Information
Landmark: Ward Museum of Wildfowl ArtCity: Ocean City
Country: USA Maryland
Continent: North America
Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Ocean City, USA Maryland, North America
Overview
In Salisbury, Maryland, the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art earned a reputation as the leading locale to explore the craft and history of wildfowl carving, from sleek wooden decoys to intricate feather details, while founded in 1975, it set out to honor Lemuel and Steven Ward-two brothers from Crisfield, Maryland-who turned the rough, functional duck decoys hunters once tossed into the marsh into finely crafted pieces prized as folk art.Over the years, the museum earned a reputation for holding the world’s largest, most complete collection of antique and modern decoys, wildfowl carvings, and related art-pieces that trace the craft’s journey from working tools to breathtaking masterpieces, their painted feathers still catching the light, after that the Ward Foundation-started by the Ward family with help from local supporters-founded the museum to celebrate the Ward brothers’ artistic and cultural legacy, from their finely carved decoys to their enduring influence on the community, fairly The brothers transformed decoy carving from a simple hunting tool into an art form, crafting ducks and other waterfowl so lifelike you could almost detect ripples in the water, inspiring carvers nationwide for generations, therefore the museum’s collection ranged from the famed Ward brothers’ carvings to finely detailed pieces by master craftsmen from different eras and corners of the country, each one revealing the rich variety and artistry of America’s wildfowl decoy tradition.Visitors wandered past historic decoys, sleek modern carvings, vivid paintings, and well-worn tools-a lineup that brought the artistry and heritage of wildfowl carving to life, in addition in Salisbury, the Ward Museum sat in its own dedicated building, where visitors could wander through several galleries filled with both changing displays and permanent collections.Visitors can wander among finely carved decoys, hear stories of waterfowl hunting and the craft behind each piece, and discover why wildfowl art matters so deeply on the Eastern Shore and far beyond, furthermore the museum also held a vast research library and archives, a quiet maze of shelves and heritage paper, offering scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts rich resources for exploring decoy art and folk culture.The Ward Museum became a cornerstone of local learning, drawing people in with hands-on workshops, lively carving demonstrations, and talks that brought the art of decoy making to life, therefore it worked with local schools and community groups, sparking interest in traditional crafts and a love for protecting wildlife-kids even tried weaving baskets from fresh reeds.One of the biggest draws was the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival, held each year in Salisbury, where rows of lifelike bird carvings gleam under luminous lights, in addition top carvers from around the world gathered for this prestigious event, competing in a range of carving categories.The air buzzed with chatter as collectors, artists, and curious onlookers pressed in to watch, in conjunction with the festival brought together lively auctions, colorful art shows, and games for kids, underscoring the museum’s location at the heart of the community’s creative life, fairly As it happens, In July 2022, the museum was dealt a major blow when its HVAC system broke down completely, leaving the air inside heavy and stifling, at the same time because of this failure, the indoor air turned unsafe-heavy with dampness and the musty smell of mold-putting the fragile wooden decoys and artworks at serious risk.Health and safety worries-for visitors and the collection alike-left the museum no choice but to close its doors indefinitely, the echo of footsteps fading in the empty hall, along with after the closure, the Ward Foundation began moving the museum’s collection-dusty display cases and all-and shifting its operations to a fresh home.In 2023, officials revealed the Ward Museum would be relocating to the Powell Building on West Main Street in downtown Salisbury, just a short trek from the university’s brick-lined campus, moreover the move will create a modern, climate-controlled space that protects and showcases the collection-think cool air and steady light-while opening the museum to more visitors and weaving it more tightly into the local cultural and academic scene.Right now, the Ward Museum’s doors are closed to visitors while it moves to a modern location and upgrades its facilities, consequently the Ward Foundation still champions wildfowl art, hosting its annual carving competition and lively festival-an event that draws top talent from around the globe and fills the air with the scent of fresh wood shavings.The Foundation is raising funds and reaching out to the community to help build the recent museum, with plans to reopen featuring brighter exhibition halls, hands‑on learning programs, and plenty of ways for neighbors to get involved, meanwhile the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art stands at the forefront in America, safeguarding and showcasing the craft of wildfowl carving-from smooth cedar feathers to lifelike painted eyes-with unmatched dedication.Born from the pioneering work of the Ward brothers, it protects a remarkable collection of historic and modern decoys-some with the faint scent of classical cedar-and stands as a lively hub for culture and learning, along with though the museum recently closed because of facility problems, teams are working hard to move it and bring it back to life, promising a fresh chapter where the gleam of carved wildfowl wings keeps inspiring and teaching generations to come.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-06
