The Holiday Dinner is SOLD OUT!

Join Stephen Bilicki for a presentation of the Mid-Atlantics’ rich history in Marine and Aviation pursuits through various historical and archaeological records. It covers local and imported ingenuity which developed and brought significant recognition to the Tidewater area for over 400 years. The talk will cover some areas of little-known events from the region and the significance of these endeavors.

Stephen Bilicki is currently working for Oceaneering International as an Oceanographic Analyst. Prior to this position, he was an Underwater Archaeologist for the State of Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program. Locally, Stephen has taught and lectured on various topics of Anthropology and Archaeology, additionally providing insights to survey techniques as an adjunct professor and high school mentor. His avid interest in Maritime and Naval History started early. He joined the United States Coast Guard after high school, following in his grandfathers’ footsteps. During this four-year tour, Stephen lived in Japan and Spain as a LORAN electronic technician. After returning to the states, he continued working in electronics at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and as a defense contractor; while enrolled at the community college and then University of Maryland earned an Associate degree, BA and MA in Applied Anthropology. As a Maritime Archaeologist for both the State of Maryland and as a private sector contractor, Stephen participated in many underwater projects and surveys to document Prehistoric and Historical cultural resources in the Mid-Atlantic and Caribbean regions. His lectures & presentation(s) stems from over forty years of historical research, archaeological findings and constant pursuit of knowledge.

Join Julie Cardinale and Doris Gebel, two Virginia Master Gardeners, for an outdoor lecture on the ways Agnes Ker may have used her herb garden in 1801 to nourish, heal, and maintain her household. Julie, the Lead Gardener of Ker Place Herb & Kitchen Garden, will provide a hands-on demonstration showcasing the practical uses of herbs then and now. This lecture will be free and open to the public!

The lecture will be held outdoors on Ker Place grounds, weather permitting. If there is poor weather on September 5th, the lecture will be held indoors at Ker Place.

Shore History is honored to welcome MAMA-Girl back to her roots in an exhibition honoring the life and work of Eastern Shore artist and pastor Mary Elizabeth “MAMA-Girl” Onley (1953-2018). Join us as we open this wonderful exhibition. Beverages are available by donation.

Join author C.L. Marshall on Friday, April 11th, at 6:00 pm for an evening of captivating Eastern Shore storytelling, complemented by a delicious dish featuring local wildlife. If it swims, walks, flies, or paddles, C.L. has likely written a tale or crafted a recipe for it.

A veteran journalist and former magazine editor, Marshall will discuss his works, including Chesapeake Bay Adventures: Tales from the Eastern Shore, Chesapeake Bay Duck Hunting Tales, and his two cookbooks.

Due to inclement weather, the event will be held in the Gallery at Historic Onancock School. Books will be available for purchase, and Shore History will offer beer and wine by donation. This event is free and open to the public.

Local historian and board member of Shore History Dr. David Scott discusses the homes and architecture that make up the Eastern Shore.

This event is free and open to the public. Dr. Scott’s lecture will be hosted at Ker Place in Onancock Friday, March 21st starting at 6pm. Seating is first come first serve.

Ker Place is reopening for tours on Saturday, March 15th 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.