OC Museum Begins Free Program Series

OCEAN CITY – Families looking for an enjoyable morning activity in Ocean City can head to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Nestled on the Boardwalk by the Inlet, the museum offers free programs six mornings a week starting on Monday, July 7 and running through August 30, with topics ranging from knot tying to "All About Sharks."

At 10:30 a.m. each day except Sundays, chairs are set up in front of the famous shark display at the southern end of the Boardwalk where all are welcome to enjoy the entertaining and educational shows.

On Mondays the Ocean City Beach Patrol takes the spotlight and demonstrates the newest techniques in lifesaving. Along with teaching beach safety and advising guests on beach law, the beach patrol displays various pieces of equipment used on the beach. From the iconic red buoy that has saved countless lives to the official beach patrol jetski, learn about the tools and techniques the beach patrol uses to safeguard the surf.

Tuesdays Museum Board Member, Bob Stevens, gives an in-depth look at the history of Ocean City with a program entitled "O.C.B.C.- Ocean City Before Condominiums." Stevens regales the audience on how Ocean City was transformed from a quiet fishing village into the premier beach resort of the East Coast, giving special focus on the many women that helped craft the city.

Wednesdays the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary gives hands-on instruction to participants on how to tie all kinds of nautical knots. From a sheepshank to the bowline, the auxiliary will demonstrate the particulars and provide rope to tie with. This program can be especially informative for prospective boaters of all ages.

Thursdays are devoted to sharks. Learn all about one of the most misunderstood creatures of the sea as Sandy Hurley, Assistant Curator of the museum, unravels the myths and mysteries behind these underwater predators. Find out how sharks are able to detect electric currents in the water, or how fast the fastest shark swims.

Friday mornings, Museum Society member Tom Wimbrow focuses on "Storm Warriors," a program geared for children ages 8 to 14 years. Experience what it was like to serve in the United States Life-Saving Service (today’s Coast Guard), especially during stormy weather. Learn what skills you had to have to be successful. Complete your experience by applying to be a "Junior Surfman."

Saturday guests are invited into the museum’s Aquarium Room to watch the marine critters eat their morning meal. While inside, learn about local marine life.

After the programs guests are invited to enter the museum and view the collections of Life Saving Service artifacts, antique bathing suits, Ocean City history and much more.

Admission to the museum is $3 for adults, $1 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free.