Notable Exhibits and Artifacts (1979-2001)
When the Museum first opened its doors in September 1978, it showcased memorabilia depicting the days of the Life-Saving Service, the rich history of the Ocean City fishing industry, boardwalk amusements, the beginnings of the hospitality industry, and both live and mounted exhibits of marine life indigenous to the area.
Over the years, the exhibits expanded to fill both floors of the Museum as new artifacts were donated, collected, and loaned. The images below provide viewers with a visual history of some of our well-known and well-loved artifacts and exhibits. Enjoy!
"Aquarium Now Open at Ocean City museum - the new exhibit - two, 250-gallon salt-water aquariums...stocked with local fish, shellfish and other marine creatures, reproduces as closely as possible the marine habitat found in Ocean City waters..." - The Maryland Beachcomber, July 27, 1979.
Bill Wimbrow, George Hurley, Bill Purnell, Jr, Ed Hudson, arrival of USLSS surf rescue boat on loan to OCLSS Museum from Smithsonian Institution, c. 1980
George Hurley & Bill Wimbrow with life car, c. 1981
Boat Room, c. 1981
Boat Room, c. 1984
Christy McGrath remodeling Laughing Sal, c. 1980
Laughing Sal, c. 1981
Doll House Exhibit, c. 1980; Commissioned replicas built by Berlin builder Edgar Gaskins; "Those who enjoy Monopoly and Ocean City's history should be intrigued by this offer: for between $400 and $500, you can own a piece of the Boardwalk and a fabulous old resort hotel or business...the sponsor will own the model and be credited for lending it to the museum for the Boardwalk diorama." - Maryland Coast Press, 1979
Susan Powell in vintage bathing suit standing in bathing suit exhibit, c. 1980
Shipwreck Exhibit, c. 1980
Duck Decoy Display, c. 1980
1920s Boardwalk Rolling Chair, c. 1980
Janice Davis & Bruno, c. 1981
Bill Wimbrow, George Hurley, Dick Cropper & Jerry Daisey placing anchor, c. 1981
Building the "Wreck In The Offing" exhibit, c. 1983; "...the exhibit will take visitors through the 36-year history of the Life-Saving Service on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia" - Eastern Shore Times, 1983
Sand Exhibit, c. 1989
Apparatus Surf Cart from Green Run Life-Saving Station circa 1880. This was used to haul equipment needed to perform a rescue to the scene of a shipwreck.
Apparatus Surf Cart was totally restored and reconditioned by Amish carriage makers in 1991.
Four pieces from the deck of the USS Blenny. "An outdoor exhibit of the USS Blenny, a submarine used during World War II and the Korean War, is on display at the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum. The display includes a brass torpedo tube door, a galley table, a bunk from the sleeping quarters, and a wall sink. On display inside the museum are scrapbooks containing photos of the crews, log sheets and the history of the sub. " - The Baltimore Sun, August 25th, 1991
"Lyle" in breeches buoy, c. 1993
Mermaid exhibit, c. 1994
Light Henderson's Christmas Tree Exhibit, c. 1996
Victorian Shell Art, c. 1998
Bathing Suit Exhibit, c. 2001