Special Exhibits

The Watermen of Westmoreland County Exhibit

Opening Friday, September 13th from 4:00-8:00pm at the Historic Courthouse Museum “The Watermen of Westmoreland County,” will coincide with this year’s theme of “The Power of Place”

by the Northern Neck 250 Committee:
“By prompting us to transcend political boundaries and delve more deeply into our past, the concept of “place” offers a unique perspective for fully understanding our history.”

The water can act as a place of remembrance and reflection. It connects us to lands far away. But it also is a carrier of life that has sustained Westmoreland County through the labor of our watermen. For generations, our watermen have gathered, fished, and shucked the food we bring home to our families. It all starts in the water.

3 Generations of Waterman, The Gallaghers

3 Generations of Waterman

The Dean Family

Photos sent in from Mary Scott Coffey. Her grandfather, Milton R. Dean, was a waterman and farmer at Beales Wharf in Mt. Holly. Her uncle, George M. Dean, managed the business when her Grandaddy grew older.
Beales Wharf was a steamboat landing, store, tomato cannery and oyster house. Sadly, Lock Harbor farm at Beales Wharf was sold after her grandmother’s death in the early 2000’s.