Watermen is a local term that refers to commercial fishermen on the Chesapeake Bay. Watermen harvest a variety of species including oysters, crabs, fish, and eels. Watermen's work reflects the biological seasonality of the various species native to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. This exhibit also highlights other means watermen use to supplement their earnings. Many commercial fishermen in Annapolis and the traditional watermen's neighborhood of Eastport found additional work at local boatyards, at nearby farms, or in other lines of work with odd jobs. To learn more about oystering on the Chesapeake Bay, visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum.
