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Waterfowl Festival Awards 21 Students with the William A. Perry Scholarship for Academic Support

Easton, Maryland – June 2026 – The Waterfowl Festival is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 William A. Perry Scholarship Fund awards.

Each year, students from across the region who have volunteered their time in support of the Festival and its mission are encouraged to apply for academic assistance through the William A. Perry Scholarship Fund. The scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to the Waterfowl Festival throughout the year and/or during the annual Festival weekend.

Established in honor of Festival co-founder William A. Perry and his wife Betty Perry, the scholarship reflects the Festival’s longstanding commitment to education, community involvement, and the preservation of Eastern Shore heritage and conservation values.

The scholarship program is intended to support students pursuing post-secondary education, trade school programs, or graduate studies. To be eligible, applicants must be a graduating high school senior or currently enrolled in a college, trade school, or graduate program and must have contributed a minimum of 10 volunteer hours to the Waterfowl Festival.

This year, the Festival is proud to award scholarships to 21 students, distributing a total of $30,259 in scholarship funds.

The 2026 scholarship recipients are:

  • Amanda Coleman – Chesapeake College
  • Brock Grow – Widener University
  • Brynn Reibly – The Temple: A Paul Mitchell Partner School
  • Catherine Cronan – East Carolina University
  • Charles Kaminskas – Coastal Carolina University
  • Ethan Royer – Cairn University
  • Graham Willis – Chesapeake College
  • Isabella Jobeck – James Madison University
  • Jack Chapple – University of Mississippi
  • Jack Townsend – Salisbury University
  • James McDaniel – University of Maryland, College Park
  • Juliana Stepp – Salisbury University
  • Lavinia Tindall – University of Maryland, College Park
  • Lucas Watkins – University of Maryland
  • Lydia Walter – Boston University
  • Madeleine Cronan – Undecided
  • Olivia Patrick – Salisbury University
  • Robert Norbury – Wor-Wic Community College
  • Samantha Townsend – Salisbury University
  • Tristian Tull-Waters – Salisbury University
  • William Sherwood – Chesapeake College

“We are incredibly proud of our young volunteers and all they have accomplished,” said Annie Miller (volunteer coordinator)l. “Their dedication to service, conservation, and community involvement embodies the spirit of the Festival, and we are honored to support them in their academic journeys and future achievements.”

For more information about volunteer or scholarship opportunities, please contact Annie Miller at [email protected]rg or call us at 410-822-4567

Image: Lucas Watkins, Olivia Patrick,Waterfowl Festival Board President Julie Susman, Samantha Townsend, Jack Townsend, Executive Director Deena Kilmon, Brody McDaniel, Graham Willis  

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.

Waterfowl Festival Gift supports access to outdoor programs for families at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2026
Media Contact:
Mia Cranford
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

Grasonville, Md. — On Thursday, May 7, community members, supporters, and leadership
from the Waterfowl Festival and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC)
gathered to celebrate the renewal of a meaningful partnership focused on expanding access
to nature and environmental education for local families.

 

As part of the partnership renewal, the Waterfowl Festival donated 55 family memberships
to CBEC in honor of the festival’s 55th anniversary. These memberships will be distributed
to 55 families from local Title I schools, giving them the opportunity to experience all that
CBEC has to offer, including trails, waterfront access, educational programming, wildlife
experiences, and family-friendly events throughout the year. In addition, the families will
also receive family passes to the 55th Waterfowl Festival, taking place November 13-15,
2026.

The evening began with remarks from Vicki Paulas, Executive Director of CBEC, who
thanked attendees for their support and expressed appreciation to the Waterfowl Festival
for continuing the partnership.

 

“This partnership goes beyond memberships,” said Paulas. “It is about creating opportunities for families to connect with nature, spend time together outdoors, and experience the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay environment in a welcoming and meaningful way.”

 

Deena Kilmon, Executive Director of the Waterfowl Festival, then addressed the group and
reflected on the long-standing relationship between the two organizations. The partnership
dates back decades, with the Waterfowl Festival’s first gift to CBEC made in 1982

 

“The Waterfowl Festival and CBEC share a deep commitment to the importance of conservation initiatives and environmental education,” said Kilmon. “We are honored to continue this
partnership and celebrate over five decades of supporting our communities by helping 55 families experience the incredible resources CBEC provides.”

 

Following the remarks, attendees toured the grounds and visited the future location of the
accessible trails, gaining a firsthand understanding of how the project will positively impact
individuals with mobility challenges and create greater inclusivity within the natural
environment.

