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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Museum Monday
“Have you spotted the new light pole banners outside the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum?
Just 6 Days to Go!
Great to see so many people stopping by our tables and chatting about Havre de Grace and the museum!
It has been a true privilege for the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum to display The Cook Collection from August 2025 through January 2026.
ome check us out in Room 207 at the 55th Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition & Art Festival at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD!
Saturday Spotlight
We missed you today at the Ward World Championship in Ocean City, MD—but there’s still time!
Sneak Peek Alert!
On Display Friday
Tax Day has its perks… especially in Havre de Grace!
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
Each one features a Chesapeake Bay waterfowl species that inspired generations of decoy carvers—from the iconic Canvasback to pintails, teal, and more.
Next time you stroll by, see how many you can identify!
#DecoyCapitalOfTheWorld #HavreDeGrace”
The countdown is on for the 44th Annual Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival (2026)!
We’re excited to welcome an incredible lineup of artists, carvers, and vendors. Join us in celebrating the rich tradition of decoy carving and wildlife art with these talented participants:
Linda Amtmann • Walter Jones • Joe Engers • Bob Foard • Ron Orlando • Joseph Jannsen • Thomas Benner • Hiromi Fueoka • Zeb B. Barfield, Inc. • Neil Geisel • John R. Eichelberger Jr. • Steve Dorrell • C. John Sullivan • Tom Reed • Steve Lay • Guyette & Deeter • John Alexander • Laurence Manlove • Mary Ellen Terziu • Vernon Bryant • Cody Bryant • Mary Lou Troutman • Jason Ward • Robinson Decoys • Kathy Dannenfelser • Ed Jacobs • Harry Morrison III • Douglas E. Draper Jr. • John Henry • Laura DeNardo • Robert Pines • Eddie Carroll • Bob Bendler • Jim Taylor • Rich Moretz • Dave Walker • John Shores • Michael Daley • Chris Hawkins • Allan Schauber • Rodney “Dennis” Lee • John Monroe Meredith • Joseph Higgs Jr. • Chuck Usilton • Walter Williams • Larry Lambert • Joseph “Joey” Jobes • William Carre • Charles Jobes • Josh Blanchette • and others
✨ Whether you`re a collector, artist, or enthusiast, this is a must-attend event filled with tradition, craftsmanship, and community.
📍 Havre de Grace, Maryland
📅 Stay tuned for event details and schedule updates!
#HdGDecoyFestival #WildlifeArt #DecoyCarving #HavreDeGrace #ArtFestival
We also had the chance to catch up with George (Duqui) Benjaminformer, a past HdG Festival competition winner, and Bill Collier, a past and current HdG Festival exhibitor—both are in Room 207 with us.
Last chance to visit with all of us tomorrow, Sunday, April 26. We’d love to see you there!
At yesterday’s Guyette & Deeter Live Auction – Decoy & Sporting Art Auction (Session One), this exceedingly rare and important wood duck from the collection sold for an incredible $1,250,000.
Here it is on display at the museum and captured on screen while Joe Tonelli shares the story of how the Cook Family came to own this remarkable piece.
We are honored to have played a role in sharing The Cook Collection and its stories with our visitors and the broader decoy community.
We love talking about our wonderful museum, showing off our new merchandise, and sharing highlights from our book collection. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the Sam Dyke Memorial “Old Bird” Antique Decoy Competition while you’re here.
Stop by, say hello, and celebrate the artistry and tradition of wildfowl carving with us!
This week, we’re shining a light on one of our newest temporary exhibits honoring the 44th Annual Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival’s Honorary Chairman, Chad Tragakis.
Explore Chad’s remarkable contributions to the decoy community, including more than 100 published writings and his deep appreciation for old working decoys. His passion for preserving the stories and craftsmanship behind these pieces has made a lasting impact on collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Stop by to learn more about Chad’s journey, his dedication to waterfowling heritage, and the enduring beauty of traditional decoys.
Don’t miss this special exhibit—on view now!
Stop by and see us Saturday or Sunday to learn more about the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, browse our book collection, and pick up some new merch. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just curious, we’d love to connect with you!
#WardWorldChampionship #DecoyMuseum #HavredeGrace #DecoyCarving #MuseumOnTheRoad
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
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
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
