Explore Ker Place after hours at Shore History’s Ghost Tales & Cocktails event Saturday, October 26th. Tickets include a 30 minute spooky talk from Dennis Custis based on local ghost stories as well as one beverage of your choice. Shore History will serve a spine-tingling specialty cocktail, beer, wine, and water with more for purchase. There will be two talks- one at 7pm another beginning at 7:30pm. Each talk is limited to 25 people so get your tickets in advance! Tickets are $15 per person and available here.

Tripp Ransone shares the experiences of his father, Lieutenant Dupuy Ransone, who served as a Platoon Leader in the 998th Treadway Bridge Company during World War II. Using personal letters and official records, Tripp will recount how Lieutenant Ransone fought from Normandy through Germany, constructing essential bridges along the way. In his presentation, Tripp will showcase various items and letters that provide a personal glimpse into his father’s wartime experiences. Tripp Ransone is retired NASA Wallops.

Weichert Realtors® Mason-Davis and Accomack Title & Settlement present Shore History’s sixth annual all-you-can-eat Crab Crackin’ at Ker Place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. On the front lawn of 69 Market Street, home of the Onancock landmark, Shore History will host the feast to showcase the Eastern Shore’s agricultural and aquacultural bounty. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online here. You can also mail a check to P.O. Box 179 or drop off your payment at Ker Place in Onancock between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Checks can be made payable to Shore History.

The menu includes steamed crabs; steamed clams; sweet corn; barbecue; coleslaw; beer and wine (limited quantity of beer and wine included, with additional available for purchase.) The emailed order confirmation will serve as your ticket so be sure to bring it with you on Aug. 17. Get ready for some great live entertainment from Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys Band. We can’t wait to crack some crabs with you!

Shore History’s opening night for the Library of Virginia’s traveling exhibit, True Sons of Freedom is Friday August 9th beginning at 6pm at Ker Place in Onancock. The exhibit will hang in Ker Place until October and is free to see during the museum’s regular operating hours, 11am-3pm Tuesday through Friday.

To commemorate World War I, "True Sons of Freedom uses photographs of African American soldiers from Virginia who fought oversees to defend freedoms they were denied at home. African Americans from all parts of the commonwealth served in the army and navy during World War I. The soldiers highlighted in True Sons of Freedom came from locations across Virginia and most worked as farmers or laborers before the conflict.

Reflecting the pride and determination of African American World War I servicemen, the images were submitted by these veterans with their responses to military service questionnaires created by the Virginia War History Commission as part of an effort to capture the scope of Virginians’ participation in the Great War. The series of questions about the verterans’ experiences provides invaluable genealogical information about the soldiers, their families, and their service records.

World War I recruitment efforts aimed at African Americans brought new soldiers into the armed services, providing them with opportunities to travel, to work, and, in many cases for the first time, to face cameras- all outside the restrictions of the Jim Crow South. These pocket-sized portraits, made outdoors or in makeshift studios, became mementos for families and sweethearts. They pose in uniform, some in casual stances, others with a rifle to show their combat readiness. Here were African Americans presented as they wanted themselves seen.

Join Shore History in an evening of summer fun at our annual fundraising event Saturday, June 8th at 6:30pm. This year’s celebration will be held at historic Vaux Hall Farm in Melfa and feature a silent auction of exciting Eastern Shore treasures, art, and experiences. Astro Entertainment’s DJ Larry Dotterer will be playing a spectacular set sure to get you on the dancefloor. The Island House Catering will serve their delicious cuisine featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, hearty appetizers, and grazing stations. This flavorful, upscale menu is eclectic, casual, and full of fan favorites including hand-breaded coconut shrimp with Thai chili sauce; pulled pork sliders with pineapple habanero salsa; jerk chicken skewers with green pepper, pineapple, and onion; shrimp & grits; and fried brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze; and more. Tickets are $120 each. Business sponsorships are available and include a special champagne preview party and private tour of the historic home.

Join us for a FREE concert on the lawn at Ker Place with live jams from Hampton Roads’ favorite, Snackbar Jones, from 5:30pm-8:30pm Friday, May 24th. Be sure to have a bit of cash on hand because El Piscachin food truck will be serving up its delicious Mexican cuisine on site. Shore History will have margaritas, beer, wine, and water for sale. Bring a chair and a friend!

