere this Friday at State Theatre Havre de Grace.
Tickets: https://www.thestatehavredegrace.org/movie/the-conspirasists
Read more: Broadway World by Chloe Rabinowitz https://www.broadwayworld.com/delaware/article/Independent-Film-THE-CONSPIRACISTS-to-Debut-at-The-Grand-Opera-House-20260105
See the museum on the big screen — don’t miss it!
#TheConspiracists #MarylandPremiere #HavreDeGrace #DecoyMuseum #IndieFilm #ComedyMockumentary #FilmPremiere #MovieNight
- Heather Hollenbeck, Executive Director, 410-942-4024, executivedirector@decoymuseum.com
- Nathaniel "Nate" Heasley, Curatorial Coordinator, 410-942-4072, curator2@decoymuseum.com
The 44th Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival is coming, and we’re looking for talented artists, carvers, and exhibitors to join us! Showcase your work, connect with collectors, and be part of this beloved community tradition.
Festival Info & Exhibitor Details: https://decoymuseum.com/decoy-festival/
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this year’s celebration of decoy and wildlife art!
#DecoyFestival #WildlifeArt #HavreDeGrace #ArtistsCall #ExhibitorsWanted #DecoyCollectors #ArtFestival #MarylandEvents
