Baltimore’s identity as a major East Coast port city defines much of its history—and by extension, our country’s as well. Spend the Columbus Day holiday with maritime historian, author, and archaeologist Donald Grady Shomette and regional historian Hayden Mathews investigating the city’s prominent role in the seafaring history of America and the ships, shipbuilders, mariners, explorations, and conflicts that helped build a nation.

In Fells Point, board a reproduction of the 1768 schooner Sultana, for a 2-hour sail that offers a vivid picture of what life on vessel was like when its crew patrolled the Chesapeake as it enforced the Townsend Acts, or “tea taxes,” along the coastline of colonial North America.

In Fells Point, enjoy an overview of the neighborhood’s history, then visit the nearby Maryland Historical Society, home of the most extensive maritime collections in the state. It artifacts, ship models, maps, prints, paintings, and photos tell the compelling story of Baltimore clipper ships, the War of 1812, the Civil War on the Chesapeake Bay, the rise of the steamboat, and the technological innovations that helped revolutionize the maritime world and make America one of the leading seafaring nations.

A catered box lunch at the museum is included.

Fringe stop at about 8:40 a.m.

Dress for variable weather; temperatures can feel colder on the water.