JOIN US FOR THE 2nd ANNUAL DECOY CARVERS & COLLECTORS BANQUET
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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2nd Annual Decoy Carvers & Collectors Banquet Ticket
Shop the Store Wednesday
Calling All Decoy Carvers!
Shop the Store Wednesday
Tuesday Decoy of the Day: The Two-Headed Coot
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum is proud to be a Blue Star Museum!
Calling All Decoy Carvers!
Shop the Store Wednesday
Exciting News from the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum!
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum is grateful for our strong partnerships with carvers, collectors, associations, clubs, and auction houses like Guyette & Deeter. Together, we share a mission to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of decoy carving and waterfowling traditions that define our region.
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the opening of the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum
$100/Person | Tables of 8 ($800.00)
Hosted by Havre de Grace Decoy Museum
December 5, 2026
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Historic Wellwood Restaurant
523 Water Street
Charlestown, MD 21914
All proceeds from this event directly benefit the operational needs and continuance of the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. Sponsorships are available.
All ticket transactions are electronic through decoymuseum.com.
https://decoymuseum.com/product/2025-inaugural-decoy-carvers-collectors-banquet/
Each table purchased by Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM earns 1 chance in the “Quack Cash” drawing
A single table purchase earns 1 chance.
Additional chances earned for each table of 8 purchased.
The Quack Cash award will be credited to the bidder number of the person who purchased the table of eight.
Bargain hunters, this one`s for you!
Be sure to stop by the Clearance Corner at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum Store, where EVERYTHING is 50% OFF!
You`ll find incredible deals on a variety of unique gifts and specialty items, including:
Duck Band Coffee
The Naked Bee products
Handcrafted soaps
Candles
Ceramics
Umbrellas
And so much more!
Whether you`re shopping for yourself, getting a head start on holiday gifts, or looking for a special Chesapeake keepsake, now is the perfect time to save.
Visit the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum Store and discover what treasures are waiting in our Clearance Corner—but don`t wait! These items are available only while supplies last.
Every purchase supports the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum and helps us continue preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Chesapeake Bay decoy carving, waterfowling, and wildlife art.
#ShopTheStoreWednesday #HdGDecoyMuseum #ClearanceCorner #MuseumStore #DuckBandCoffee #TheNakedBee #SupportMuseums #ShopLocal #GiftIdeas
Are you ready to take the Chesapeake Challenge at this year`s Crisfield Heritage Festival?
Presented by The Ward Foundation, the Chesapeake Challenge is a decades-old tradition celebrating the artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage of decoy carving. The competition features multiple categories, welcoming carvers of all skill levels.
The 2026 Contemporary Antique Bird is the Wood Duck—a beautiful and challenging subject that promises another exciting year of competition!
New contest format and updated YOUTH divisions! More information will be announced soon.
Whether you`re entering your first competition or you`re a seasoned carver, the Chesapeake Challenge is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your talent, connect with fellow artists, and celebrate the enduring tradition of decoy making.
We encourage everyone to attend the Crisfield Heritage Festival, support the talented carvers, and experience one of the Chesapeake region`s most anticipated carving competitions. We look forward to seeing you there! See less
Looking to expand your knowledge of Chesapeake Bay decoys? Add a classic reference to your collection!
Chesapeake Bay Decoys: The Men Who Made and Used Them, edited by Robert H. Richardson, is an essential book for anyone interested in the history, artistry, and tradition of Chesapeake Bay decoys. Richly illustrated and thoughtfully written, this volume explores the talented carvers, dedicated waterfowl hunters, and unique regional styles that have made Chesapeake Bay decoys an enduring part of American folk art.
One of the book`s greatest strengths is its distinguished group of contributors, including several past Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Festival Honorary Chairmen:
Roy Bull
Grayson Chesser
Henry Fleckenstein
Norris E. Pratt
Robert H. Richardson
Ronald Rue
J. Newman Valliant
F. Phillips Williamson
Their combined knowledge and passion make this an invaluable resource for collectors, carvers, historians, and anyone who appreciates the rich heritage of the Chesapeake Bay.
Pick up your copy at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum Store, or contact us—we`re happy to ship it directly to your door!
Every purchase helps support the Museum`s mission to preserve and share the history, artistry, and cultural traditions of waterfowl decoys and the Chesapeake Bay.
#ShopTheStoreWednesday #HdGDecoyMuseum #ChesapeakeBayDecoys #DecoyCollecting #WaterfowlArt #ChesapeakeBay #MuseumStore #SupportMuseums #DecoyHistory
Some of the most unusual objects in the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum aren`t rare species at all—they`re the famous Two-Headed Coots!
Created as an inside joke among local decoy carvers, these whimsical carvings reflect the humor, friendship, and camaraderie that have long been part of Havre de Grace`s decoy-making tradition. While they were never intended for hunting, they have become treasured pieces of local folklore.
Today, these one-of-a-kind decoys are featured in our exhibits on R. Madison Mitchell and Capt. Harry Jobes, where they serve as physical reminders that the history of decoy carving is about more than craftsmanship—it`s also about the personalities, stories, and good-natured fun shared by generations of carvers.
