Founded in 1642, Kent County is rich with American history. Not only can you explore this history throughout the county, but you can visit several museums they have to offer.

Bordley History Center

Through its library and exhibits, Bordley History Center in Chestertown  has documents, photographs, artifacts and oral narratives. The first Friday night of each month they host a History Happy Hour, where you can enjoy wine and cheese with presentations of the past. In October, the center also hosts the Historic House Tour, where you can explore many of their historic houses.

Knock’s Folly Visitor Center

The Knock’s Folly Visitor Center located at Turner’s Creek Park, showcases the encounter of Capt. John Smith, his crew and the Tockwogh tribe. Although much of the tribe’s archaeological evidence is unknown, what is known can be found at the center.

Kent Museum

Kent Museum, also located in Turner’s Creek Park, is home to artifacts representing agricultural and domestic life from the past. You can also, visit Charley’s House, which is an 1840s home relocated from an African American community near Chestertown. Visitors can explore trails, see birds, waterfowl and other wildlife.

African American Schoolhouse Museum

Another structure is the African American Schoolhouse Museum in Worton. The one-room schoolhouse, originally built as a church in 1890, demonstrates the commitment toward education within the early black community within Kent County. The schoolhouse chronicles the lives and contributions of students and teachers who attended until it was closed in 1958.

Sumner Hall

“Sumner Hall, one of the nation’s two remaining African American posts for the Grand Army of the Republic, was built in 1908 to serve as a community center for black Civil War troops. Today, the museum continues to honor the service of African American Civil War veterans and celebrates cultural traditions with regular events.” © 2023 Kent County, MD

Waterman’s Museum

To see some of  Kent County’s mariners, go to Haven Harbour Marina’s Waterman’s Museum. Visitors can explore the evolution of equipment and technological advances to learn how people brought both convenience and safety to this industry.

Betterton Heritage Museum

The Betterton Heritage Museum documents the town’s early days as a fishing and farming village to its its time as a seaside resort town through vintage artwork, postcards and publications along with other exhibits.

Massey Air Museum

The Massey Air Museum, has classic aircrafts that are displayed amid planes that still fly. You can check out the museum’s events calendar to see what is taking place. Some events include: the Chili Fiesta Fly-in, the Antique Aeroplane Fly-in, Young Eagles Day where kids fly for free; and the annual Open Hangar Day and Fly-in.

Please see Kent County Tourism for more information about things you can do to experience the wide range of history they have to offer.

If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Amanda Grosskrueger at agrosskrueger@mdcounties.org.