Lecture: Honoring the Watermen of Colonial Beach

Guest Speaker Peter Fahrney

His photography acts as a bridge between past and present, preserving the legacy of the watermen who shaped Colonial Beach and the Potomac River region.

During this featured lecture and exhibit, Peter Fahrney will offer a compelling visual and narrative exploration of the watermen of Colonial Beach, combining decades of photography with personal insight into their daily lives along the Potomac River. Presented as part of events like “Honoring the Watermen of Colonial Beach,” this lecture will highlight how generations of watermen have shaped the town’s culture and economy through crabbing, fishing, and oystering traditions.  Fahrney will use his images to bring audiences closer to the resilience, skill, and quiet dignity of these workers, emphasizing both the beauty of the river and the challenges of sustaining a traditional livelihood in a changing world. The lecture will serve not only as an artistic showcase but also as a…