"If you don’t know HISTORY, then you don’t know anything.
You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree."
Michael Crichton
The Colonial Beach Historical Society and Museum
We are commited to preserving and promoting our historic heritage, and engaging visitors in meaningful and transformative experiences.
The Colonial Beach Historical Society & Museum preserves and promotes the rich history, culture, and heritage of Colonial Beach and the surrounding Potomac River region. Through engaging exhibits, community programs, and archival collections, the museum highlights the town’s maritime traditions, resort-era charm, and stories of the people who shaped its past.
Operated by dedicated volunteers, the Historical Society also hosts lectures, events, and educational initiatives that connect residents and visitors to the unique legacy of Colonial Beach, ensuring that its history is celebrated and shared with future generations.
Our Collections and Exhibits
The Colonial Beach Historical Society & Museum offers a rich array of collections and exhibits that illuminate the diverse history of the region. Highlights include the Watermen Exhibit, which honors the lives and traditions of those who worked the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, preserving the heritage of fishing, crabbing, and oystering that sustained local families for generations.
The Native American Exhibit explores the deep roots of the area’s first inhabitants, showcasing artifacts and stories that reveal their culture and enduring connection to the land and waterways. The museum also features an African American History Exhibit, which recognizes the struggles, achievements, and lasting contributions of African American residents in shaping Colonial Beach’s community life.
Alongside these, visitors will find displays on the town’s resort era, maritime past, military service, and everyday community stories, offering a comprehensive view of the people and traditions that define Colonial Beach.
Latest News & Updates
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Before Westmoreland:
Indigenous Life Along the Potomac
with Guest Speaker Coleman Courtney, Executive Director of the Westmoreland County Museum
The Colonial Beach Historical Society and the Westmoreland County Museum invite the community to a collaborative lecture exploring the deep Indigenous history of the Potomac shoreline. Long before Westmoreland became a county or Colonial Beach developed as a waterfront town, this region was home to thriving Native societies whose political systems, trade networks, agricultural practices, and cultural traditions shaped the landscape for thousands of years.
This program will examine archaeological evidence of more than 10,000 years of habitation, Native communities documented on John Smith’s 1608 map and their connection to present day geography, systems of reciprocity and justice, agricultural innovation including seed selection and agroforestry, and the lasting impact of colonization on local tribes. The lecture offers a broader understanding of Westmoreland’s earliest history and the enduring presence of descendant Indigenous communities connected to this region today.
Are You Interested in the History of Colonial Beach?
We are proud of our museum and the historical research that it contains. Please take the time to visit and learn about what makes our community so special. If you would like to schedule a private tour or group tour we would be happy to accommodate your request! Also make sure to click the button below to subscribe to our newsletter!
Thank You to Our Business Sponsors!
Supporting local businesses and community initiatives goes hand in hand. By becoming a Business Sponsor, you not only gain valuable visibility for your company, but you also help us continue our mission. For just $50, your business will be featured on our website and receive recognition at our events,
showing the community that you care and support local growth.
