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Waterfowl Festival Announces Launch of Roof Restoration Project with Support from Preston Automotive Group and Maryland Historic Trust

Easton, Maryland — The Waterfowl Festival is proud to announce the start of a major roof restoration project at its headquarters on Harrison St, marking an important investment in the preservation of the organization’s historic home – also known as the old Easton Armory –  and its continued mission of conservation, education, and community engagement.

 

This critical project on the 99 year old facility is made possible through the generous support of the Waterfowl Festival, Preston Automotive Group, and a $100,000 grant from the Maryland Historic Trust, whose partnership underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding the cultural and architectural heritage of the historic building. In the summer of 2025, a digital and video history of the project was released by The Pocket Media group, noting its critical importance to Easton. This video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/MpS1TpIKXWU

 

For more than 55 years, the Waterfowl Festival has served as a cornerstone of the Eastern Shore community, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually to celebrate wildlife art, sporting heritage, and the natural environment. Maintaining the integrity of the 1927 building is essential to the festival, but also to the general community. Dozens of non-profits use the building for a multitude of events throughout the year. 

 

“This project represents more than just a new roof—it’s an investment in our city’s future,” said Executive Director Deena Kilmon. “We are incredibly grateful to our Waterfowl family, Preston Automotive Group and the Maryland Historic Trust for recognizing the importance of preserving an incredible building entrusted to us.

 

The restoration of the iconic barrel roof will help protect the historic structure from weather-related damage, improve energy efficiency, and provide a safe and welcoming environment for artists, volunteers, and visitors alike throughout the year. Work is expected to begin in April by Economy Roofing and Restoration, with careful attention to maintaining the building’s historic character. The building is in an easement with the Maryland Historic Trust, and is considered a valuable asset to the state as well as the local region. It remains one of the few publicly accessible armory facilities in use in Maryland. Visitors are encouraged to drop in during festival hours, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm for an informal tour of the facility. 

 

The Waterfowl Festival remains committed to its mission of inspiring appreciation for wildlife and promoting environmental stewardship through art, education, and community involvement. To help offset the costs of this roof restoration project, please contact Deena Kilmon, Executive Director,

 

The 55th annual Waterfowl Festival is planned for November 13-15, 2026. 

Penwell African Safaris Showcases Adventures at the Waterfowl Festival

Penwell African Safaris Showcases Adventures at the Waterfowl Festival

Easton, MD — November 14–16, 2025 — Penwell African Safaris, a premier provider of luxury safari experiences, is excited to announce its participation in the Waterfowl Festival. Visitors are invited to stop by the Sportsman’s Pavilionto meet owners Kathleen (Kathy) Harvey and Tracey Seifert Kimball, and to learn more about once-in-a-lifetime African journeys.

As a special thank you to festival guests, Penwell African Safaris will host a daily drawing for a beautiful, handcrafted backpack made in London. Attendees can enter at the pavilion booth for a chance to win while discovering how Penwell curates extraordinary adventures across Africa’s most iconic landscapes.

“We love sharing the magic of Africa with travelers who are seeking something extraordinary,” said Kathleen Harvey, Partner and Co-Founder of Penwell African Safaris. “The Waterfowl Festival is the perfect place to connect with adventurers, sportsmen, and nature enthusiasts who share our passion for wildlife and conservation.”

Penwell African Safaris specializes in custom itineraries that balance luxury with authenticity, offering everything from classic Big Five safaris to walking tours, cultural village experiences, and hot-air balloon rides. With a focus on conservation and community support, every journey contributes to preserving Africa’s heritage for generations to come.

About Penwell African Safaris

Penwell African Safaris is dedicated to creating transformative travel experiences across Africa’s most breathtaking destinations. Owned and operated by Kathleen (Kathy) Harvey and Tracey Seifert Kimball, the company combines personalized service, luxury accommodations, and expert guiding with a strong commitment to conservation and local communities.

Join us at the Waterfowl Festival, November 14–16, 2025, at the Sportsman’s Pavilion, to plan your next adventure!

Media Contact:
Kathleen Harvey, Partner
Penwell African Safaris
📧 
📞 800-484-4552
🌐 www.penwellsafaris.com

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.

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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.

The Making of Wind and Waves by Bart Walter

Have you ever wondered how a sculpture becomes a sculpture? 2021 Festival Featured Artist Bart Walter took us behind the scenes of the creation of his work, Wind and Waves, his signature piece for the 50th Waterfowl Festival.
Enjoy this video and learn more about the lost wax process and how “Wind and Waves” was transformed from clay to bronze. We visited Bart at his studio in Westminster, Maryland and got and up-close look at the lost wax process at the Turner Sculpture foundry. Be sure to look for the 2000 degree molten bronze pour!
Special thanks to @Bart Walter Studio, @Turner Sculpture and @Caroline Phillips/Riverine Creative.

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