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May 20, 2025 In Art, News, Promotional Partners, Special Events, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Talbot Treasures Event to Celebrate Community History

As part of the Talbot250 celebration, a new community-led committee has been formed to bring to life a unique history exhibit: Talbot Treasures: A Community Show and Tell of History and Heirloom. The event, scheduled for June 12–14, 2025, will invite residents to share personal artifacts, documents, and heirlooms that reflect the deep and diverse history of Talbot County.

The Talbot Treasures Committee brings together the Talbot250 Commission, the Waterfowl Festival, and the Talbot Historical Society.

“We’re thrilled to bring our community together around the stories and objects that make Talbot County so special,” said Deena Kilmon, Executive Director of the Waterfowl Festival. “Talbot Treasures will showcase the depth of history found not just in archives, but in our homes, attics, and family traditions.”

Peggy Morey, Executive Director for the Talbot Historical Society, echoed the excitement: “Everyone has something to contribute—a photograph, a family letter, a memory passed down. This is an invitation for everyone in Talbot County to be part of our collective story.”

The event will be held at the Waterfowl Festival Building in Easton and will feature a curated exhibit of community-submitted items with public viewing on Saturday, June 14.

All items must be connected to Talbot County and pre-registered in advance of the event. More details, including registration instructions are available at www.talbot250.org/talbot-treasures

Talbot Treasures joins a growing list of community-led events and programs developed as part of Talbot250, a multi-year celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 365th anniversary of Talbot County. For more information about Talbot250 and upcoming events, visit Talbot250.org.

PHOTOS/CAPTIONS

“5.20.2025 Talbot Treasures Flyer.png”
Flyer for the 2025 Talbot Treasures: Community Show and Tell event.

“5.20.2025 1776 Decanter.jpg”
The Waterfowl Festival found this “The Early Times Distillery Co. – 1976 Bicentennial Edition Whiskey Decanter” to contribute to Talbot Treasures. See the decanter in person, and learn more about it’s story at the Talbot Treasures public viewing on June 14, 2025.

“5.20.2025 Hat.png”
This black crepe hat with a high straight crown and flat brim was worn by Robert Bartless Dixon, a member of the Third Haven Meeting House. Contributed by members of the Talbot Historical Society.

“5.20.2025 Locket.png”
This locket was contributed by Hughlett Kirby. It shows William R. Hughlett on one site, and the other side (shown here) depicts two women. Paper with the locket states that they may be William’s sisters – Tansey Ann and Mary Elizabeth.

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April 28, 2025 In News, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Mayor Megan Cook swears in two new Waterfowl Commissioners

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Greg Mueller
DATE: 4/28/25 Communications/PR Specialist
443-746-2187, Ext. 165

Easton fills final two spots on the Waterfowl Festival Commission
Earlier today, Peggy Moray and Dennis Cassidy were sworn in by Mayor Megan Cook to serve
on the Easton Waterfowl Festival Commission. Their appointments fill the final two spots on the
five-person commission. Moray’s appointment was confirmed by the Easton Town Council at the
April 7 meeting, and Cassidy’s was confirmed at the council meeting on April 21.
These appointments follow three others made earlier this month, with Amy Horne, Pat Ragan,
and Dan Ketelsen also sworn in to the commission on April 14.
“We’re thrilled to have the final two positions appointed to the Waterfowl Commission,” said
Waterfowl Festival Inc. Executive Director Deena Kilmon. “Over the next few weeks our
commissioners will be reviewing the logistical plans for the 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival this
Fall. We are grateful to have their input and expertise leading up to this year’s event.”
Once sworn in, commission members serve terms of 3 years, after which they are eligible for
reappointment. The commission works to provide logistical input and support for the festival,
helping to plan for transportation, food, and other efforts to ensure the event is safe and
successful.
“We’re pleased to see that the Waterfowl Festival Commission is once again at full capacity,”
said Mayor Cook. “This is the biggest event in Easton, economically and culturally, and we want
to ensure that they have the necessary support to continue its success. I thank all five of them
for their commitment to this event, and to our town.”
The 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival will be held in Easton from November 14-16. More details
about the event can be found at their website: https://waterfowlfestival.org/. More information on

the Waterfowl Festival Commission can be found on the Town website at
https://eastonmd.gov/541/Waterfowl-Festival-Commission.
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Formally recognized in 1710 by the Province of Maryland, Easton is the county seat of Talbot
County. Encompassing over 11 square miles including almost two dozen public parks and open
spaces, the town has a growing population of over 17,000 residents. For more information
please visit: eastonmd.gov.

