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
We are proud to be part of such a generous and supportive community.
Get ready, carvers and collectors!
Charlie Joiner Memorial Decoy Show
Saturday Spotlight
On Display Friday
Throwback Thursday
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
Join us for this special event honoring tradition and craftsmanship.
Proceeds benefit the “Charlie Joiner/Charlie Bryan Endowment Account” at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum.
For inquiries: (410) 708-7011
Contact: Allan Schauber
Food available by the Galena Volunteer Fire Company & Auxiliary
Come out and support a great cause!
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum recently hosted a Cub Scout troop for a hands-on learning experience!
Bear Cub Scouts participated in the “Whittling” Adventure, where they learned about pocketknife safety and carved their own duck head.
A great day of learning, creativity, and tradition!
This week’s feature highlights a unique piece by Robert Litzenberg of Elkton, MD. Created in 1988, this 3D framed artwork showcases an array of duck and goose half heads, each carefully carved and presented with remarkable detail.
Litzenberg’s work captures the character and diversity of waterfowl in a format that’s both artistic and educational—inviting you to take a closer look at the subtle differences between species.
Be sure to stop by the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum to see this one-of-a-kind piece in person!
#OnDisplayFriday #DecoyMuseum #HavreDeGrace #WaterfowlArt #DecoyCarving #MarylandHeritage
We’ve been talking all about sink boxes lately, and it brings to mind a powerful reflection from master carver R. Madison Mitchell. In his article “I Remember… Duck Flocks that Blotted Out the Sun,” he recalls a time when the skies over the Chesapeake were filled with waterfowl in numbers almost unimaginable today.
This piece, displayed right here at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, connects us to that rich hunting heritage and the stories that shaped it. Sink boxes were part of that era—offering a unique (and now outlawed) way to experience those incredible flights.
Stop by to see this article in person and step back into a time when the skies truly darkened with ducks.
#ThrowbackThursday #DecoyMuseum #HavreDeGrace #WaterfowlHistory #SinkBox #RMadisonMitchell
