The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum was originally constructed as the Ocean City Life-Saving Station and later served the U.S. Coast Guard. The building remained in active service from 1891 until 1964. It was part of a coastal network established by the United States Treasury Department, designed to rescue vessels in distress and protect lives at sea.

The first station at Ocean City was the architectural type “1874 type, second variation.” It was quaint and small, and sat alone in the dunes at the northern edge of Ocean City. The government decided to expand the facility because the station saw much activity during its first 10 years.

In 1891, the present Ocean City Station, now the museum, was built. The architecture of the station house was referred to as an “1882 type.” The architect of record was J. L. Parkinson. The surfmen stationed at Ocean City became integral to the town's development. Heroic deeds at sea earned them the respect of everyone.

In 1915, the U.S. Life-Saving Service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service to form the modern-day U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard used the building until 1964, when it moved to a newly constructed station near the Ocean City inlet.

The “Old Coast Guard” building fell into disrepair and was later used by the city for various government departments. In 1977, the building was scheduled for demolition.

This motivated a group of concerned citizens who formed the Ocean City Museum Society. The Society, with the generosity and support of the Mayor and City Council, was able to save the building by moving it to its present location at the southern end of the Boardwalk overlooking the Ocean City inlet.

Today, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum offers visitors a chance to take a deep dive into the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and learn about the cultural and natural history of Ocean City and Worcester County, Maryland. Permanent exhibits include the original USLSS logbook, physical artifacts from the Life-Saving Service, historical elements from the Ocean City Boardwalk, a collection of sand from beaches all over the world, a display dedicated to surfing and its history in Ocean City, and an exhibit honoring the pioneering women of Ocean City.

In 2025, the Ocean City Museum Society proudly expanded its mission with the opening of the Museum of Ocean City, located in the heart of downtown. This second museum allows visitors to explore the rich story of Ocean City beyond the shoreline and surf.

The Museum of Ocean City features exhibits highlighting the history of downtown Ocean City, including the evolution of its beloved restaurants, hotels, and motels that welcomed generations of visitors. A dedicated exhibit explores the history and landscape of the Assateague Indians, recognizing the Indigenous communities who inhabited the coastal region long before the resort town was established.

The building itself tells a story. Constructed in 1916, it originally served as a grocery store before becoming a local bank, operating in that capacity until 2019. That year, the bank generously donated the building to the Ocean City Museum Society to preserve and repurpose it as a museum. Today, the thoughtfully restored structure blends historic character with modern exhibition space.

The second floor of the Museum of Ocean City houses a research library, providing scholars, students, genealogists, and history enthusiasts with access to archival materials and resources dedicated to Ocean City and the surrounding region.

Together, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and the Museum of Ocean City preserve and share the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped this vibrant coastal community.

We look forward to your visit!