ATTACHMENTS:
(Left to Right) Newly sworn in Easton Waterfowl Festival Commission Members Dennis Cassidy
and Peggy Moray stand with Waterfowl Festival Inc. Executive Director Deena Kilmon and
Mayor Megan Cook in front of Easton Town Offices.

Mayor Megan Cook confirms two members to Waterfowl Commission
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April 16, 2025 In News, Waterfowl

2025 Waterfowl Festival Commission Appointed

On Monday, April 14, 2025, Mayor Megan Cook swore in three new members of the Easton Waterfowl Festival Commission. Amy Horner, Pat Ragan, and Dan Ketelsen were each sworn in at the Easton Town Hall, just one week after their appointments were unanimously approved by the town council at the council meeting on April 7.

“Since 1985, the Waterfowl Festival Commission has supported the Waterfowl Festival with creating a town logistics plan that is supportive and responsive to our community’s needs,” remarked Waterfowl Festival Inc. Executive Director, Deena Kilmon. “We are excited to see three new members join our commission, and thank them for their dedication.”

Once sworn in, commission members serve terms of 3 years, after which they are eligible for reappointment. A fourth new commission member, Peggy Moray, was also approved by council, but was unable to attend the swearing in. She could be sworn in at a later date to begin her term.

“The Waterfowl Festival is not only our biggest event and a major economic driver  — it is an integral part of our culture and identity as a Town,” added Mayor Megan Cook. “The Waterfowl Festival creatively brings together regional art and culture, sporting, and conservation in a unique package that fits Easton so well. We support them in all of their efforts, and we hope that these new commission members will be able to get more involved and assist the Waterfowl Festival staff with logistics and planning efforts to make our future events as safe and successful as possible.”

The 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival will be held in Easton from November 14-16. More details about the event can be found at https://waterfowlfestival.org/. More information on the Waterfowl Festival Commission can be found on the Town website at https://eastonmd.gov/541/Waterfowl-Festival-Commission.

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Presenting check to Phillips Wharf
April 1, 2025 In Conservation, Conservation Projects, News

2025 Waterfowl Community in Conservation Grant Fund open for applications

Easton, MD – The Waterfowl Festival is excited to match resources with environmental needs across the region through its annual “Community in Conservation” funding program. These grants, supported by proceeds from the annual Waterfowl Festival event offer non-profits and community entities the chance to receive monies for projects and initiatives at the intersection of conservation and community.

“Each year, we are proud to offer this support to deserving conservation and allied organizations,” remarked Chip Heaps, Conservation Committee Chairman, Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors.  “Now more than ever, it is critical that we provide resources to those who are working hard to preserve our open spaces and wildlife habitats for future generations.”

Over the past five decades, dozens of organizations have been supported by the Waterfowl Festival, creating a legacy of education, leadership, and engagement in the conservation space. Recent projects and grantees include Ducks Unlimited, the Wellington Wildlife Management Area, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center,  and ShoreRivers.

Maryland, Virginia, or Delaware organizations are encouraged to reach out to the Waterfowl Festival with their unique projects needing crucial funding through this grant program. The 2025 grant cycle will begin April 1, 2025 and continue through July 1, 2025. Grantees will be announced and funds distributed by September, 2025 in advance of the 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD. 

