Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park
Annapolis, MD — The Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park (AMM) is proud to announce its acquisition of the Weems and Plath building, located at 214 Eastern Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403. This 10,000-square-foot facility, situated just steps from the Museum, marks a significant milestone in AMM’s growth and underscores its commitment to preserving and celebrating Annapolis’s rich maritime heritage.
Peter Trogdon, former owner of Weems and Plath, expressed his enthusiasm for the transition: “Cathie and I are thrilled that the Annapolis Maritime Museum has acquired what has been the home of Weems and Plath since 2000. The Museum, founded the same year just down the street, has been a valued neighbor from the beginning. We’ve collaborated on numerous events, including an exhibit on Captain Weems, the founder of Weems & Plath. Over the years, the Museum purchased products from us and we shared our parking facilities for their special events. It’s wonderful to know that the Museum will continue to care for this building, using it to expand their growing exhibits and programs. We wish them all the best.”
AMM will honor the existing lease with Weems & Plath, which has over four years remaining. Weems & Plath, an iconic brand with a 96-year legacy, has operated from this property for the past 25 years and is renowned in the maritime community for its innovative, high-quality nautical instruments. Early next year, AMM plans to convert an additional 1,800 square feet of office space within the building to accommodate the Museum’s expanding collections, archives, and library. The Museum’s Board of Directors is also exploring potential future uses for the remaining space, including new museum exhibits, a boat-building workshop, and other programming.
Over the past decade, AMM has experienced substantial growth. AMM’s initiatives have expanded fivefold, including Winter Lectures, environmental education programs, and community events. The Weems and Plath building will play a crucial role in housing the growing team and allow AMM to continue delivering high-quality educational experiences, reflecting its commitment to enriching learning experiences.
In 2016, the Museum acquired the 12-acre Ellen Moyer Nature Park at 7300 Edgewood Road, transforming it into an environmental education campus serving over 12,000 students annually. In 2018, the Museum purchased and restored a 75-foot historic skipjack, which serves as both a floating classroom and a rare maritime artifact. AMM will continue to operate its primary Museum space at 723 Second Street where it collectively engages with over 100,000 visitors, students, and guests each year.
“The building on Eastern Avenue, with its proximity to the Museum and its nautical connection, is simply ideal for the evolution and expansion of the Museum,” stated Alice Estrada, President and CEO of the Annapolis Maritime Museum. She added “This building will not only allow us to expand our collections and create new exhibits, but it also provides the opportunity to explore innovative programming that will engage our community in new and exciting ways.”
About the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park
The Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park (AMM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about Annapolis's maritime heritage and the ecology of Chesapeake Bay. AMM promotes environmental sustainability through diverse programs, exhibits, and community events and fosters connections with our rich maritime history.
