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!”
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
THE HAVRE DE GRACE DECOY CAM
WE ARE ON INSTAGRAM!
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!
55th Annual Waterfowl Festival
Bargain Hunters, This One’s for You!
Throwback Thursday
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
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
