FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 20, 2023
Contact: Bonnie Farmer, Communications & Marketing Coordinator
410-326-2042 ext. 8067 Email: Bonnie.Farmer@calvertcountymd.gov
THE HAPPIEST OF ALL SHOWBOATS: THE JAMES ADAMS FLOATING THEATRE
NEWEST MEZZANINE EXHIBIT OPENS
SOLOMONS, MD – April 20, 2023 – Step back in time to the early 20th century and experience the beloved institution that brought live entertainment to communities all along the Chesapeake Bay. Our newest mezzanine exhibit, “The Happiest of All Showboats: The James Adams Floating Theatre,” is a wonderful assemblage of local history, regional influence, national interest, and global fame. In April of 1925, American novelist Edna Ferber boarded the theatre in Bath, North Carolina, in order to do research for her novel Showboat. In 2003, the Town of Bath celebrated the 300th anniversary of its incorporation as the oldest town in the state. As part of the year-long celebration, Dr. Patricia Samford, former site director of Historic Bath, researched the theatre and Edna Ferber providing local lectures about the theatre.
Continuing her research in Maryland as the director of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, Dr. Samford pursued a lecture series locally in Calvert County. The popularity of her lecture and interest in the floating theatre led to an exhibit collaboration with the Calvert Marine Museum (CMM) for their newest exhibit, “The Happiest of All Showboats: The James Adams Floating Theatre.” Dr. Samford’s journey to Maryland is full of adventure and intrigue, including her research discovery of the James Adams Floating Theatre!
Showboat popularity began in the mid-19th century when riverboat crews played music to entertain crowds gathering to meet ships at port locations along rivers and smaller tributaries. Entertainers purchased flat-bottomed boats with shelters, where performances could take place. Between 1831 and 1939, there were 53 major showboats in the United States, the majority along the Mississippi River. The James Adams Floating Theatre was the only showboat to traverse the Chesapeake Bay. The James Adams Floating Theatre performed at Solomons 24 times between 1914 and 1940 and was the only stop the theatre ever made in Calvert County.
The Calvert Marine Museum would like to thank several organizations and individuals for their support and dedication to the history of the James Adams Floating Theatre. Without their support, enthusiasm, and expertise, this exhibit would not be possible: Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, Dr. Patricia Samford, Isle of Wight Museum, Mariner’s Museum, Museum of the Albemarle, Steamboat Era Museum, St. Mary’s County Historical Society, and the talented staff and volunteers at CMM.
The James Adams Floating Theatre exhibit will be open through 2024 and is included with museum admission.
Explore how the prehistoric past, natural environments, and maritime heritage come to life and tell a unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. The Calvert Marine Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $11.00 for adults; $9.00 for seniors, military with valid I.D, AAA and AARP members; $6.00 for children ages 5 - 12; children under 5 and museum members are admitted free. Proud participant in Museums for ALL. For more information about the museum, upcoming events, or membership, visit the website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 410-326-2042. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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Photo 1: Guests enjoying the new mezzanine exhibit on opening night. Photo by Rachael Bruce
Photo 2: Take a seat and experience how the James Adams Floating Theatre brought communities together through cultural performances. Photo by Bonnie Farmer
Photo 3: View of the new mezzanine exhibit including models of the James Adams Floating Theatre. Photo courtesy of CMM.