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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Tax Day has its perks… especially in Havre de Grace!
55th Annual Waterfowl Festival
Bargain Hunters, This One’s for You!
Throwback Thursday
Shop the Store Wednesday
Decoy of the Day
We are proud to be part of such a generous and supportive community.
Get ready, carvers and collectors!
This April 15th, take a break from the paperwork and treat yourself to something far more enjoyable—a visit to the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. While you’re checking off deadlines, remember that our region’s rich waterfowling heritage was built on craftsmanship, patience, and a deep connection to the Chesapeake Bay.
Just like filing taxes, decoy carving takes precision—but we promise our exhibits are a lot more fun to explore!
Stop by, unwind, and discover the stories behind the artistry that shaped our community.
#TaxDayRelief #HavreDeGrace #DecoyMuseum #ChesapeakeBay #MarylandHistory
Join us in Easton, MD for one of the region’s premier celebrations of wildlife art and heritage!
Festival venues range from high-end art galleries to casual buy-sell-swap rooms—there’s something for everyone.
Last year’s festival attracted over 35,000 visitors from 45 states, and this year is expected to be just as successful!
Decoy & Collectibles Tailgate Event
Held at the site of Guyette & Deeter’s Auction & Preview
Proceeds benefit the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum
Contact: Butch Wagoner
(443) 307-3063
decoywood@verizon.net
Don’t miss this incredible event!
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum is excited to join the Citywide Yard Sale & Sidewalk Sale—a HUGE community-wide event filled with treasures, deals, and surprises around every corner!
Saturday, April 18
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Stop by the museum and score amazing deals in our store:
- 50% OFF apparel, games, puzzles, toys, candles, soaps, Burt’s Bees, coffee & more!
- Additional museum items available at deeply discounted prices
Whether you`re hunting for unique gifts, stocking up on favorites, or just enjoying a day out in Havre de Grace, you won’t want to miss this!
Bring your friends, explore the city, and shop local—bargains galore await!
#HavreDeGrace #YardSale #SidewalkSale #ShopLocal #DecoyMuseum #BargainHunting
Let’s take a trip back to the Havre de Grace Decoy Festival — May 14, 15 & 16, 1982.
Did you know? The official festival book sold for just $3.00 and was packed with incredible local history and decoy culture. Inside, you could find:
• Festival committees & full program
• Sailing events on the Susquehanna Flats
• Letters and stories from the community
• Features on legends like R. Madison Mitchell, Paul Gibson, and Robert F. McGaw
• Traditions like sinkboxes and body booting
• Decoy making insights and local carvers
• A map of Havre de Grace and local landmarks like The Lockhouse
• Patrons, exhibitors, and community events
• The rich history of Havre de Grace and its Decoy Museum
This small book captured the heart of a community deeply connected to the water, wildlife, and craftsmanship.
Do you remember attending the festival in 1982? Or still have one of these books tucked away? Share your memories with us!
#ThrowbackThursday #HavreDeGrace #DecoyFestival #WaterfowlingHeritage #DecoyMuseum
This week at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, we’re featuring an inspiring read: Broken Wings Will Fly by Mick Blackistone.
This powerful book tells a story of resilience, healing, and hope—reminding us that even after life’s hardest moments, it’s possible to rise again.
Stop by the Museum Store to pick up your copy and discover more unique items that celebrate art, history, and meaningful stories.
Every purchase supports the mission of the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum!
#ShopTheStoreWednesday #HdGDecoyMuseum #MuseumStoreFinds #SupportMuseums #BrokenWingsWillFly
This striking “flattie” Yellowlegs was carved by William Tullner Sr. of Sea Isle City, NJ. Known as a “flattie” for its silhouette-like appearance, this style goes beyond a simple plywood cutout—offering more depth and craftsmanship that sets it apart in its own unique category.
You can now see this exceptional piece on display in our new Shorebird Hunting exhibit, courtesy of the New Jersey Decoy Collectors Association.
Be sure to stop by and take a closer look at this fascinating piece of decoy history!
#DecoyOfTheDay #ShorebirdHunting #DecoyHistory #MuseumExhibit
A heartfelt thank you to the Potomac Decoy Collectors Association for their generous contribution in support of the Upper Bay Museum. Partnerships like this help preserve the rich heritage and artistry of decoy carving for future generations.
It’s inspiring to see our community come together to support the mission and keep this tradition alive!
#DecoyCommunity #UpperBayMuseum #DecoyHeritage #SupportTheArts
The J. Evans McKinney Old Decoy Competition returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026 as part of the 44th Annual Havre de Grace Decoy and Wildfowl Art Festival!
Bring your finest old decoys and showcase the craftsmanship—entry into the competition is free. Please note that festival admission is required to participate.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a cherished tradition celebrating the artistry and heritage of decoy carving. We can’t wait to see your work!
#DecoyFestival #HavreDeGrace #WildfowlArt #DecoyCarving #MarylandEvents