 

The renewed partnership reflects both organizations’ shared mission of conservation,
education, and community engagement while helping ensure that access to nature remains
available to all.

 

About Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

 

The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC), located in Grasonville, Maryland, is
dedicated to environmental education, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation along the
Chesapeake Bay. Through educational programs, conservation initiatives, and public access
to nature, CBEC works to connect people of all ages to the natural world.
Website: https://bayrestoration.org

Sammie Adams-Mercer named to Shore Leadership Class of 2026

Sammie Adams-Mercer, Assistant Director of the Waterfowl Festival, has been selected to participate in the Shore Leadership Class of 2026. Adams-Mercer is among 24 professionals chosen for this highly regarded, nine-month experiential program dedicated to strengthening leadership capacity across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

 

Founded in 1997, Shore Leadership convenes monthly sessions in a different Eastern Shore county, each centered on a key regional issue. The curriculum is delivered in partnership with facilitators from the United States Naval Academy’s James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. Through direct engagement with community leaders, industry experts, and regional institutions, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the economic, social, and environmental factors shaping the Shore. The program fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration, equipping participants with the insight and skills necessary to address the region’s interconnected opportunities and challenges.

 

“Sammie is a vital part of the Waterfowl Festival organization,” said Executive Director and Shore Leadership alumna Deena Kilmon. “Community interconnectedness has been central to our fifty-five years of success, and Shore Leadership provides an exceptional opportunity to develop the skills needed to strengthen those connections. We congratulate Sammie and all members of the Class of 2026 on this achievement.”

 

Adams-Mercer’s selection reflects her ongoing commitment to community engagement and professional growth. Her participation in Shore Leadership will further enhance the Waterfowl Festival’s mission to celebrate and conserve the cultural and natural heritage of the Eastern Shore while fostering strong partnerships throughout the region.

 

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.  The 2026 festival will be held on November 13-15. For more Info: waterfowlfestival.org or email

Waterfowl Festival Donates $5,000 to Talbot Retriever Club, Strengthening Shared Commitment to Conservation and Sporting Heritage

The Waterfowl Festival is proud to announce a $5,000 grant to the Talbot Retriever Club in support of its ongoing efforts to promote responsible sporting traditions, conservation, and community engagement across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Funds from the Samuel H. Shriver, Jr. Sporting Heritage Endowment were used to fulfill this request.

 

This contribution reflects a longstanding relationship between the two organizations, both of which share a deep commitment to preserving the region’s rich waterfowling heritage and the natural environments that sustain it. The Talbot Retriever Club plays a vital role in training and showcasing skilled retrievers, advancing ethical hunting practices, and fostering appreciation for working dogs as essential partners in the field.

 

“For decades, the Talbot Retriever Club has worked with the festival to educate festival attendees by hosting retriever demonstrations downtown, showcasing the amazing bond between these highly-trained pups and their humans,” remarked festival Vice-President Charles Wrightson. “Consistenly their demos are noted as a favorite event attended by generations of families throughout the years. We are proud to support their efforts.”

Funds from the donation will help support the Club’s training programs, events, and outreach initiatives, which bring together sportsmen and women of all ages to learn, compete, and connect through a shared passion for retrievers and the outdoors. 

 

As the Waterfowl Festival continues its mission to inspire environmental stewardship through art, education, and community programming, partnerships like this remain essential in ensuring that the legacy of the Eastern Shore’s sporting culture endures for future generations.

 

Image: Waterfowl Festival presents $5K check to Talbot Retriever Club (pictured) Danny Callahan (Talbot Retriever Club Vice-President)( Phyliss McGinn and Butch Chambers (Talbot Retriever Club Board Members), Deena Kilmon, Waterfowl Festival Executive Director; Winston Chance (Talbot Retriever Club President), Candace Bartolowits (Talbot Retriever Club Treasurer)

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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. 

 

About The Samuel H. Shriver Jr. Sporting Heritage Fund

The fund was established in the memory of long-time Festival supporter and volunteer, Samuel H. Shriver, Jr. The Fund was established by members of the Shriver family in honor of Mr. Shriver’s love of the annual Waterfowl Festival and its sporting heritage foundation.

Waterfowl Festival 55 Announces Three Featured Artists — A First in Festival History

Waterfowl Festival 55 Announces Three Featured Artists — A First in Festival History

Easton, Maryland — The Waterfowl Festival proudly announces an historic milestone for its 55th anniversary celebration: for the first time in the Festival’s history, three distinguished artists have been selected as Featured Artists.

