Carrying On – Four Centuries on the Oxford Bellevue Ferry

This exhibit opened on 4/27/19 and tells the story of one of the area’s biggest tourist attractions and one of its treasures.  Established in 1683, the ferry’s history has been part of the Museum’s permanent exhibit, but this is the first time it has been featured with new artifacts on loan from previous ferry owners, Val & Dave Bittner, current owners Tom & Judy Bixler, and Dale Benson whose father, Capt. Bill Benson, ran the ferry for over 36 years, from 1938 to 1974.  There are still folks who return each year to ride the ferry, remembering their childhood years when Capt. Bill would allow them up in the pilot house.   You may be surprised to discover that long before women’s lib, a woman captained the ferry – in the late 1600’s no less!   This and many other fascinating and surprising stories await the visitor.   The exhibit also includes artifacts loaned by the Talbot County Historical Society, Talbot County Free Library and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum that add to the story of the ferry and its ‘checkered’ history.

Three generations of the Bittner family stopped by the museum recently to see the ferry exhibit.