The Annapolis Maritime Museum’s Winter Talks program has brought to light a treasure trove of local legends intertwined with mystical tales of the Chesapeake Bay. Experts and historians have captivated audiences by peeling back layers of folklore, revealing stories of ghost ships, mysterious disappearances, and long-forgotten mariners whose influence still echoes along the area’s shores. These talks not only entertain but also deepen understanding of Annapolis’s rich maritime heritage, showcasing how the bay’s natural environment shaped the lives and legends of those who depended on it.

This series features compelling topics such as:

  • The Phantom Lighthouse: An exploration of the spectral beacon said to appear on foggy nights.
  • Shipwrecks and Salvage: Accounts of sunken vessels and the daring recoveries that followed.
  • Bay Creatures in Folklore: From mythical sea serpents to the elusive Chesapeake Bay monster.
Legend Location Era
The Phantom Lighthouse Herring Bay 19th Century
Lost Fisherman of Chesapeake Smith Island Early 20th Century
Whispering Wreck Severn River Colonial Period