Stop by the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum to see these quirky creations for yourself and discover the rich traditions, artistry, and memorable characters that helped shape the decoy-making community.
Visit us year-round and experience the stories behind the decoys! Can you find the 3rd 2-headed Coot?
#TuesdayDecoyOfTheDay #DecoyOfTheDay #HavreDeGraceDecoyMuseum #HavreDeGrace #DecoyCarving #WaterfowlingHeritage #FolkArt #ChesapeakeBay #RMadisonMitchell #CaptHarryJobes #MuseumMondayEveryDay
We are honored to participate in the Blue Star Museums program, offering FREE admission to active-duty military personnel and up to five family members from Armed Forces Day (May 16, 2026) through Labor Day (September 7, 2026).
As a Blue Star Museum, we are pleased to welcome military families to explore the rich history, artistry, and tradition of waterfowl decoys and the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you`re visiting for the first time or returning to discover our newest exhibits, we invite you to experience all the museum has to offer.
Thank you to our service members and their families for your dedication and sacrifice. We look forward to welcoming you to the museum this summer!
Havre de Grace Decoy Museum
Free admission for eligible military families through September 7, 2026.
#BlueStarMuseums #BlueStarFamilies #MilitaryFamilies #HavredeGraceDecoyMuseum #ChesapeakeBay #WaterfowlHeritage #SupportOurMilitary #VisitHdG
Are you ready to take the Chesapeake Challenge at this year`s Crisfield Heritage Festival?
Presented by The Ward Foundation, the Chesapeake Challenge is a decades-old tradition celebrating the artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage of decoy carving. The competition features multiple categories, welcoming carvers of all skill levels.
The 2026 Contemporary Antique Bird is the Wood Duck—a beautiful and challenging subject that promises another exciting year of competition!
New contest format and updated YOUTH divisions! More information will be announced soon.
Whether you`re entering your first competition or you`re a seasoned carver, the Chesapeake Challenge is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your talent, connect with fellow artists, and celebrate the enduring tradition of decoy making.
We encourage everyone to attend the Crisfield Heritage Festival, support the talented carvers, and experience one of the Chesapeake region`s most anticipated carving competitions. We look forward to seeing you there!
Take home a piece of Havre de Grace Decoy Festival history!
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum Store has a limited selection of Decoy Festival Stamp Cancellation Envelopes from 1992–2001 (excluding 1998). These collectible envelopes commemorate the rich tradition of the Havre de Grace Decoy Festival and feature celebrated carvers and waterfowl artists from across the Chesapeake region.
Available commemorative envelopes include:
James A. Currier – stamped
William "Bill" & Allen Schauber – signed by both
Robert "Bob" McGaw – stamped
J. Evans McKinney – signed
Harry V. Shourds II – signed
Ronald Rue – signed
Oliver Lawson – commemorative envelope
James Holly – commemorative envelope
Charles Nelson Barnard – stamped
Whether you`re a decoy collector, festival enthusiast, or collector of Chesapeake Bay memorabilia, these commemorative envelopes are a wonderful way to celebrate the artists and traditions that have made the Havre de Grace Decoy Festival a treasured annual event.
Can`t make it to the Museum? No problem! The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum Store is happy to ship these collectible envelopes directly to you. Contact the Museum Store for availability and shipping information.
Stop by the Museum Store or reach out today before these unique collectibles are gone!
#ShopTheStoreWednesday #HdGDecoyMuseum #DecoyFestival #DecoyCollecting #ChesapeakeBay #WaterfowlArt #MuseumStore #Collectibles #SupportMuseums
We are proud to announce that the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum is now part of the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways network!
Chesapeake Gateways connects visitors to exceptional places throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, offering opportunities to enjoy, learn about, and help protect one of our nation`s most treasured natural and cultural resources.
As a Chesapeake Gateways partner, the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum joins a distinguished network of sites that showcase the rich heritage, waterways, wildlife, and communities that make the Chesapeake region unique. Visitors can experience our engaging exhibits, educational programs, decoy carving traditions, and waterfront history while discovering Maryland`s rich maritime and cultural heritage.
Whether you`re a longtime supporter or planning your first visit, we invite you to spend the day exploring the stories, craftsmanship, and conservation efforts that have shaped the Chesapeake Bay region for generations.
Learn more about Chesapeake Gateways and other Maryland destinations here: https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/maryland.htm
Plan your visit to the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum and discover why Havre de Grace is known as the Decoy Capital of the World!
#HdGDecoyMuseum #ChesapeakeGateways #NationalParkService #ChesapeakeBay #MarylandHistory #MaritimeHeritage #DecoyCapital #VisitHarford #ExploreMaryland
It was a true privilege to host The Cook Collection from August 2025 through January 2026, offering visitors an up-close look at exceptional pieces and the stories behind them.
At the April 23 Guyette & Deeter Live Auction – Decoy & Sporting Art Auction (Session One), an exceedingly rare standing mallard ice duck—hollow carved with a removable iron foot—drew well-deserved attention.
Here it is: displayed as part of a group, standing alone, and featured on screen as Joe Tonelli shares the fascinating story behind this remarkable decoy.
We are honored to help bring these stories to life and connect our community to this enduring tradition.
