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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Decoy of the Day

This Blue Wing Teal carving by Oliver “Tuts” Lawson is a striking example of waterfowl art that goes beyond the traditional decoy. Rather than being mounted, these carvings hang against a wooden background like framed artwork.

Lawson created these Blue Wing Teal at just 14 years old, carving them during breaks while working at a grocery store. Using leftover wood from strawberry crates, he transformed simple materials into something truly special.

Today, this remarkable piece is on display as the centerpiece of the new Oliver “Tuts” Lawson Exhibit at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum—offering a glimpse into the early talent and creativity of one of the region’s notable carvers.

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Open post by decoymuseum with ID 18067189127338918
Decoy of the Day This Blue Wing Teal carving by Oliver “Tuts” Lawson is a striking example of waterfowl art that goes beyond the traditional decoy. Rather than being mounted, these carvings hang against a wooden background like framed artwork. Lawson created these Blue Wing Teal at just 14 years old, carving them during breaks while working at a grocery store. Using leftover wood from strawberry crates, he transformed simple materials into something truly special. Today, this remarkable piece is on display as the centerpiece of the new Oliver “Tuts” Lawson Exhibit at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum—offering a glimpse into the early talent and creativity of one of the region’s notable carvers.

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Museum Monday

This week, we’re highlighting a remarkable piece of early American military history: a British “Brown Bess” Short Land Pattern musket (top) , dating to around 1775.

Originally marked for the 61st Regiment of Foot, this firearm later received a “U.S.” surcharge—evidence of its capture and reuse during the American Revolution. Like many muskets of its era, it didn’t remain in its original configuration. This example was converted from flintlock to percussion, extending its working life well into the 19th century, likely for use in fowling.

Each mark and modification tells a story—of conflict, adaptation, and survival.

Stop by to see this artifact up close and explore the layered history behind it.

#MuseumMonday #AmericanHistory #RevolutionaryWar #Artifacts #DecoyMuseum

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Open post by decoymuseum with ID 18005570045923458
Museum Monday This week, we’re highlighting a remarkable piece of early American military history: a British “Brown Bess” Short Land Pattern musket (top) , dating to around 1775. Originally marked for the 61st Regiment of Foot, this firearm later received a “U.S.” surcharge—evidence of its capture and reuse during the American Revolution. Like many muskets of its era, it didn’t remain in its original configuration. This example was converted from flintlock to percussion, extending its working life well into the 19th century, likely for use in fowling. Each mark and modification tells a story—of conflict, adaptation, and survival. Stop by to see this artifact up close and explore the layered history behind it. #MuseumMonday #AmericanHistory #RevolutionaryWar #Artifacts #DecoyMuseum

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Sneak Peek Alert!

Get ready for the 44th Annual Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival only a week away by sneaking a peak at this stunning Silent Auction highlight!

This beautifully crafted decoy captures the elegance and detail that make decoy art so special—an incredible addition for collectors and wildlife art enthusiasts alike.

Stay tuned as we reveal more exclusive auction items you won’t want to miss!
#HdGDecoyFestival #WildlifeArt #DecoyCarving #SilentAuction #HavreDeGrace

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Open post by decoymuseum with ID 18044246816769804
Sneak Peek Alert! Get ready for the 44th Annual Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival only a week away by sneaking a peak at this stunning Silent Auction highlight! This beautifully crafted decoy captures the elegance and detail that make decoy art so special—an incredible addition for collectors and wildlife art enthusiasts alike. Stay tuned as we reveal more exclusive auction items you won’t want to miss! #HdGDecoyFestival #WildlifeArt #DecoyCarving #SilentAuction #HavreDeGrace

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On Display Friday

This beautifully carved muskrat by African American carver Doug Gibson of Milford, DE is a reminder that decoy artistry goes far beyond ducks. From marsh to shoreline, carvers have long captured a wide variety of species, each with its own story and craftsmanship.

As we kick off the first day of the Ward World Championship (April 24–26, 2026), we celebrate the diversity, creativity, and heritage found in decoy carving traditions. Stop by and see what makes each piece unique!

#OnDisplayFriday #DecoyArt #WardWorldChampionship #DougGibson #WildlifeArt #DecoyCarving

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Open post by decoymuseum with ID 18101376842058909
On Display Friday This beautifully carved muskrat by African American carver Doug Gibson of Milford, DE is a reminder that decoy artistry goes far beyond ducks. From marsh to shoreline, carvers have long captured a wide variety of species, each with its own story and craftsmanship. As we kick off the first day of the Ward World Championship (April 24–26, 2026), we celebrate the diversity, creativity, and heritage found in decoy carving traditions. Stop by and see what makes each piece unique! #OnDisplayFriday #DecoyArt #WardWorldChampionship #DougGibson #WildlifeArt #DecoyCarving

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