Upcoming Events
Museum of Ocean City Ribbon Cutting
Museum of Ocean City to host grand opening and ribbon cutting on May 1
The highly anticipated Grand Opening of the newly renovated Museum of Ocean City will take place on Thursday, May 1. This ribbon cutting is to celebrate the completion of all exhibits being installed for the general public to view.
The celebration begins at 10:30 AM with a warm welcome to guests, followed by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:00 AM. After the ceremony, attendees are invited to meander through the museum’s newly expanded exhibits, which showcase Ocean City’s evolution from a quaint seaside resort to the vibrant destination it is today. “We are thrilled to welcome the community and visitors to experience the stories, artifacts, and memories that make Ocean City so unique,” said Christine Okerblom, Museum Curator for the Life Saving Station Museum and the Museum of Ocean City. “This renovation allows us to bring our history to life in new and exciting ways.”
The event is free and open to the public, and guests will have the opportunity to explore interactive displays, historic photographs, and engaging narratives that paint a vivid picture of Ocean City’s past.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, May 1 | 10am - 6pm
Location: 217 S Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
Welcome Reception: 10:30 AM
Ribbon Cutting: 11:00 AM
For more information, visit ocmuseum.org or follow us on social media for updates.
About the Museum of Ocean City: The Ocean City Museum Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Ocean City through programming and exhibits, fostering an appreciation for local culture, and serving as a resource for research and preservation.
Ocean City 150th Anniversary Walking Tour
Ocean City 150th Anniversary Walking Tour
Thursday, May 8, 2025
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Walking Tour |
4:00 – 6:00 pm Happy Hour
Did you know Ocean City, MD, was founded by women? The legendary Petticoat Regime—a group of pioneering female leaders—shaped the town’s early history, proving that strong women create lasting legacies.
In 1875, five male investors built the Atlantic Hotel, marking the beginning of Ocean City as a seaside destination. But it was a remarkable group of women who truly defined its future. Known as the Petticoat Regime, these trailblazing women took charge of the resort’s development. By 1926, an Ocean City advertising brochure listed 32 hotels—all but two were owned and managed by women.
Their leadership built more than just hotels—it set the foundation for a community of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship that continues today. From Ella Phillips Dennis to Rosalie Tighlman Shreve and Anne Lockhart Showell, these women transformed Ocean City into a thriving destination.
Join us in celebrating the legacy of these women’s leadership in Ocean City during our history walking tour! Walking tour will begin at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and will show case historic sites along the Boardwalk including the Henry Hotel and the Plimhimmon Hotel, known today as Plim Plaza. The tour will end at 4pm with an option Happy Hour from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Plim Plaza.
Registration for this event is required
$35 for Maryland Tourism Coalition Members/Life-Saving Station Museum Members and $50 for non-members. A portion of each paid registration will be donated to the Henry Hotel Foundation. Registration is non-fundable. This is a RAIN or SHINE event.
MTC Members must login to their Personify account to get the member rate.
Museum members must use the link stating LSSMM.
There is a 3% convenience fee for credit card transactions.
International Museum Day
The new Museum of Ocean City will be offering free admission on Sunday, May 18th, 2025. International Museum Day has been a day of celebration in the importance of museums since 1977, recognized and organized by the International Council of Museums. At the Museum of Ocean City, visitors will see the following exhibits: The Assateague’s and their Landscape, Hotel and Restaurant Exhibit, and Downtown Ocean City Historic People and Places Exhibit. We hope the public will take advantage of this free admission to explore the newest museum in Ocean City.
Please note that the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum at the Inlet will be closed due to Boardwalk Rock.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, May 18 | 10am - 5pm
Location: 217 S Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
SUBMISSIONS CLOSING Louis Parsons III Memorial Photo Contest
Submissions will close TODAY (September 1, 2025) for the annual Louis Parsons III Memorial Photo Contest.
Whether snapping a photo of the sunset or the entire family, there is no better place than Ocean City, Maryland, to capture stunning and memorable images. The Ocean City Museum Society’s Louis Parsons III Memorial Annual Photo Contest honors the life and legacy of dedicated museum board member and photographer Lou Parsons.
The competition has a new setup this year, featuring an adult category and brand new youth category.
Adult Category (18 and over): Ocean City Beach, Ocean City Boardwalk, and Assateague Bay or Ocean City Bay Sunsets. Each category winner will be awarded $250.00.
Youth Category (17 and under): The photograph can be of any subject as long as the location of the image is in Ocean City, Maryland. One winner will be selected and awarded $250.00.
Grand Prize Winner: The adult and youth category winners have an opportunity to be the Grand Prize Winner. They will be awarded an additional $250.00.
Sponsor Prize: Open to all categories. The Louis Parsons III Memorial Photo Contest Sponsor, Jeff Williams, will pick the winning image. The awarded amount is $250.00.
People's Choice Vote: Open to all categories. The photograph with the most votes by the contest's closing will be awarded $100.00.
The entry period will be from April 1, 2024 to September 1, 2025. Category Winners will be announced on November 1st, 2025.
There will be a gallery event showcasing the winning images. This is a free event open to the public. November 1st, 2025, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the Museum of Ocean City, 217 S. Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842.