Join Philip Bigler for a discussion of his two books “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Century of Honor, 1921-2021” and “In Honored Glory: Arlington National Cemetery the Final Post” at Onancock Baptist Church Friday, May 10th. Philip’s event is $10 for members and $15 for not yet members.

Philip Bigler received a B.A in History and M.Ed. in Secondary Education/History from Madison College and earned his M.A. in American Studies from the College of William and Mary. From 1983-1985, he served as one of the official historians at Arlington National Cemetery. During his tenure, Bigler assisted with the burial of the Vietnam Unknown Soldier and worked on two visits by President Ronald Reagan. Among his many duties were document preservation, research, public speaking, and serving as a liaison between the cemetery and various interest groups.

For over 20 years, Bigler taught in the Fairfax County Public School system. He received the National Teacher of the Year Award, the most prestigious award for a classroom teacher, in the 1998-1999 school year and was selected for the Milken Educator Award in 1999.

From 2001 through 2010, Bigler led the James Madison Center for Liberty & Learning in its mission to honor the legacy of the nation’s fourth President and the father of the U.S. Constitution. Professor Bigler oversaw all aspects of the Madison Center including academic research, public relations, and teacher training.

Bigler has written ten books on history and education. In “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” Bigler chronicles the Tomb’s history from its early inception after World War I through its formalization and beautification. “In Honored Glory,” Bigler discusses the origins of Memorial Day, the construction of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the subsequent history interments, the Kennedy gravesites, and the current burial requirements. The book has been regaled as the definitive history of Arlington Cemetery. It is a human and personal look at the people, places, and times that Arlington commemorates and celebrates America’s past, present and future.

Shore History welcomes Colonial Williamsburg’s Nation Builder Martha Washington to Historic Onancock School Thursday, May 2nd at 6pm. Entry is free for children under the age of 18 and $15 for adults.

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was an extraordinary woman in extraordinary times. Born in New Kent, Virginia, Martha Dandridge was the daughter of the clerk of New Kent County. Fate saw her married at age 18 to one of the richest men in Virginia, Daniel Parke Custis. After seven years of marriage, and four children, she was widowed suddenly. This led her to meet and marry the man who would become a national hero, George Washington. Through her marriage to Washington, Martha would experience life as a plantation mistress, a grueling war where she attended every winter camp, and becoming the first wife setting the precedent for president’s wives for generations to come. Through each episode of her life, she exemplified grace and dignity, truly earning her the name afforded to her, “Lady Washington.”

Katharine Pittman currently portrays first lady Martha Washington in Colonial Williamsburg as part of its Nation Builders program. Katharine will perform as Martha Washington for the first half of the event and will come out of character for the second- she will accept questions both in and out of character. To learn more about the Nation Builders program, click here.

Shore History presents “Where They Rest: Shore Heroes at Arlington Cemetery,” the story of veterans who were born on the Eastern Shore and buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery is the resting place of over twenty veterans who were born on the Shore, as well as dozens more who at one point called the Shore home. The veterans highlighted in “Where They Rest” made remarkable contributions to the United States military either through lengthy and noteworthy careers or by giving the ultimate sacrifice in service to their home and country. Their service covers nearly every American war starting with the Mexican-American War. Their stories include exciting yet difficult tales of honor and loss that are worthy of remembrance.

Some veterans include John Henry Upshur who was a witness to history when Commodore Matthew Perry opened diplomatic relations between Japan and the U.S. through gunboat diplomacy; and Maurice Jester of Chincoteague Island who gained national recognition in 1942 for his battle against a German U-boat off the coast of North Carolina. Others like Cornelius Byrd, Marvin Pettit, Curtis Kern, and Edward Middleton joined the military and left the Shore at a young age but never returned through a variety of tragic circumstances. A display of historical photographs, documents, service records, uniforms, medals, and the things they carried convey their experience in combat.

Join Shore History in opening the “Where They Rest” exhibit at historic Ker Place Thursday, April 25th at 6pm. This event is free and open to the public. The exhibit will be on display through July 2024.

Matthew Krogh discusses the Virginia Militia and the Royal Navy, who blockaded and attacked the Shore during the War of 1812; the occupation of Tangier Island; and the Battle of Pungoteague in 1814. Matt will bring uniforms, weapons, tools, and a swivel cannon that will be fired at the end of the event. This event is free with a Shore History membership or $5 at the door for not yet members.

