Afro American Waterman’s Walk

Black watermen have played a vital role in the Chesapeake Bay seafood industry from the Colonial Era to today, contributing at every level of the trade. These hardworking communities, built around harvesting fish and shellfish, provided African Americans with a path to financial independence—even during the challenges of the Jim Crow era. Today, we can all help protect the Bay so future generations can continue to enjoy its beauty and bounty. This event is part of the History and Culture Weekend. For more information, see here.

Each year on June 15, Virginia State Parks celebrates History and Culture Day in honor of the anniversary of the state park system’s founding in 1936, when six parks opened on the same day. This special day invites visitors to discover the unique stories behind our parks through cultural demonstrations, reenactments, ranger-led paddling trips, guided nature walks, and more—all set against the backdrop of Virginia’s stunning natural landscapes.