For more information about the contest, please visit https://www.gogophotocontest.com/oceancitymuseumsociety
Sunday Open House
The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is celebrating 150 years of Ocean City history with an Open House the Saturday and Sunday of Springfest, April 26th and 27th, from 10:00 am-1:30 pm. There will be free admission to the museum along with two free programs.
Decorate a tea towel using the Gyotaku fish-printing technique with local artist Joanne Guilfoil. This program will be on Saturday April 26th and Sunday April 27th from 10:30 am-1:30 pm. Limited quantities are available on a first come first served basis. This is a free program.
Travel back in time on an exploration of the United States Life Saving Service and learn about the Storm Warriors who lived and served from our U.S. Life Saving Station from 1878-1915. This program will be on Saturday April 26th and Sunday April 27th, intermittently from 11:00 am -1:30 pm. This is a free program.
There will be no charge for admission to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum either day or for either program, but donations are encouraged.
Saturday Open House
The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is celebrating 150 years of Ocean City history with an Open House the Saturday and Sunday of Springfest, April 26th and 27th, from 10:00 am-1:30 pm. There will be free admission to the museum along with two free programs.
Decorate a tea towel using the Gyotaku fish-printing technique with local artist Joanne Guilfoil. This program will be on Saturday April 26th and Sunday April 27th from 10:30 am-1:30 pm. Limited quantities are available on a first come first served basis. This is a free program.
Travel back in time on an exploration of the United States Life Saving Service and learn about the Storm Warriors who lived and served from our U.S. Life Saving Station from 1878-1915. This program will be on Saturday April 26th and Sunday April 27th, intermittently from 11:00 am-1:30 pm. This is a free program.
There will be no charge for admission to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum either day or for either program, but donations are encouraged.
Little Learners: Ocean City Fire Department
The Ocean City Fire Department will be visiting with not only fire engines, but an extra special guest, Max the Therapy Dog!
Location: Museum of Ocean City
OPEN TODAY! Louis Parsons III Memorial Photo Contest
The Ocean City Museum Society will open up submissions for the annual Louis Parsons III Memorial Photo Contest on April 1, 2025.
Whether snapping a photo of the sunset or the entire family, there is no better place than Ocean City, Maryland, to capture stunning and memorable images. The Ocean City Museum Society’s Louis Parsons III Memorial Annual Photo Contest honors the life and legacy of dedicated museum board member and photographer Lou Parsons.
The competition has a new setup this year, featuring an adult category and brand new youth category.
Adult Category (18 and over): Ocean City Beach, Ocean City Boardwalk, and Assateague Bay or Ocean City Bay Sunsets. Each category winner will be awarded $250.00.
Youth Category (17 and under): The photograph can be of any subject as long as the location of the image is in Ocean City, Maryland. One winner will be selected and awarded $250.00.
Grand Prize Winner: The adult and youth category winners have an opportunity to be the Grand Prize Winner. They will be awarded an additional $250.00.
Sponsor Prize: Open to all categories. The Louis Parsons III Memorial Photo Contest Sponsor, Jeff Williams, will pick the winning image. The awarded amount is $250.00.
People's Choice Vote: Open to all categories. The photograph with the most votes by the contest's closing will be awarded $100.00.
The entry period will be from April 1, 2024 to September 1, 2025. Category Winners will be announced on November 1st, 2025.
There will be a gallery event showcasing the winning images. This is a free event open to the public. November 1st, 2025, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the Museum of Ocean City, 217 S. Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842.
For more information about the contest, please visit https://www.gogophotocontest.com/oceancitymuseumsociety
Celebrating International Mermaid Day
Celebrate International Mermaid Day at the Museum of Ocean City
Celebrate International Mermaid Day at the Museum of Ocean City on March 29th. From 10am-11 am, we will have a splashing good time with our special guest Mermaid Tasha,who will be reading her book “Mermaid Tasha’s Mission”. Participants will also enjoy a puppet show about the history and legends of mermaids.
With each ticket purchase you will receive a hand crafted mermaid tail blanket. Tickets are $15 per child.
Children under 1 year old and adults do not require a paid ticket, and thus will not receive a mermaid tail blanket. This program is designed for children 10 and under. Tickets and more information can be found on the museum’s website, ocmuseum.org.
Museum of Ocean City location: 217 S Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
Little Learners: Native American Dancing and Storytime
John “Laughing Wolf” Moore will teach our guests about his Native American heritage through the music of his drum and dance.
Location: Museum of Ocean City
Book signing with Anna Dolle Bushnell
Meet Anna Dolle Bushnell for a book signing at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum on Saturday March 1st, 11am-1pm. "Images of America: Dolle’s Candyland, Inc Book", written by Anna Dolle Bushnell, who continues her family tradition in Ocean City, Maryland with over 200 photographs of Dolle’s 110 year existence on the boardwalk of Ocean City Maryland and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Books will be available for purchase from the museum store.
More information can be found on our website and Facebook event page.