Matthew grew up in Onancock and graduated from Nandua High School in 2000. He has a master’s degree in history from Virginia Tech, and wrote his thesis on the Eastern Shore and the Civil War. He researches and reenacts several time periods including the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and World War II. He is a member of Churchland Lodge #276, A.F. & A.M. and serves as a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist at Ware Insurance in Virginia Beach. He lives in Portsmouth, Virginia with his family.

Ker Place is reopening for tours on Saturday, March 9th from 11am-3pm. The federal-period Georgian-style house was built from 1799 to 1803 for prosperous merchant farmer John Shepherd Ker; his wife, Agnes Corbin Ker; and their family. It is described by the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission as “the finest and most elaborate Federal mansion on Virginia’s Eastern Shore” and “one of the Shore’s major architectural landmarks.”

The elegant home has been restored to its original appearance as noted in the 1806 John Ker inventory. Rich colors, detailed plaster work, and finely crafted woodwork are found throughout the house. Period antique furnishings create an authentic ambiance of plantation life in the early 19th century on the Eastern Shore. There are also tales and relics of general Eastern Shore history spread throughout the museum.

Guided tours with a docent will be available, or if you prefer, enjoy a self-led audio tour through the Shore History app click here to download it.

Please join Shore History in inviting portrait photographer Kristin Rutkowski to Ker Place to discuss her amazing book and project, Her Helm. Inside it’s pages, the book is dedicated to showcasing women captains on the Chesapeake Bay and their inspiring stories. The lecture begins Thursday, March 7th at 6pm. Kristin’s event is free with a Shore History membership or $5 at the door for not yet members.

The Her Helm project celebrates boat captains who are women making space for themselves in the maritime world. The Chesapeake Bay edition of the project has been collected into a fine art book, with each captain’s image and biographical story highlighted through the pages. The second half of the book includes stories, poems, essays, and art by a select group of writers and artists around the Bay. Be inspired by the tales of women who have backgrounds such as owning their own watercraft, holding USCG licenses, racing sailboats across an ocean, delivering boats, educating others, operating a ferry, and many more.

Books are available at the Book Bin in Onley and an exhibit is on display at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD through September 2024. To learn more about the Her Helm project, visit herhelm.com.

Join Jenean Hall as she discusses her newest publication, “Another Day: More Stories from the Early Colonial Records of Virginia’s Eastern Shore” at Ker Place Friday, February 9th at 6pm. Jenean’s event is free with a Shore History membership or $5 at the door for not yet members.

In Another Day, Jenean Hall sets her hand to some of the errors told about colonial Virginia’s Eastern Shore history. For example, some historians believe that Sir George Yeardley was in cahoots with Captain Epps against Thomas Savage, yet no evidence supports that premise. Another oft-told tale is that Edmund Scarburgh led an unauthorized raid against the Native Americans in 1651, yet the records tell a different story. Another Day breaks some myths and retells other stories with revealing details. Also in those chapters, we learn that the first Eastern Shore attorney was a woman; the Laughing King was not named for his personality; and “Dunking was not always about doughnuts.” Another Day is well-cited research, written for your enjoyment.

Want to purchase your book before the event? Head to the Book Bin at Four Corners Plaza in Onley or order it on Bookshop here.

Weichert, Realtors - Mason-Davis and Accomack Title & Settlement Inc. present the fifth annual all-you-can-eat Crab Crackin’ at Ker Place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. On the front lawn at 69 Market Street, home of the Onancock landmark, Shore History will host the feast to showcase the Eastern Shore’s agricultural and aquacultural bounty. Tickets are $75 each. Business and civic sponsorships also are available. Get your tickets, here and your sponsorship, here.

The menu includes steamed crabs; steamed clams; sweet corn; barbecue; coleslaw; beer and wine (limited quantity of beer and wine included, with additional available for purchase). The emailed order confirmation will serve as your ticket so be sure to bring it with you on Aug. 19. Get ready for some great live entertainment from Nature’s Child. We can't wait to crack some crabs with you!

Thank you to our Crab Crackin’ sponsors: Weichert, Realtors Mason-Davis, Accomack Title & Settlement Inc., Ecosystems Insurance Associates, Pep-Up Inc., Sandpiper Marine, NeuBeam, Bundick Well & Pump, Riverside Health System, Jane Edwards & Lou Neudorff, Kitty & Tim Croke, Claudia & Bill Bagwell, Davis Disposal, Abbi & John Custis, John Monroe & Karin Rush-Monroe, Atlantic Animal Hospital, Leatherbury Broache P.C., Mallards at the Wharf, Pride Antifreeze & Coolant, Barbara & Stephen Johnsen, WESR, Tommy Hines, Shore Produce, and J.C. Walker Brothers.

