Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons has publicly thanked two longtime volunteers, Ned and Margaret, for years of service that included handcrafting holiday decorations displayed in the museum lobby each December.
The couple created a rotating collection of festive figures, including snowmen, toy soldiers, and gingerbread men, all sewn by Margaret. The displays greeted visitors entering the main lobby and became a recognized part of the museum’s annual holiday programming.
In a statement posted to the museum’s Facebook page, staff described the decorations as “gifts of time, talent, and heart” that welcomed thousands of guests and reflected the couple’s generosity. The post highlighted the couple’s broader contributions while focusing on the lobby displays that had become a seasonal tradition.
Located at 14200 Solomons Island Road South, the Calvert Marine Museum focuses on the paleontology, estuarine biology, and maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay region. The facility, which opened in 1970 and moved to its current building in 1975, serves roughly 85,000 visitors annually, according to museum records.
Holiday programming remains a key part of the museum’s calendar. The lobby decorations crafted by Ned and Margaret complemented other seasonal offerings, including the annual Waterside Music Series holiday concert, model train displays, and visits with Santa on select weekends. The museum also decorates its 1883 Drum Point Lighthouse and the 1955 Wm. B. Tennison buoy tender during the season.
Volunteer contributions are central to museum operations. More than 300 volunteers logged 28,000 hours in the most recent fiscal year, assisting with everything from boat rides and aquarium feedings to exhibit maintenance and event support. The museum recruits new volunteers year-round and provides training for a range of roles.
The decorations themselves were stored off-season and rotated annually to keep the lobby display fresh. Staff noted that the handmade quality of the figures—fabric bodies, painted faces, and detailed accessories—set them apart from commercial holiday décor and gave the entrance a distinctive, homespun feel.
Community members responded to the museum’s Facebook post with dozens of comments recalling visits during the holidays and expressing appreciation for the couple’s efforts. Several noted that the lobby displays were a highlight for children and helped create lasting memories of museum trips.
The Calvert Marine Museum plans to continue its holiday traditions this December, including the popular “Holiday Blues” concert series and extended hours on select evenings. Admission remains $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and military, $4 for children ages 5-12, and free for members and children under 5.
