Our Mission
To preserve and interpret Eastern Shore history and to educate the community about its past.
Our Vision
Shore History is a vehicle for cultural enrichment as well as a facilitator for history education through its collection, exhibits, programs, and preservation initiatives. Our goal is to be the inspiration point for all people: for those who enjoy the humanities and wish to follow their curiosities to a lifelong pursuit of learning and for others who never knew they could dream bigger or that they were a part of a larger world.
Our Guiding Principles
At Shore History, our top priorities are the preservation of two buildings on the National Historic Landmark Register, Ker Place and Hopkins & Bro. Store; providing educational services to multi-generational learners; maintaining and displaying a significant collection of archives and artifacts; and using Ker Place, an 18th-century property, not only as a museum and research facility, but as a venue for the community to enjoy year-round.
we thank our generous sponsors 2026 crab crackin’
Weichert Realtors Mason-Davis
Conrad M. Hall & Family The Bagwell Family
Matthew Brown and Peter Hartzle
Lynn Gayle Coastline Chemical
John Fiege CFP Michael Hartman and Mark Wilson
Sarah & Rick Bingman John Monroe & Karin Rush-Monroe Bruce & Debbie Holland Charlie & Claiborne Dickinson
Republic Services Full Measure Oyster Co. Tony Edwards J.C. Walker Brothers Tommy Hines Darlene & John Zacharius
Upcoming Events
Exhibits
We collect, preserve, and celebrate our commonwealth’s Eastern Shore history and culture every day. Our Wise/Cropper exhibit tells the story of two native Shoremen, former Gov. Henry Wise and Gen. John Cropper, through artifacts depicting their lives at home and war. We constantly comb our collections and archives as well as engage our community to create fresh, relevant temporary exhibits. Visitors view our permanent displays of period art and furnishings at Ker Place in Onancock. We bring traveling exhibitions from partners such as the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Another of our historic properties, nearby Hopkins & Bro. Store, houses an exhibit detailing the Shore’s maritime history.
EDUCATION
We seek to educate Eastern Shore students of all ages about their history and heritage. In 2026, a year when we commemorate our 250th anniversary, Shore History invited Eastern Shore students in grades 6–12 to explore America’s story through art. Their creativity came to life in our Student Art Challenge and Show, giving young artists the opportunity to exhibit their work, earn recognition, and share what history means to them.
EVENTS
We offer residents and visitors a variety of cultural and social programs throughout the year, including our free Music on the Lawn concert series; the annual Crab Crackin’ feast, which showcases the Shore’s aquacultural and agricultural bounties; a decadent Holiday Dinner; and other community-partner events we host, such as Lights on the Lawn, a large display of dozens of Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses and families. These affairs highlight the beauty of Ker Place, both inside and out. The Federal-period landscape and Georgian-style architecture of our headquarters on the National Register of Historic Places offer a beautiful backdrop for your personal special occasion as well. The grounds and museum are available for private rental.