Honored for 2026 are nationally acclaimed graphite artist Ray Brown of California, master sculptor Paul Rhymer of Maryland, and award-winning decoy carver Randy Conner of New York. Each artist will create new, original works debuting exclusively at Waterfowl Festival 55.

Celebrating Excellence Across Mediums

Ray Brown is internationally recognized for his hyper-realistic graphite renderings of wildlife. A multiple “Best in Show” recipient at major wildlife art exhibitions, Brown’s meticulous detail and mastery of light have earned him widespread acclaim among collectors and conservationists alike. His featured piece for the Festival will showcase the dramatic beauty and precision that define his celebrated style.

Paul Rhymer, a Maryland-based sculptor known for capturing motion and anatomical accuracy in bronze, has received numerous national awards for his wildlife sculpture. His works are held in private and public collections across the country. For Waterfowl Festival 55, Rhymer will debut a newly conceived sculpture inspired by his love of the Chesapeake region, with a nod to America’s 250 celebration. 

Randy Conner, one of the nation’s most respected contemporary decoy carvers, has earned top honors at prestigious carving competitions throughout the Northeast. Revered for his blend of traditional craftsmanship and refined artistry, Conner will unveil a new hand-carved piece created specifically to commemorate the Festival’s 55th year.

A Historic First

For more than five decades, the Waterfowl Festival has honored singular artistic excellence. Selecting three Featured Artists for the 55th Festival reflects both the depth of talent within the wildlife arts community and the Festival’s commitment to celebrating diverse artistic traditions — from fine drawing and sculpture to heritage carving.

Each artist’s newly created work will be formally unveiled during Festival weekend, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire debut pieces tied to this milestone year.

Waterfowl Festival 55 will continue its legacy of advancing conservation, celebrating sporting heritage, and showcasing world-class wildlife art in the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

For more information, visit waterfowlfestival.org or follow updates on social media.

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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. 

Images: Ray Brown, “Bonnie and Clyde” graphite on board 40×40

Ray Brown: Self Portrait

Paul Rhymer, kayaking in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay 

Randy Conner, Owl Carving

Dan Ketelsen and Shaw Pritchett Appointed to Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors

Waterfowl Festival Inc. have recently welcomed new additions to their Boards of Directors in January, Dan Ketelson and Shaw Pritchett. 

 

“This year, we are pleased to appoint two board members with an admirable record of volunteerism with the festival, “ remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “Dan and Shaw have shown proven leadership over the years and they are both dedicated to the festival’s mission of raising awareness and funds for conservation efforts.”

 

Dan Ketelsen, is a tenured and award-winning hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience in the hotel and luxury convention sales industry. A graduate of Iowa State University, Dan spent 17 years with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in Chicago, New Orleans, Dallas, Calgary and Anaheim directing hotel sales and marketing teams. Additionally, Dan has served as the Provider Partner Committee chair at the AMC Institute and on the So Others Might Eat corporate advisory board in Washington, DC. Ketelsen currently is the Account Director for C2 Association Strategies, a role he accepted in late 2025. 

Since moving to Easton with his wife Lisa in 2021, Dan has been involved with the Waterfowl Festival as the Tailgate Chair and Co- Chair of Artifacts. Dan currently serves as the Warehouse Chairman and was appointed by Easton’s Mayor Cook to the Waterfowl Commission in 2025. Dan’s enthusiasm for the festival extends beyond the festival weekend, and he is a regular volunteer at Waterfowl headquarters. 

Shaw Pritchett comes from a family of dedicated volunteers and has been involved each year since he was a very young child. Growing up, he was introduced to the festival by his father, Albert Pritchett, who served multiple years as Waterfowl Festival and Waterfowl Chesapeake President. Today, Albert and his wife Jennifer continue to support the festival as the Premier Night Chairmen. Shaw’s siblings Finley, Claire, and Austin also work tirelessly on premier night activities,  ushering in a new generation of dedicated volunteers. Premier Night proceeds are deposited directly into our Conservation fund each year, resulting in millions of dollars over the years for conservation efforts. The funds raised by premier night have been instrumental in creating many of the environmental organziations in place today on the Eastern Shore. 

Pritchett currently is the vice president of C. Albert Matthews, a company that has been instrumental over the years in repairing and restoring the infrastructure of the Waterfowl Building (formerly the Easton Armory). Pritchett has fond memories of being in the building for many years while his family worked on various projects for the festival. Shaw’s leadership experience, love of the the Eastern Shore, and his deep understanding of the operational structure of the festival will be invaluable as the organization approaches its sixth decade.

