PINEY POINT, MD — Lighthouse lovers and history buffs were invited to celebrate National Lighthouse Weekend at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park this past weekend.
Museum staff, volunteers and others gathered this past weekend to also celebrate the 180th anniversary of the lighthouse.
“It was built in 1836, and this event was a more laid back gathering for everyone involved,” said April Havens, site supervisor for Piney Point and the acting museum division manager.
All event-goers could tour the many exhibits of the museum and climb to the top of the lighthouse for free during the event, said Havens.
“If you’ve been into the Maritime exhibit of the museum, then you know how strenuous a waterman’s life was back in the day,” said Havens.
Not many younger people understand the trials and tribulations of the people before them, said Diane, museum volunteer.
“We have the opportunity to look back at our roots and see how these people lived 100 years ago. It isn’t the same as people live now or how they will live in the future. If we want to hold onto our heritage we have to get the little ones interested in lighthouses and life on the water sooner,” said Diane.
The public school systems should use the resources available at the museums in the county more often, said Kevin, museum volunteer.
“The children will come by and learn about what happened here and then use it in a book report or some other project. Local education should include aspects of local history in their lesson plans,” said Kevin.
The following artists were available to discuss their nautical artwork and sell their merchandise–Nancy Wathen with Cecil Creek Glass, Jeremy Scarbrough with JKS Imagery, Mary Gault with Woodies Goodies, and Wendy Labofish with A Little Blue Fish
For more information about the event, contact the St Mary’s County Museum Division at 301-994-1471 or visit their website and Facebook Page.
Contact Jacqui Atkielski at j.atkielski@thebaynet.com.
