Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art | Ocean City

The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, located in Salisbury, Maryland, was widely regarded as the premier institution dedicated to the art and history of wildfowl carving and decoys. Established in 1975, it originated to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Lemuel and Steven Ward, two brothers from Crisfield, Maryland, who transformed traditional waterfowl decoy carving from a practical craft used by hunters into a refined and highly collectible form of folk art. Over the decades, the museum became renowned for housing the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of antique and contemporary decoys, wildfowl carvings, and related artworks, reflecting the evolution of decoy carving as both functional objects and artistic masterpieces.

Historical Background and Founding

The museum was founded by the Ward Foundation, an organization created by the Ward family and local supporters to honor the artistic and cultural contributions of the Ward brothers. These brothers are credited with elevating decoy carving beyond utilitarian purposes by focusing on detailed, lifelike representations of ducks and other waterfowl, influencing generations of carvers across the United States.

The museum's extensive collection included not only works by the Ward brothers but also pieces by other master carvers from various periods and regions, showcasing the diversity and artistry of wildfowl decoy traditions nationwide. Exhibits included historic decoys, modern carvings, paintings, and tools used in the craft, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the artistry and heritage of wildfowl carving.

Facilities and Exhibits

Located in a dedicated facility in Salisbury, the Ward Museum featured several galleries with rotating and permanent exhibits. Visitors could view finely crafted decoys, learn about the history of waterfowl hunting and decoy making, and gain insight into the cultural significance of wildfowl art on the Eastern Shore and beyond.

The museum also housed an extensive research library and archives that served as valuable resources for scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts interested in the study of decoy art and folk culture.

Educational and Community Role

The Ward Museum played a vital educational role in the community by offering workshops, demonstrations, and lectures on decoy carving and related arts. It also engaged local schools and groups to foster appreciation for traditional crafts and wildlife conservation.

A major highlight was the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival, held annually in Salisbury. This prestigious event attracted top carvers from around the globe, showcasing competitive carving in multiple categories, attracting collectors, artists, and the general public alike. The festival included auctions, art shows, and family-friendly activities, reinforcing the museum’s role as a cultural and artistic hub.

Closure and Relocation

In July 2022, the museum experienced a significant setback when its HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system failed catastrophically. This failure led to unsafe indoor environmental conditions, including excessive humidity and mold growth, which threatened the preservation of the delicate wooden decoys and artworks. Due to health and safety concerns for both visitors and the collection, the museum was forced to close indefinitely.

Following this closure, the Ward Foundation undertook plans to relocate the museum's collection and operations to a new facility. In 2023, it was announced that the Ward Museum would move to the Powell Building on West Main Street in downtown Salisbury, near Salisbury University. This relocation aims to provide a modernized, climate-controlled environment better suited to the preservation and display of the collection, while also making the museum more accessible to the public and integrating it more closely with the local cultural and academic community.

Current Status and Future Plans

As of now, the Ward Museum is not open for public visitation while the relocation and facility improvements are underway. However, the Ward Foundation continues its mission to promote wildfowl art through organizing the annual carving competition and art festival, which remains one of the most prestigious events of its kind worldwide.

The Foundation is also engaged in fundraising and community outreach to support the new museum’s development, aiming to reopen with enhanced exhibition spaces, educational programs, and community engagement opportunities.

Summary

The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art holds a special place as the preeminent institution preserving and celebrating the artistry of wildfowl carving in America. With its roots tied closely to the pioneering work of the Ward brothers, it not only safeguards an extraordinary collection of historic and contemporary decoys but also serves as a vital cultural and educational center. Despite its recent closure due to facility issues, ongoing efforts to relocate and revitalize the museum promise a renewed future for this treasured institution, ensuring the legacy of wildfowl art continues to inspire and educate future generations.