Waterfowl Festival Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Members

Each year since 1992, the Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame Awards have been given in recognition of the commitment and impact that individuals have made on the Festival and in turn our community. We proudly honor these people who have had a significant hand in shaping our event into one of the premiere wildlife and waterfowl art shows in the country. On November 13, 2025, three new honorees were inducted during the 54th Annual Premier Night ceremonies in the iconic Crystal Room at the Tidewater Inn. 

 

Hall of Fame members have offered at least 10 years of significant support as a community volunteer, Festival leader, collector, artist or innovator.  Over the years, these individuals have poured their heart and soul into our community and we are deeply grateful for their contributions. 


This year, we proudly honor Pat Crane, Judy Knight, and Ken Miller,  all of Talbot County, MD. 

 

For over 22 years, Pat Crane has been a dedicated volunteer, including 13 years on the Board of Directors. Pat has been a member of the Art Committee for over 20 years and the scholarship committee for 9 years. Year after year Pat has worked hard to ensure that the artists feel at home when they come to visit from all over the world. Pat has also supported the Festival through countless hours of administrative work and served as co-chair for Art at the Avalon for 22 years. We are deeply grateful for her commitment and enthusiasm to the Festival.

 

Judy Knight has volunteered with the Festival since 1914, delivering over 30 years of dedicated service. She served on the board for six years and was an active member of the scholarship committee for 2013-2020 as well as a volunteer for the Elks Gallery and a co-chair of the Crystal Room. Judy has been a co-chair and volunteer coordinator for Art at the Armory since its inception and has served on the Art Committtee since 2000, helping with decision-making, organization, and operations. Her leadership and unwavering commitment have been instrumental to the festival’s success. 

 

Ken Miller served as president of the Waterfowl Festival in 2022. He has been a dedicated volunteer for over a decade, contributing in many significant ways. The most outstanding contribution was throughout 2022 when he assumed many of the administrative duties of the festival while the organization searched for a new executive director. He was a member of both the Waterfowl Festival and Waterfowl Chesapeake boards; co-chair of Art at the Avalon exhibit, chair and member of the Scholarship Committee, and continues as a member of the Art and Conservation Committees. 

 

“Every year, it is a fantastic moment we share with the community when we recognize such extraordinary people that give so much to our town’s biggest event of the year,” said Executive Director, Deena Kilmon. “Pat, Judy, and Ken have worked tirelessly, side by side, to make our festival an outstanding event for our community. The scholarships to hundreds of students, the nurturing of hundreds of artists, and the support of conservation projects their work made possible will impact generations of Eastern Shore residents.”

The 55th annual Waterfowl Festival is planned for November 13-15,2026. For vendor or sponsor inquiries, please contact:

Image credit: Cal Jackson/Cal Jackson Photography

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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. 

In Memoriam: Tony Kern

Tony Kern was named to the Waterfowl Festival board in 2022, but has been active in many downtown initiatives supporting not only the festival, but all downtown events and initiatives. On the Waterfowl Festival board, he served as Vice-President and chairman of the Facilities committee. Kern was integral to the management of the festival over the past few years, and was particularly effective at spearheading projects involving our capital assets including the Waterfowl Festival Building (the old Easton Armory) supervising grants by the Maryland Historic Trust to help preserve the integrity of the building for generations to come. Tony believed strongly in partnerships, and helped the festival work within our community to build bridges, supporting projects that benefitted the entire community.

 

Read more on Tony’s vision for the Waterfowl Buidling restoration: Chestertown Spy

 

When and where he could, Tony lent his considerable expertise in finance and real estate to help support many local economic development initiatives as well as other non-profit causes.

Tony served on several boards including Qlarant Inc. , Chairman of the Board,  and Chair of Finance; Easton Economic Development Corporation/Vice-Chair,;Chair of Downtown Easton; Chairman  the of Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, and was an active member of the executive committee of the Talbot County, Maryland, Ethics Commission.

 

Tony Kern was a retired Senior Managing Partner with global accounting and consulting firm Deloitte & Touche. His experience encompasses a broad range of industries with a concentration in technology, media, telecommunications, and finance. He provided a wide range of management advice and counsel, including business strategy, corporate finance, new product and service development, innovation strategies, corporate compliance, enterprise re-structuring and operational optimization, corporate governance, and ethics, as well as M&A planning and integration. He was Deloitte’s US Deputy Managing Partner for Technology, Media and Telecoms, the firm’s Americas Managing Partner for Media & Entertainment, the Global Managing Partner for Innovation and Senior Advisory Partner for a number of integrated tech, telecom, and media companies.

