Winter Lecture – Growth of City Dock and the Surrounding Marketplace

Dr. Ritterbush’s talk will cover the evolution of the Annapolis Harbor, the City Dock, and the surrounding marketplace over a 150-year period as it went through one major change after another, shifting from a working waterfront to a community of pleasure boats. He will also discuss how these changes were intimately connected to the broader history of the Chesapeake Bay.

For years, the marketplace at the foot of the City Dock was the commercial heart of the city. At its core the Market House was a beehive of activity as customers from throughout the city frequented meat markets, seafood processors, vegetable stands, and other vendors. Ritterbush will discuss his experience working there in the 1950s and how the Market House has long served the city.

Presenter: Dr. Stephen Ritterbush | Author

About the Presenter: Stephen Ritterbush has spent his life as an adventurer, entrepreneur, and a student of history. He remains an avid sailor who lives in Annapolis with his wife, two dogs and a cat named Murphy. You won’t find him on social media but you may spot him at the Boatyard, Davis’ Pub or McGarvey’s having a drink with friends.

About the Series: 

The Annapolis Maritime Museum holds its annual Winter Lecture Series over eight consecutive Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. from mid-January through early March. You will be challenged to question and to learn by engaging speakers on diverse topics including maritime history, local history, science and maritime art.

The 2023 series will be held in person at the Museum Campus (723 Second Street Annapolis, MD 21403). Pre-registration is strongly suggested, space is limited. Registration fee of $10 per person at the door – first come, first served. Free admission for First Mate ($150) and above.