Harry M. Walsh Waterfowling History & Artifacts
2024: Featuring Cobb Island Decoys- The Country School
First time ever on display at the Festival!
Cobb Island and North Hampton County VA – decoys by Dr Lloyd Newberry
Charles Huff New Jersey – decoys by Phil Riser
East Coast and Virginia Decoys
Shore birds from Virginia and Maryland
The Country School
716 Goldsborough St
Friday & Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Learn about the evolution of waterfowling, from an economic necessity to the sport of today.
Some of these seldom seen treasures, on loan from private and museum collections, date back hundreds of years, and include decoys, guns, gunning boats, and countless related items. Many are priceless rarities offered up by collectors.
About Harry M. Walsh
Dr. Harry M. Walsh (1924-2009) was one of the people whose vision gave wings to the Waterfowl Festival and who served as its first president and chairman from 1971-1974. His book, “The Outlaw Gunner,” remains in print today and tells the tale of market gunners, hunting guides and outlaws who were engaged in an occupation unique to the Shore. It has been considered one of the most authoritative and comprehensive studies of its time on the art of waterfowling.
Dr. Walsh amassed a collection of decoys, waterfowling firearms, gunning accoutrements, and historic photographs of waterfowling over many years. In addition to displaying parts of his collection annually at the Waterfowl Festival, he gave or loaned these artifacts to various institutions in the region. Walsh’s collections can be seen in museums around the region, from he Chesapeake Maritime Museum to the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, and the Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
Don’t Miss the Outlaw Gunner exhibit also at the Talbot County Historical Society!
For more info, check out their website: https://talbothistory.org/exhibits-events/exhibitions/
2024 Exhibitors
Bruce & Rose Baynard
Edward Bain Dean, Sr.
C. John Sullivan
Larry Myers
Ronnie and Kim Newcomb
Robert Jester
Henry and Judy Stansbury
Phil Ryser
Ron Lewicki
Rod Benjamin
Dr. And Mrs. Lloyd Newberry