 

Tony is a recognized expert by U.S. Federal Courts in matters of business management, transactions, corporate finance, technology, media, and telecommunications. He was a frequent speaker at industry meetings and has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, CNBC, MSNBC, The New York Times, Dow Jones, Fortune Magazine, and other media outlets.

 

Prior to joining Deloitte Tony was Global Managing Partner of Technology & Infocom financial services at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Regional Managing Partner of Economic & Financial Consulting at Arthur Andersen.

 

As an avocation Tony has restored multiple historic properties for his own portfolio and that of outside investors including property in Easton, Maryland and Montgomery County, Maryland.

Waterfowl Festival Grants $15,000 to Community Conservation Partners

For immediate release: 

August 19, 2025

 

Press contact: Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, 410-829-4052

 

Waterfowl Festival Announces  $15,000 in Community Grants

Easton, MD – As part of our ongoing commitment to preserving our rural environment and supporting wildlife conservation, we are pleased to award grants to three outstanding organizations: Delaware Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Conservation Festival, Pickering Creek Audubon Center, and ShoreRivers. Each organization created exceptional projects that will educate and have a positive impact on our community. 

 

“Each year we are proud to give back to organizations working on conservation and education in the community,” remarked Chip Heaps, Conservation Committee chairman. “This year, the competition was tough with well over $170K in requests. We congratulate the three winning projects on rising to the top in a competitive process.”

To celebrate their efforts, the festival will host a “Local Catch Feast” on September 14th at the Waterfowl Building. Grantees from 2024 and 2025 will showcase highlights of their projects while attendees enjoy a reception featuring local seafood. Featured on the menu are the invasive species chesapeake channa and blue catfish. Other items include crab soup, locally grown oysters and local beverages. Tickets can be purchased at waterfowlfestival.org.

 

Every year, our Community in Conservation Grant Program accepts funding requests from non-profits and community organizations across the region whose mission is to make a difference in supporting our shared mission of environmental conservation. The program supports projects that are at the intersection of waterfowl and habitat conservation and how this impacts our community, whether they are focused on education and outreach, science and research, or restoration. Ideally, projects include aspects of each focus area and benefit our waterfowl, their habitats, and the people of our community. Past awardees include University of MD- Horn Point, University of Delaware, and Talbot County Public Schools. The grant cycle will re-open in spring 2026.

 

Non-profit organizations that impact the environment or the education of our community in this space are welcome to exhibit this year in our Chesapeake Bay Pavilion at Easton High School during this year’s Waterfowl Festival November 14-16, 2025. Please contact the Waterfowl Festival for more information on how your organization can participate by emailing or by calling our office, 410-822-4567.

Pictured: Jan Hynson, Waterfowl Festival Board Member; Mary Helen Gillen. Educator and Climate Program Coordinator at Pickering Creek Audubon Center; Amanda Hoyt, Regional Biologist for the Chesapeake DU; Taylor Deemer, Director of Development DE and MD Ducks Unlimited; Julie Susman Waterfowl Festival Board President; Jerry Serie, Waterfowl Festival Conservaton Committee; Chip Heaps, Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors/Conservation Committee Chairman; Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, Waterfowl Festival.

Waterfowl Festival Receives FY 2025 Historic Preservation Capital Grant 

The Waterfowl Festival Inc, is excited to announce that the Waterfowl Building (formerly the Easton Armory) will be receiving a new roof after being awarded a grant from The Maryland Historical Trust.  The Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program provides support to organizations and private citizens for preservation-related acquisition and construction projects as well as for architectural, engineering, archaeology, and consulting services needed in the development of construction projects. For FY25, the Historic Preservation Capital Grant program received 55 applications requesting over $4 million in funding. This year’s nine  grant awards range from $40,000 to $100,000. 

 

“This is fantastic news,” remarked Tony Kern, Waterfowl Festival Board Vice- president. “While we are proud to be the stewards of the building for the community, the maintenance and upkeep is a challenge. This award will help us preserve the integrity of the structure for future generations of Talbot County community members.”

 

The Armory, built in 1927, hosts dozens of community events each year including Plein Air Easton, TIS Lip Sync Battle, the Annual Frederick Douglass Birthday Dinner, First Night Talbot, and the iconic Waterfowl Festival each November. Historically, it has held political rallies, numerous civic organizations, and many pivotal events in Easton’s history. Plans to renovate the interior will be developed over the coming year based on funding and community input.

 

Work will begin in late summer. For more information on use of the Waterfowl building for your organization, please contact .

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