Guidelines to apply: 

Please submit your application via our online portal (mailed copies will not be accepted) 

Application portal: https://waterfowlfestival.org/conservation/

Deadline: July 1, 2025

 

With this focus on connecting our financial resources to local environmental needs we now support projects in these four priority areas:

  1. Initiatives at the intersections of waterfowl conservation and community
  2. Education programs on Delmarva focusing on current and future generations of conservationists, enthusiasts and educators
  3. Research and scientific work of graduate students, volunteer groups
    and non-profits on Delmarva
  4. Restoration and conservation of projects that benefit waterfowl and
    regional habitat enhancement in ways that connect with larger bay habitat
    restoration goals
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March 20, 2025 In Art, Artists, News, Painters

Waterfowl Festival, Inc.  Announces 2025 Featured Artist Al Barker 

Waterfowl Festival, Inc.  Announces 2025 Featured Artist Al Barker 

 

The Waterfowl Festival’s 2025 Featured Artist has been announced, naming a legendary Festival favorite, Al Barker. Barker has displayed his work at every Festival since its inception in 1971. His quintessential scenes of hunting, the outdoor lifestyle, and nature flawlessly capture a quiet and breathtaking beauty, bringing the viewer intimately into the scene without disrupting the magical and private moments his subjects are experiencing. 

 

“The Waterfowl Festival is about tradition – preserving our heritage and sharing it with the new generation,” remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “Al’s works are the perfect way to seduce anyone who is viewing them to fall in love with the romance of the outdoors. His works are generally not large making them the perfect size and price point for the new collector -A key element of the Festival – making sure art is accessible to everyone.”

 

Al Barker was born in New Jersey and was raised within the New York Metropolitan area where he learned to appreciate the outdoors by spending a great deal of time hunting and fishing. These activities, no doubt, influenced his decision to pursue academic studies in Environmental Science where he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Forestry and later received a National Fellowship for Doctorate work. After these academic studies, Al became a Forestry educator and worked in private industry and eventually taught his trade on the post- secondary level. Without formal art training, he began drawing and painting wildlife scenes to assist with his teaching curricula and has been influenced by the works of Milton Weiler and Don Stone, N.A. Presently, as a full-time professional artist, Al specializes in smaller sized paintings, completing works in both oil and watercolor, as well as rendering many small editions of etchings. 

 

Al Barker is the only professional artist who has exhibited continuously at the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland, since its inception over fifty years ago. Al has won over fifty major awards in premier art competitions and principal exhibitions such as the Grand National American Artists Professional League, New York; Greenwich Workshop Galleries, Connecticut and California; Settlers West, Arizona; Gallery One, Ohio; and the prestigious Salmagundi Club in New York City of which he has been a member and on exhibit for more than 50 years. Al’s work is displayed in many National Miniature Exhibitions in the continental United States. Notably, Al’s work has been purchased by museums for permanent collections, many private collections, as well as the White House fine arts collection.

Look for the release of Barker’s Featured Art piece this summer! Posters from the featured piece will be printed in limited edition.  Pre-orders are available by calling the Waterfowl Festival office 410-822-4567 or at the link online later in the summer in the Waterfowl store. Previous years prints are on salenow at this site: https://waterfowlfestival.org/festival-posters/

 

About the Waterfowl Festival

 

Waterfowl Festival Inc. is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the promotion of wildlife art, and the celebration of the life and culture of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The 54th Festival will be held November 14-16, 2025 in historic Easton, Md. VIP and corporate sponsorship packages are also available. For more information, to volunteer, or donate, visit www.waterfowlfestival.org or call 410-822-4567.

 

 

To learn more about Barker, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/albarkerpainter/

Images courtesy Al Barker.

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February 19, 2025 In Carvers, News, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival Inc. Welcomes Talbot County’s Ernie Burns to Board of Directors

Easton, Md. –February 19, 2025  Waterfowl Festival Inc. proudly welcomes longstanding volunteer and carver Ernie Burns to the Board of Directors. 

 

Ernie Burns was born into an Eastern Shore farming family. As a child he explored the land and water, hunted and fished, and learned the art of wildfowl carving from his parents, Ed and Esther Burns. With them he visited the very first Waterfowl Festival and has attended and/or volunteered at every Festival since.

 

“Tradition, art, and family are values that we celebrate at the Waterfowl Festival.” remarked Executive Director Deena Kilmon. “Burns, with his life-long passion and mulit-generational family volunteer history will bring a deep passion and solid understanding of the festival’s mission and vision. We are excited to have him take a leadership role and help shape the festival’s future.”

