As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, the Mathews Museum is planning its annual May Faire, May 2 and 3, described as “a hands-on weekend of history, heritage and hometown fun.”

The celebration will include history-themed activities, such as a historical archaeology dig hosted by the Fairfield Foundation and performances by the Yorktown Fife and Drum Corps.

Also planned is the pound cake contest, which originated along with May Faire in 2017.

“Get out your mother’s pound cake recipe,” said May Faire co-chair Melody Barnes. “The Pound Cake Contest is always a highlight—and afterward, the cakes will be available for sale at the Museum. There will be three categories this year and all information for the contest will be available on Facebook and at www.mathewsmuseum.org,” Barnes said.

“We’re planning a family-friendly event filled with history demonstrations, children’s activities, coastal storytelling, and, of course, Maypole dancing.”

Museum exhibits

Coming soon to the museum is the Klingel Aquascope Exhibit. This highlights the work of the late Gilbert Klingel, a boatbuilder, author, explorer, naturalist and inventor, who once lived in Mathews County.

He earned international recognition for his wide-ranging contributions. According to Museum President Tom Robinson, the upcoming permanent exhibit will feature Klingel’s Aquascope as its centerpiece.

Now on display is an exhibit of the Indigenous Peoples of Mathews, including a history of the region’s earliest inhabitants through original artifacts, a hands-on touch table, and a hand-carved dugout canoe. Indigenous peoples lived in the Mathews area for thousands of years, until the Kiskiack Tribe was driven out in the 1670s.

Court Green and Court Street activities will include food and craft vendors, live music on stage, and family activities. Admission is free. For more information, visit the museum’s new website, www.mathewsmuseum.org.