02/06/2026
Good morning, everyone — I hope you’re all staying warm in these frigid temperatures. I’ve heard this weekend may be even colder, and I’ll be more than ready when spring finally arrives.
I’m writing to share a brief update on the Eastern Shore Maritime Museum, located in the Historic Onancock School, following last weekend’s fire. While I can’t share many details at this time, I do want to reassure you that we remain hopeful the museum will continue to operate — and, in time, continue to grow — once repairs to the building are completed.
We were very fortunate that the museum itself sustained little to no damage. Our space is located on the opposite corner of the building from where the fire occurred, and our collections and materials appear to be safe. However, we know others in the building were not as fortunate, especially those closest to where the fire originated. We’re expecting a two-to-three month recovery process, and those impacted most directly will need every bit of support our community can offer.
To everyone who reached out — through Facebook messages, emails, texts, and conversations — thank you. The outpouring of concern, encouragement, and offers of help has been nothing short of extraordinary. If I haven’t responded to every message individually yet, please know this: we have seen them, we are grateful, and your support means more than you can imagine.
For the past 15 years, this little museum has worked diligently to preserve the remarkable maritime heritage of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We believe deeply that this history matters — and we do not want to see it lost. Like many small museums, we’ve faced challenges throughout our existence, and we’ve also been blessed by the dedication of outstanding founding board members. We’ve lost several of those influential leaders in recent years, and we feel that absence keenly — but we remain committed to carrying their legacy forward.
For now, the museum will remain closed while repairs and restoration move ahead. Our hope is that later this spring, the Historic Onancock School will reopen restored — not just repaired, but renewed — full of energy, purpose, and hope for the future.
In the meantime, please hang in there with us. And when I say “us,” I mean everyone connected to the Historic Onancock School — not only the Eastern Shore Maritime Museum. Any support, assistance, and encouragement you can offer during this recovery period will make a real difference as we work toward reopening and getting back on our feet. And above all, we believe that prayers are always heard.
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for standing with us. And, if you don't want to do it for me, please do it for those lovely roundsterns. They need us.
— Dr. Paul L. Ewell
