The Mathews Maritime Foundation marked its 25th year with a membership appreciation cookout on Saturday at Williams Wharf Landing, on the East River in Mathews.
The MMF was established in 1999, with the vision “to preserve, promote, research, document, and provide educational resources for the public regarding the past and future maritime activities associated with Mathews County, Virginia.”
The MMF membership enjoyed music provided by local talent Hunter Owens and burgers and hot dogs from the grill of Bob and Ann Buhl. Reedville-based author Susan Swift was on hand to present her new children’s book, “The ABC’s of Crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay.” Mathews-built deck boat Peggy of New Point also made an appearance at the Williams Wharf Landing dock.
The MMF has been instrumental in Peggy’s preservation, including a major rebuild, repairs and annual maintenance. Peggy will celebrate her 100th year in 2025. The MMF operates a museum building on West Main Street in Mathews, which displays artifacts from the county and the region.
The foundation also operates a boat shop on Gwynn’s Island, at the site of Gilbert Klingel’s former boat yard. The boat shop is geared towards providing experience and training in boatbuilding and maintenance.
Mathews Maritime Foundation is a nonprofit organization and has volunteer opportunities for metal workers, wood workers, painters, model makers, archivists, researchers, and buildings and grounds maintenance. There’s a need for a bookkeeper and grant developers. Anyone with skills or interests in these fields is encouraged to contact the museum and leave a message at 804-725-4444.