Origins, Celebrations, and Sweet Facts about Chocolate
"Origins, Celebrations, and Sweet Facts about Chocolate," taught by Donna Haase, will take place at the new Museum of Ocean City on Saturday, February 8th at 1:30. Participants will have the unique opportunity to explore the fascinating history of chocolate, from its origins thousands of years ago to modern-day celebrations. They will also sample an original chocolate drink inspired by the Mayans and a chocolate bar from Bristol, England, while learning about chocolate's journey from South America to Mesoamerica, and then to Europe and America.
This program is $10 per person, and tickets are available through Eventbrite, linked on the Facebook event page, or our website.
Little Learners: Coast Guard
Members of our local Coast Guard will lead guests in interactive activities to test their life-saving skills. Location: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
Virtual Viewing of Rescue Men The Story of the Pea Island Lifesavers
Virtual Viewing of
Rescue Men
The Story of the Pea Island Lifesavers
Monday, January 20, 2025
12-5 pm
Cost: FREE
Join us from the comforts of your own home on Monday, January 20th for a free screening of the film “Rescue Men: The Story of the Pea Island Life Savers.” Register for this screening to gain access to view the film anytime between 12 and 5 pm.
The North Carolina U.S. Life Saving Station Pea Island was located along what is today the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The film tells the story of Richard Etheridge, the first Black Life-Saving Service Keeper in the nation, and the position he maintained at Pea Island until 1900.
His station, with his all-black crew of surfmen, garnered a reputation as “one of the tautest on the Carolina Coast.” Under Etheridge’s leadership, the crew of Pea Island Station performed hundreds of rescues in what was considered some of the most treacherous seas along the coastal US. The area was often referred to as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”
We hope you will join us as we all learn together about the Pea Island Keeper and Crew, and the rescue that distinguished them as national heroes.
Little Learners: Fish Prints and Aquarium Program
Learn more about the fish that live in the museum’s aquariums and create a fish print to take home!
Holiday Open House
The Ocean City Life Saving-Station Museum will be hosting their annual Holiday Open House on Sunday December 1st, 10am - 5pm. The museum will have a variety of activities throughout the day to get local families in the holiday spirit. The Holiday Open House is open with free admission for all.
- Author Cindi Offutt will be hosting a book signing and reading from 2-4pm. Her new book, “Crackers the Curious Seagull”, will be available for purchase.
- Listen to the musical tunes of The Jolly Tars from 11:30am - 5pm, they’ll be performing sea shanties and sailor lore.
- Local artist Joanne Guilfoil will be cutting profile silhouettes for guests from 10am-1pm; Slots are limited, so secure your spot today! Tickets are $10.00 - Register HERE
Take advantage of our store sale and enjoy 20% off your entire purchase (some exclusions may apply.)
Stop by the craft table to make a free ornament or take on the challenge of our Holiday Artifact Scavenger Hunt.
Shore Gives More
We have a day for giving thanks, 2 days for shopping deals, and now we have Giving Tuesday! Join the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, the Museum of Ocean City, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and local nonprofits on Tuesday, Dec. 3rd, as we show the world that The Shore Gives More!
You can start donating on Monday November 25th.
Ocean City in the 1960s
Join author Mark Millikin at the new Museum of Ocean City at the corner of Dorchester Street and South Baltimore Avenue on Saturday, October 19 at 11am as he takes us back to Ocean City of the 1960s with slides and plenty of music from that decade.
Mark grew up in the Baltimore suburb of Perry Hall in the 1960s and his family vacationed on the Boardwalk at Ocean City every summer. The Boardwalk will be front and center in his talk as he plays music that came from jukeboxes in Lombardi’s and Ponzetti’s when they were still on the Boardwalk and Pixie Pizza on 9th Street.
There will be time for some “Name that Tune” songs and sing along songs and maybe a brief dance contest. After Mark’s talk he will be signing copies of his books, “The Joy and Heartache of Our 1960s Music,” “The Glory of the 1966 Orioles and Baltimore,” and “Baseball Fever in Baltimore: Frank, Brooks, Boog, Earl and the 1969-1971 Orioles.” A portion of any book sales will benefit the Museum.
Stranded at Sea: OC Bay Hopper Program
Stranded at Sea: OC Bay Hopper Program
Step back in time and embark on a riveting maritime experience as Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum professionals share true accounts of shipwrecks and rescues. Uncover the gripping details of three 1880 shipwrecks off Ocean City and Assateague’s coast. With each shipwreck lies a rescue story. Discover how these seamen were pulled from high seas and brought to dry land! Passengers will get an up-close look at several authentic maritime artifacts from the Museum’s collection—$ 50 per person (1/2 of proceeds donated to OCLSSM).
Stranded at Sea: OC Bay Hopper Program
Stranded at Sea: OC Bay Hopper Program
Step back in time and embark on a riveting maritime experience as Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum professionals share true accounts of shipwrecks and rescues. Uncover the gripping details of three 1880 shipwrecks off Ocean City and Assateague’s coast. With each shipwreck lies a rescue story. Discover how these seamen were pulled from high seas and brought to dry land! Passengers will get an up-close look at several authentic maritime artifacts from the Museum’s collection—$ 50 per person (1/2 of proceeds donated to OCLSSM).