Historic Reedville's golden age of prosperity from the menhaden fishing industry is reflected in the Victorian mansions which line Main Street. At the turn of the century, it was purported to be the richest town per capita in the United States.  History is also preserved in the sturdy smaller homes, and particularly in the oldest house now standing in Reedville, which is part of the Fishermen's Museum.

  The museum is located on the banks of Cockrell's Creek on land once owned by Captain Elijah Reed who sailed down to the Chesapeake from Maine in 1867, setting up his first small fishery. Even today Reedville is one of the most active fishing ports in America.

  A generous gift from Mr. Frank Covington enabled the Reedville Fishermen's Museum to expand into this beautiful new building in 1995.   The facility houses a collection of artifacts and historical material covering the history of menhaden fishing from its inception to the present.

  Unique models of fishing vessels and tools used for building and maintaining the fleet are on display. Museum exhibits include a history of watermen's activities from early native American practices to those used today by oystermen, pound fishermen and crabbers.

  The Covington Building has space for rotating exhibits and for educational programs. This building was enlarged in 2003 as part of our expansion program.   Its deck offers views of Cockrell's Creek from which a modern fleet still sets out to fish for menhaden from May through December.

   The William Walker House was built in 1875 on land bought that year from Captain Reed. It was occupied by the family until it was purchased by the Greater Reedville Association in 1986. The Association, primarily through the work of volunteers, restored the house and opened it as the Reedville Fishermen's Museum in 1988.   In the spring of 1995 the home was refurbished and refurnished and now represents a waterman's home at the turn of the century. Almost all of the restoration has been accomplished through the efforts of local supporters of the museum.

   For your enjoyment, we have produced a pictorial tour of the museum, its neighborhood, and its nearby waters.  Please click on the Take A Tour button in our directory.

  Model Making
 Model making has become a very important element in our mission to preserve the heritage of the Northern Neck and the lower Bay.  Models of Chesapeake Bay workboats, historic homes and other significant structures are continually being added to our displays and dioramas. Much of the model making has been accomplished by a group of highly talented volunteers who meet regularly throughout the year to research and build these well-detailed models.  Model building classes are offered by the museum and are conducted by skilled modelers from the region.  A dedicated facility was constructed in 2003 as part of the RFM's expansion program.

  Boat Building
 This program will start in 2003 now that the new Boat Building Shop is completed.  Facilities will be in place to construct traditional small boats and other craft.  Boat building classes will be held, and special "Family Boat Building Weekends" will be offered throughout the year.  Please check on our Events or Starry Banner links for details.

 Gift Shop 
 Specializing in items of a maritime nature, our Gift Shop features locally crafted items, books of regional interest, prints, maps, children's toys and wearing apparel.  The gift shop is open from 10:30 to 4:30 when the museum is open.  No admission is charged to shop visitors.

 Boat Donation Program
  This program has been developed to permit individuals and organizations to give boats that no longer serve their purpose and yet receive value for them as an income tax deduction. All types of boats - traditional or modern - are eligible.  On acceptance, we have the option of retaining the boat as an element of historical reference or selling it to generate additional funds for our operational and outreach programs. 

 Membership
  Please join us in our effort to preserve, research and interpret the artifacts and stories relating to Virginia's menhaden fisheries and other maritime activities of the lower Chesapeake Bay region. Individual and corporate memberships are available.  Please contact us for more information.  We can also send you a copy of our quarterly newsletter, The Starry Banner.