 

Burns has worked as an educator for over two decades with Talbot County Public Schools and is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park and Johns Hopkins University. Burns lives on West Sherwood Farms, his family farm, located outside Bozman, Maryland. Ernie continues to create bird and duck sculptures in the studio that inspires him and serves on the scholarship and carving committees for the Waterfowl Festival.

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January 22, 2025 In Art, Artists, Carvers, Festival Highlights, Galleries, News, Painters, Photographers, Sculptors, Waterfowl

2025 Waterfowl Festival Call for Artists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Easton, MD — Waterfowl Festival 2025: Call for Artists and Exhibitors

Easton, Maryland – January 21, 2025 – The Waterfowl Festival is excited to announce that applications for artists and exhibitors are now open for the 2025 event, scheduled for November 14-16, 2025.

We invite painters, sculptors, carvers, and photographers specializing in waterfowl, wildlife, landscapes, sporting art, and maritime subjects to apply. All displayed work must be available for sale. New artist applications should include 5 to 10 digital images representative of the artwork intended for exhibition. Artwork for sale must have been created within two years of the festival date. Please ensure high-quality images, as they are crucial for the jurying process.

Important Information 

Image: Art Gallery at Waterfowl Festival/Courtesy Ron Haddaway

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About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

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January 20, 2025 In News, Special Events, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival Donates 53 Years of Festival Guidebooks to Talbot County Free Library

[Easton, MD] – December 9, 2024 – Waterfowl Festival Donates 53 Years of Festival Guidebooks to Talbot County Free Library

Easton, MD — In celebration of over five decades of community involvement and environmental stewardship, the Waterfowl Festival is excited to announce a significant donation to the Talbot County Free Library: a complete collection of guidebooks from the festival’s 53-year history. These guidebooks, available for public use, chronicle the rich heritage, artistry, and conservation efforts that have made the Waterfowl Festival a beloved tradition in the Chesapeake Bay region.

The guidebooks serve as a historical archive, showcasing the evolution of the festival, the talented artists and craftsmen who have participated, and the vital role the event has played in promoting wildlife conservation. Spanning from the inaugural 1971 guide to the most recent edition, this collection is a treasure trove for researchers, historians, and festival enthusiasts alike.

“Preserving our cultural history and making it accessible to the community has always been a priority for the Waterfowl Festival,” said Deena Kilmon, Executive Director of the Waterfowl Festival. “We’re proud to partner with the Talbot County Free Library to ensure that future generations can explore the stories and milestones that have shaped our festival, the town of Easton, and our extended community over the years.”

The Talbot County Free Library welcomes this valuable addition to its collection. Library Director Dana Newman shared their enthusiasm, stating, “This donation enriches our local history archives and provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with the history of an event that has had such a profound impact on our community.”

The donated guidebooks will be housed in the library’s Maryland Room, where they will be available for in-library use. Patrons can explore the artistic and cultural legacy of the festival while gaining a deeper understanding of its commitment to waterfowl conservation and the Eastern Shore way of life.

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About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

About the Talbot County Free Library
The Talbot County Free Library provides resources, services, and programs that enhance the lives of all Talbot County residents. Through its commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement, the library preserves and shares the region’s rich history for future generations.

Executive Director Deena Kilmon with Talbot County Free Library
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January 15, 2025 In Festival Highlights, News, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival Appoints New Directors for 2025

 

Waterfowl Festival Inc. Welcome New Board Members

 

Easton, Md. –January 15, 2025  Waterfowl Festival Inc. have recently welcomed new additions to their Boards of Directors in January. Jonathan Rondeau, Kim Newcomb, and Amy Horne have joined the organization this month. 

 

“As we enter into the New Year, we are pleased to have three new board members that have a diverse array of skills and capabilities, each one uniquely important to the continued success of our historic festival, “ remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “Rondeau and Horne will bring fresh ideas and new energy. Newcomb, a thirty-year chairman and returning board member, will offer a wealth of knowledge and historical perspective.”

