Oyster & Maritime Museum - Chincoteague, Virginia

Address:7125 Maddox Blvd.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Tel: (757) 336-6117

Actually a non-profit educational institution, the Oyster & Maritime Museum was founded in 1965 by a group of Chincoteague island women to tell the story of the island's history and of the large oyster and seafood industry here. Visitors can explore Chincoteague's heritage through a diorama about oystering, and an aquarium, and also visit the library. There's even a real lens on display from Assateague Lighthouse, where you can see the fresnel lens, and how it works, up close. For those who want to pick up a souvenir, the museum store is well worth your time. There is also a wonderful collection of shells and a wide array of watermen's tools to peruse. If you're visiting in the spring, plan to be here for the yearly Spring Craft Show fund raiser for the museum and get in on the raffles, silent auctions, and door prizes. If you're here in the autumn or winter months, instead, this is a great place to learn and enjoy on a rainy weekend with the kids. The Oyster and Maritime museum is located on Maddox Blvd, before the entry to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.