Collections

Connecticut Treasury ticket showing that a soldier was compensated for his service in the Continental Army, circa 1782.

Our largest collection includes newspapers, correspondences, ledgers and historic papers, fossils, photographs, artwork, books, and local artifacts. Harriett Davis spent hours cutting out articles about Chesapeake City, she stored donations from residents, and saved letters and other documents for the CCDCA.

Purol Filling Station on Lock Street in North Chesapeake City.

This rich collection of documents paints a history of Chesapeake City during the 1950s. Mr. Sheldon has meticulously written names, dates, and locations on each of his donations. The Lee Family of North Chesapeake City has added to the collection with photographs, theater programs, and school memorabilia.

Schaefer's dock and restaurant in North Chesapeake City.

Lewis and Lee Collins grew up in North Chesapeake City. Lewis has taken photographs for nearly 90 years, and his younger brother Lee is a local collector. Together, the brothers have curated one of the best collections of images and information in the county.

The Wallenius Wilhelmsen passes under the C & D Canal Bridge

This extensive collection of photographs shows vessels travelling along the C&D Canal. A former Navy man, Buddy Shepherd compiled albums dedicated to a variety of sailing vessels: tugs, barges, classic motor yachts, car ships, sailboats, commercial ships, and coast guard and military crafts.

Specialized irons including a Family Laundry Iron, circa 1894.

Sterling Hersch collected irons and old items from Chesapeake City residents and displayed them in his home museum until his death. His collection is over 4,000 pieces, making it the world's largest iron collection. Ed Boas and Ed Lee bought his collection, and they have generously loaned a fraction of Sterling's collection to the Chesapeake City Museum.

A receipt from Pratts Food dated Chesapeake City, July 6, 1895.

Wayne Combs, a lifelong resident of North East, Maryland, has collected items from Cecil County since he was in his teens. He started collecting bottles, and later added any object or document to his collection that was from one of the communities in the county. He has donated papers, postcards, bottles and crates.