Shore History has partnered with Accomack County Public Schools to bring the book mobile to Ker Place! From 9am-4pm on July 15th, find the perfect read on the lawn of Ker Place, take a tour of the Onancock landmark mansion, and make a bookmark for your brand new book. Genres include fiction, nonfiction, parent and family engagement, bilingual text and resources, social emotional learning, culture and heritage celebration, and more!

Eastern Shore of Maryland resident and former New York fashion photographer Anne Nielsen unveils her stunning portraiture of Eastern Shore Native Americans at Ker Place. “Catching Shadows” features tintype portraits and recorded voices of Native Americans living on the Eastern Shore in the 21st century. Taken between 2009-2010 by Ann Nielsen, these remarkable images aim to shed light on a marginalized community and document their modern lives through imagery.

Join us in hearing the story of Anne’s breathtaking work and welcome Accohannock tribal members seen in the images to learn more about their heritage, traditions, and culture June 22nd at 6pm in the garden of Ker Place, weather permitting. For questions, call (757) 787-8012 or email marketing@shorehistory.org.

Tickets are $10 for members (membership is gifted with a donation of $50 within the last year) and $15 for not yet members. The portraits will be on exhibit at Ker Place through September.

Join us for a FREE concert on the lawn at Ker Place with live jams from Wavvy Gravy, a Delmarva based rock band from 5:30pm-8:30pm Friday, May 26th. Be sure to have a bit of cash on hand because El Piscachin food truck will be serving up its delicious Mexican cuisine on site. Shore History will have margaritas, beer, wine, and water for sale. Bring a chair and a friend!

Join local artist Melanie Widgeon Lewis for a Wood Burning class Saturday, May 6th from 3pm-6pm at Ker Place in Onancock. Melanie will lead students in burning a custom charcuterie board complete with a very Eastern Shore design. Tickets are $40 each and limited, so order yours today by clicking Ticket Sales on the left-hand bar of the website.

Melanie was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, hailing from Willis Wharf. Her deep Eastern Shore roots run all the way to Hog Island, one of the Shore’s barrier islands.

Melanie has been drawing and painting since she was a young child. In 2014, she began sharing her art and forging her path as a growing artist. Melanie explored with many different mediums in her artisanal journey, eventually challenging herself with pyrography, also known as wood burning. She was drawn to this unique form of art and has enjoyed creating many Eastern Shore inspired pieces over the years. To see more of Melanie’s work, visit https://mwidgeonlewisartist.com/.

“JUMPCUTS” recounts one woman’s journey through a 25 year long career in television. Phyllis Ward narrates how she managed to get into television during a time of glass ceilings and unequal opportunity for women, where she traveled for different projects, and what she as a producer, director, writer, learned about herself and the world.

From hiding in an East German closet with Jane Pauley, to negotiating cows with a Maasai laibon under the night sky in Africa, to quizzing John Glenn about his favorite view from space, Ward’s snippets from her life in television are often surprising and amusing.

Join us for a lively discussion which will be fun even if you haven’t read the book! There will be an open forum to ask questions. Come laugh with us.

Nicole Brown from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation portrays Ann Wager at Historic Onancock School. Wager shaped young free and enslaved Black minds in 18th century colonial Williamsburg, teaching them reading, writing, sewing, and etiquette through a Christian lens. Brown delves into complex topics and explores the intersection of slavery, religion, and education in colonial America. Join Brown and Shore History March 31st at 6pm to meet this Nation Builder. Tickets are $15 each.

Join Shore History in opening its spring exhibit with special guest, Cameron Evans. Hailed from Tangier Island, Evans is a photographer and waterfowl guide who shares striking images of Tangier Island’s beauty in print and social media. Evans will speak about his career and life growing up on Tangier at Onancock Baptist Church at 6pm followed by a reception at Ker Place to meet Evans, view his work, and get a taste of fresh Tangier Oysters! This event is free and open to the public. His work will be on display through May 2023.

Catherine Kehrig, former docent of Windsor Castle, tells stories of the iconic castle and the leaders who have called it home. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world; 40 monarchs have lived in the stronghold. Some of the greatest treasures in the Royal Collection, as well as all the Royal Archives, Royal Photograph Collection, and Royal Library are based in Windsor Castle. This event is free and open to the public.