St. Clement's Island - Potomac River Museum
38370 Point Breeze Road
Colton's Point, Maryland 20626

The St. Clement's Island - Potomac River Museum rests on the shore of the Potomac River overlooking St. Clement's Island, the "Birthplace of Maryland." The Museum's mission concentrates on Maryland's earliest history and Potomac River heritage.

The Museum focuses on the English history that preceded the voyage to Maryland relating the religious and political issues of the 16th and 17th centuries. Here you discover the vision of George Calvert, the First Lord Baltimore, to found a colony incorporating religious tolerance and his sons' implementation of this vision.

You will learn of the voyage of The Ark and The Dove departing from the Isle of Wight in England on the feast day of St. Clement, the patron saint of mariners. Follow the treacherous crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, braving pirates and dangerous storms, and their venture up the Chesapeake Bay to the Potomac River.

Discover Father Andrew White's written account of the voyage and landing on St. Clement's Island. View the 7 by 20 foot mural depicting the colonial arrival along with an exhibit regarding their negotiation with the Native Americans for a permanent settlement.

The Potomac Room shares this river's heritage of the Blackistone Lighthouse once on St. Clement's Island along with the industries of hunting, crabbing, fishing and oystering.

Also on the Museum grounds you will find the "Little Red Schoolhouse," an authentic 19thcentury one-room school. Formerly known as the Charlotte Hall School,, this building was moved to its present location in 1991 where it has been restored and preserved as a St. Mary's County historical treasure.

The Museum is also host to an authentic historic watercraft, the Doris C, a Potomac River dory boat that work the waters of the Potomac for decades in the early 1900's.

Hours of Operation: March 25 though September Weekdays: 9 am to 5 pm Weekends: 12 noon to 5 pm.

October 1 through March 24
Wednesday through Sunday: 12 noon to 4 pm

Directions: From Washington, D.C.: Take 495/95 to Beltway to Exit 7a (Route 5 South to Waldorf). Follow Route 5 South to Mechanicsville where Route 5 South will bear right toward Leonardtown. Follow Route 5 South to Morganza and turn right onto Route 242 South to the end at Colton's Point. Follow Museum parking signs.

From Virginia: Take State Route 301 to 234 East to Clements. Turn right on Route 242 South to the end at Colton's Point. Follow Museum parking signs.

Museum guided tours available by pre-arrangement with the Education Curator.
 

Water Taxi tours to St. Clement's Island are available weekends 12 noon to 4 pm from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October (weather permitting). The vessel is U.S. Coast Guard approved and manned by a licensed captain. The fee is $5 per adult and $3 for all children under the age of 12. This fee includes admission to the Museum. The water taxi is available for charter. Please contact the Education Curator for dates and rates.

Admission: $1 per adult, children under -2 are free.

Guided Tours for students and adults are available by pre-arrangement with the Education Curator.