Learn about the build of a new Maryland Dove, designed to replicate the Dove of 1634.

History

Ark and Dove were the two ships that began the Maryland Colony. Dove was a small, 40-ton capacity cargo ship purchased by Cecil Calvert and investors so that the colonists would have their own ship to use once Ark had sailed for England.

Maryland Dove

Maryland Dove, a wooden tall ship, is Historic St. Mary’s City’s floating ambassador and one of its most popular exhibits. Visitors to the ship experience what traveling by water was like for the first European settlers.

The Build

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum was officially selected to build a new Maryland Dove. Construction began June 1, 2019 and ended with the launch of the new Maryland Dove in 2022. All work was done in full public view, allowing the public to experience every stage of the project.