Current Exhibits
Pungoteague Creek Light
Constructed in 1854 at the entrance to Pungoteague Creek the screw- pile light was the first of its kind to be constructed on the Chesapeake Bay. It also had the shortest lifespan of any lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay at just 459 days of operation when it was overturned by ice floes in 1856. The light used a fifth order fresnel lens the lens was 21.3" in height, 7-4" in width and weighed 265 pounds. The Pungoteague Creek Light was the inspiration behind the logo for the Harborton History Museum.
Eastern Shore Oyster Cans
Oyster Cans have long been a treasured collectible for many on the Eastern Shore with close ties to small local communities collecting becomes personal to many. on display we have cans from Accomac, Chincoteague Island, Deep Creek, Onanacock, Sanford, Wachapregue, & Quinby just to name a few.
American Guano Fish Factory
Hoffman's Wharf
Founded in the 1850's by the Powell Morse Company on a piece of property that is now the Harborton Public Boat Landing. In its day the factory was one of the top producers of fertilizer on the east coast. In a June 28, 1883 issue of the Peninsula Enterprise reported that the plant was handling a million or more fish a week manufacturing fertilizers called Virginius Guano and Virginius Ocean. The factory operations until 1919 when much of the plant was destroyed by a fire.
The Harborton History Museum Location known as the town's hub for more then 40 years.
In March of 1974 the Post Office was relocated from its location on Harborton Road to the corner of Junior & Dockview Street. The next location would remain the towns hub for the next 40 years until January 6, 2015 when Harborton Postmaster Mary Ellen Belote retired after 49 years of service. The office location would remain closed for remodeling and updates until July 4th 2016 when it reopened as the Harborton History Museum. The museum also has a space dedicated to Harborton's Postal Service History which includes the offices post offices boxes.