 

Jonathon Rondeau is President & CEO of the Arc Central Chesapeake Region. He partners with The Arc’s board of directors to set the strategic vision and direction of The Arc to make a lasting impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Over the last 6 years, Jonathon has championed transformational change and growth by expanding services, increasing The Arc’s regional presence, and developing leadership at every level of the organization. His past roles include President & CEO of Family League of Baltimore; Vice President, Community Services and then Chief Program Officer of Melwood; and Director of Camping & Therapeutic Recreation, Autism Services & Transportation for The League for People with Disabilities. He is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Maryland and Baltimore’s The Leadership 2017 program.

 

Rondeau holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and disability studies from Springfield College. Jonathon resides in Catonsville with his husband, Matt and their son.

 

A native of Easton, Amy Horne is a life-long participant in the festival, having begun her journey as a youth volunteer or “Ducksitter” while still in high school. Horne currently serves as the Executive Director of the St. Michaels Community Center. Her recent past role as the Executive Director of Casa of Caroline showcased her substantial talent in creating a positive impact in the community, an ability to successfully create multi-dimensional fundraising and awareness campaigns for the organization, and a strong ability to create opportunities for volunteers and community partners to participate in the organization’s work. 

 

Horne holds a Master of Social Work degree from Salisbury University. She has served as the President of Denton Rotary and the Shireton Condominium Association. Past board experience includes the Domestic Violence Center of Greater New Haven and the Friends of Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. She lives in Easton with her husband Ernie Rowe. 

 

Kim Newcomb returns to the board after a few year’s hiatus. She is a native of Talbot County and has a deep love and appreciation for the waterfowling traditions and Eastern Shore lifestyle. Newcomb brings a wealth of industry experience, having worked for many years at Safariland Hunting Corporation. Currently she is the owner of Terry  k & Associates, a real estate appraisal office. 

 

Since 1996 she has been the Waterfowl Festival Artifacts Chairman, spearheading and designing each year’s educational exhibit which has delighted thousands of visitors over the years. Newcomb and her husband Ronnie were inducted into the Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame in 2016. Her past experiences also include serving on the board and as the interim Deputy Director of the acclaimed Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, MD. She has served on  the Dorchester County Historical Society Board of Directors (2012-2016) and the Dorchester County Sanitation Board of Trustees (2014-current), serving as President of the Board from 2015-2020. Kim and Ronnie reside in Church Creek, Maryland. 

 

About Waterfowl Festival Inc.

Waterfowl Festival Inc., a partner of Waterfowl Chesapeake Inc., is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the promotion of wildlife art, and the celebration of life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The 54th Festival will be held November 14-16, 2025 in historic Easton, Md. General admission tickets are $25 for all three days and VIP packages are also available. For more information, to volunteer, or donate, email or call 410-822-4567.

 

 

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January 14, 2025 In News

Waterfowl Festival Announces Julie Susman President for Festival 2025

Julie Susman

Waterfowl Festival, Inc Appoints Julie Susman President for 2025 Festival

[Easton, MD] – January 1,2025 – The Waterfowl Festival, Inc is pleased to announce that Julie Susman has been selected as its 2025 Board of Directors President. 

Julie Susman is the former President, CEO and owner of Jefferson Consulting Group, a small, woman-owned, Washington, DC professional service firm. Susman’s career spanned 41 years in Washington working both on Capitol Hill and in Business. She is an expert in federal business development, government relations, and government procurement, with a focus on health care, information technology, and improving how the government buys, operates and executes its mission.

 

She is a nationally recognized expert in federal health care programs, including veterans’ and military health care programs. Prior to heading Jefferson Consulting Group, she managed the Washington operations of McDonnell Douglas’ Health Information Systems Company, and previously served as Deputy Staff Director, Legislative Director, and Deputy Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.


Susman also serves as the President of the Talbot Preservation Alliance (TPA) and as a Board Member of the Mid Shore Council on Family Violence.

 

Susman holds a master’s degree in psychological counseling from The George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College. She lives in Royal Oak, Md, and has three children and seven grandchildren.

 

The 54th annual Waterfowl Festival is planned for Nov. 14-16, 2025. For volunteer, vendor or corporate partner opportunities,  please contact: . 

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About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Waterfowl Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Historic Trust, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and all of our incredible community partners including the hundreds of volunteers that make all the magic happen. 

Image: Julie Susman 

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