Sunset Sails & History, aboard a 74-foot, classic wooden schooner, Woodwind.
In partnership with Historic Annapolis Foundation, the Woodwinds will feature a History-slanted sunset sail. When you set sail from downtown Annapolis, you see the gorgeous historic skyline that has welcomed ships in for centuries. Come listen to the stories that make up the fabric of history in this terrific town.
- Rates and Schedule
- Buy Tickets
- Tickets go on sale six days in advance
Schedule of Topics for History Mondays 2013:
May 20, 6:30-8:30: A Tale of Two Cities: United States Naval Academy & Annapolis, Janet Williman
Since 1845, the history of the United States Naval Academy and the town of Annapolis has been interwoven. Both have fascinating individual histories, yet both are very dependent upon each other. View the two cities from their best vantage point—the water—as you hear their tales.
May 27, 6:30-8:30: (Memorial Day) Annapolis Through the Camera’s Lens, Roger Miller
Professional photographer, Roger Miller, has photographed Annapolis sites and people for years. Listen as he shares his stories, his three must-see spots in Annapolis, and describes how the city has its own photographic character and quality.
June 3, 6:30-8:30: The Hot Spot in Town: Carr’s and Sparrow’s Beaches, Genevieve Kaplan
From the 1920s through the 1980s, Carr’s and Sparrow’s Beaches were two popular summer entertainment venues for African Americans. Discover these popular stops on the Chitlin’ Circuit including the Sunday afternoon concerts featuring the biggest performers of the day such as James Brown, Little Richard, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald. As you sail past these hot-spot beaches hear about the many people who made these local landmarks the place to be.
June 10, 6:30-8:30: Annapolis Through the Camera’s Lens, Roger Miller
Professional photographer, Roger Miller, has photographed Annapolis sites and people for years. Listen as he shares his stories, his three must-see spots in Annapolis, and describes how the city has its own photographic character and quality.
June 17, 6:30-8:30: Sailing in Annapolis: Then and Now, Molly Winans
Sail with the editor of SpinSheet Magazine; see the different boatyards, sailing schools, and yacht clubs along the way; and hear about their histories, their different personalities, their squabbles and all-out fights as Annapolis’s history as a sailing town has changed over the years. The drama!
June 24, 6:30-8:30: A Tale of Two Cities: United States Naval Academy & Annapolis, Janet Williman
Since 1845, the history of the United States Naval Academy and the town of Annapolis has been interwoven. Both have fascinating individual histories, yet both are very dependent upon each other. View the two cities from their best vantage point—the water—as you hear their tales.
July 1, 6:30-8:30: An Annapolitian’s Portrait of the Past and Present, Diane Rey
Meet newspaper columnist Diane Rey, whose alter ego is Anne Catharine Green, the 18th-century printer of the Maryland Gazette newspaper. Hear about life and the Annapolis newspaper business in both the 18th century and today.
July 8, 6:30-8:30: Courtship Aboard Ship, Janet Williman
Your summer sunset cruise will become even more romantic as you learn some of the courtship practices of the past. Learn how to “put your best foot forward,” the language of the fan, as well as other romantic customs—some still utilized by lovers today!
July 15, 6:30-8:30: The Fabric of the Black Waterman Community, Joan Gaither
Dr. Gaither is a documentary story quilter and in 2009 she created the Black Watermen of the Chesapeake Bay Quilt. In the process of creating the quilt, Dr. Gaither was welcomed into this unique community. Join her as she tells the stories of this disappearing Maryland community, notable African American watermen, and the many African American men and women involved in Maryland’s maritime industry.
July 22, 6:30-8:30: Beds, Beer, and Brothels: Tavern Keepers in Colonial Annapolis, Rod Cofield
From extra beds in a family home to brothels at City Dock, hear the tales of tavern keepers of mid 18th-century Annapolis. What was Annapolis like, who were these tavern keepers, and what and who did they serve?
July 29, 6:30-8:30: Annapolis Through the Camera’s Lens, Roger Miller
Professional photographer, Roger Miller, has photographed Annapolis sites and people for years. Listen as he shares his stories, his three must-see spots in Annapolis, and describes how the city has its own photographic character and quality.
August 5, 6:30-8:30: In the Heat of the Battle: War of 1812 on the Chesapeake Bay, Geoffrey Cuneo
The Chesapeake Bay was one of the five major venues for the War of 1812. Some of the most important events of the war occurred here, including the bombing of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner. Join National Sailing Center and Hall of Fame educator, Geoffrey Cuneo, as he relates some of the local battles as you sail into the heart of the War of 1812 arena.
August 12, 6:30-8:30: Oysters and the Oyster Wars, Sherri Marsh Johns
Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay are a hot commodity—sometimes called “black gold.” An industry that supplied half of the world’s oysters in the 1880s, Chesapeake Bay oysters beds have been the subject of violent—and sometimes deadly—disputes between oyster pirates, legal watermen, and authorities from 1865 to 1960. Smith Island native, Sherri Marsh Johns, relates the fascinating history, battles, and lifestyle surrounding the unassuming, non-mobile, bi-valve, which may be the key to a healthy Bay.
August 19, 6:30-8:30: Courtship Aboard Ship, Janet Williman
Your summer sunset cruise will become even more romantic as you learn some of the courtship practices of the past. Learn how to “put your best foot forward,” the language of the fan, as well as other romantic customs—some still utilized by lovers today!
August 26, 5:30-7:30: An Annapolitian’s Portrait of the Past and Present, Diane Rey
Meet newspaper columnist Diane Rey, whose alter ego is Anne Catharine Green, the 18th-century printer of the Maryland Gazette newspaper. Hear about life and the Annapolis newspaper business in both the 18th century and today.
Sept. 2, 5:30-7:30: (Labor Day) -A Tale of Two Cities: United States Naval Academy & Annapolis, Janet Williman
Since 1845, the history of the United States Naval Academy and the town of Annapolis has been interwoven. Both have fascinating individual histories, yet both are very dependent upon each other. View the two cities from their best vantage point—the water—as you hear their tales.
Sept. 9, 5:30-7:30: Annapolis Through the Camera’s Lens, Roger Miller
Professional photographer, Roger Miller, has photographed Annapolis sites and people for years. Listen as he shares his stories, his three must-see spots in Annapolis, and describes how the city has its own photographic character and quality.
Sept. 16, 5:30-7:30: An Annapolitian’s Portrait of the Past and Present, Diane Rey
Meet newspaper columnist Diane Rey, whose alter ego is Anne Catharine Green, the 18th-century printer of the Maryland Gazette newspaper. Hear about life and the Annapolis newspaper business in both the 18th century and today.
Sept. 23, 5:30-7:30: Pirates on the Chesapeake, Heather Ersts
Join the scallywags of Historic Annapolis and the Woodwind for a rowdy and raucous night overflowing with pirate lore. Learn about pirates that sailed the Chesapeake, their fates, and their treasures—some still rumored to be buried along the shores of the Bay!
