"Chesapeake Bay Decoys" Exhibit
February 27, 2009 - August 31, 2009

Hampton, VA - The Hampton History Museum announces the opening of "Chesapeake Bay Decoys", an exhibit of some of the finest area decoys culled from the collections of the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, Royal Swan Farm and John Moran Quarstein.

The exhibit features such famous makers as R. Madison Mitchell, "Speed" Joiner, "Cigar" Daisy and Bob McGraw . It includes unique paintings and other works of art by decoy makers Joseph Coudon and the Ward Brothers.

Duck hunting and decoy making accoutrements will also be exhibited to help place the decoy's original use and construction into context.

The waterfowl decoy is a treasured folk art. Decoys were originally made to lure waterfowl into range, thereby enhancing a hunter's chance at success.

Over time, technological, economic and environmental changes made decoys evolve from hand-chopped works of wood, to factory made plastic models. Eventually decoys were created just as an art form reflecting minutely observed detail. Although these birds were never meant for water, the modern decorative products led to a greater appreciation for decoys as an art form.

This exhibit opens at the Hampton History Museum, 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton on February 27 and runs through August 31, 2009.

For information, call 757-727-1610.