Cape charles historical society
The Cape Charles Museum is owned and operated by the Cape Charles Historical Society. We invite you to become a member and support us in the preservation of the history of Cape Charles. We are closed for winter and will reopen in spring.
New Bimonthly Evening Presentations
Let`s Talk Cape Charles Culture: a Lecture Series
We are starting a new program this spring. We will offer presentations on local culture on the first and third Thursdays April 20 - Oct. 19 at 7pm. Admission is $5 or Free with New Museum Membership purchased at lecture.
Museum Closed for winter
Grounds Open from Dawn to Dusk with Phone App Tour
The museum is closed for winter. You can still enjoy the museum grounds from dawn to dusk and there is phone app tour of the rail cars and museum buildings accessible from a QR code on front rail of main museum building. We will reopen in the Spring - date to be announced.
Available now
Cape Charles - A Railroad Town
This popular book by Jim Lewis has long been out of print.. Xenophon Press has re-published it for us. It is for sale in Hard Cover or Soft Cover versions.
Purchase at the Museum, or order online. Website orders shipped only.
also, see our permanent exhibits
Our Busch-Sulzer Diesel Generator
Our Busch-Sulzer Diesel Generator
Our Busch-Sulzer Diesel Generator
This engine and generator supplied power to the town and local area during periods of peak demand from 1947 until the mid-1980s.
Our Chesapeake Bay Ferry Models
Our Busch-Sulzer Diesel Generator
Our Busch-Sulzer Diesel Generator
An extensive model collection of Chesapeake Bay ferries and steamboats from the mid-19th Century until the opening of the Bridge-Tunnel. Use the button to see Jim Garrison's video series on the Virginia Ferry Corporation (VFC). SEE MORE ON VFC BELOW
The Virginia ferry corporation
Jim Garrison continues work on his video series on the ferries, and he is looking for more images and film. If you have something you would be willing to share for future productions he would be very grateful.
your donations keep our museum open
Our locomotive and freight cars were donated to the museum at the closure of the Cape Charles rail yard. Moving them to our site strained our finances in 2019, and now we have to begin their restoration. Meanwhile, we receive, archive and display many artifacts related to the history of Cape Charles, as well as maintain an extensive library of historical photographs. Please consider a donation to help us continue to preserve the history of this historic Eastern Shore town..
