On July 22, 2025, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) approved a budget amendment transferring funds from the Capital Reserve to support a construction project at the St. Clement’s Island Museum. They also authorized W.M. Davis, Inc. as the contractor, advancing efforts to enhance this key historical site in Coltons Point, St. Mary’s County. This decision marks a significant step in preserving Maryland’s colonial heritage for future generations.
The St. Clement’s Island Museum is a nationally accredited institution dedicated to Maryland’s earliest history and Potomac River heritage. It tells the story of the first English colonists who landed on St. Clement’s Island on March 25, 1634, aboard the Ark and Dove. The museum highlights the vision of George Calvert, the First Lord Baltimore, to establish a colony rooted in religious tolerance, as well as the cultural interactions between the Piscataway People and the settlers. Exhibits explore the religious and political context of the 16th and 17th centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into the challenges faced by early colonists, including their treacherous Atlantic crossing.
Located on the Potomac River’s east shore, the St. Clement’s Island Museum serves as a gateway to St. Clement’s Island State Park, accessible via a seasonal water taxi. The island features a 40-foot cross, erected in 1934 to commemorate the colonists and the first Catholic mass in the English-speaking colonies, celebrated by Father Andrew White. A replica of the Blakistone Island Light, completed in 2008 through the St. Clement’s Hundred community organization, stands as another historical landmark. The museum grounds also include a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse and a research center for Maryland history, archaeology, and genealogy.
The CSMC’s approval on July 22, 2025, ensures that the St. Clement’s Island Museum will undergo significant upgrades, though specific details on the project’s scope and timeline remain limited. The funding from the Capital Reserve will support enhancements to the museum’s facilities, likely improving exhibit spaces and visitor amenities. The selection of W.M. Davis, Inc. as the contractor indicates that construction will proceed under experienced management, ensuring quality and adherence to historical preservation standards.
This project is poised to deliver substantial benefits to St. Mary’s County. Enhanced facilities at the St. Clement’s Island Museum will attract more visitors, boosting local tourism and supporting businesses in Coltons Point and Leonardtown. The upgrades will also enrich educational programs, providing students and history enthusiasts with deeper insights into Maryland’s founding. The initiative aligns with St. Mary’s County’s mission to deliver high-quality public services while preserving its natural environment, rich heritage, and rural character, as outlined in the county’s vision statement.
The St. Clement’s Island Museum is part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, emphasizing its role in connecting visitors to the Chesapeake Bay’s cultural and historical tapestry. The construction project will strengthen this role, ensuring the museum remains a vital resource for understanding the interactions between the Piscataway People and English settlers. Community organizations like the St. Clement’s Hundred, which previously supported the lighthouse replica, continue to advocate for the museum’s preservation efforts, highlighting local commitment to this historical site.
As the St. Clement’s Island Museum construction project progresses, it will enhance the site’s ability to educate and inspire. The museum will continue to serve as a beacon of Maryland’s colonial past, offering Southern Maryland residents and visitors a window into the state’s founding and the diverse cultures that shaped its early history. Further details on the project’s timeline and specific improvements are expected to be released as planning advances.
