Julia A. Purnell Museum - Historic Snow Hill MD

Julia A. Purnell Museum - Historic Snow Hill MD Small town. Big stories. Explore the art, history, and heart of Worcester County at the Julia A. Purnell Museum in Snow Hill, MD—where every stitch tells a story.

Discover Worcester County’s story through folk art, textiles, and everyday life at the Julia A. Purnell Museum in historic Snow Hill, MD. Family-friendly and rooted in Eastern Shore heritage.

We’re thrilled to host an Opening Reception for local artist and friend of the museum, Claudia Smith, on September 3 fro...
08/21/2026

We’re thrilled to host an Opening Reception for local artist and friend of the museum, Claudia Smith, on September 3 from 5–7 PM. Her work will be featured throughout the month of September as part of our Local Artist Exhibit, highlighting her creative vision and the vibrant artistry she brings to the Eastern Shore arts community.
Join us as we celebrate Claudia and the opening of her September exhibit at the Julia A. Purnell Museum. More information at JuliaAPurnellMuseum.com.

We’re enjoying discovering what’s tucked away in the museum’s archives. Today we uncovered a 1868 Senate admission ticke...
08/19/2026

We’re enjoying discovering what’s tucked away in the museum’s archives. Today we uncovered a 1868 Senate admission ticket issued to Sergeant at Arms Geoffrey Brown for the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson, the first and only presidential impeachment trial of the 19th century. A small paper artifact that connects Snow Hill to a defining moment in American history.

Here’s our Calendar of Events for the rest of the season! Alongside these museum events, we’ll also be offering a full l...
08/17/2026

Here’s our Calendar of Events for the rest of the season! Alongside these museum events, we’ll also be offering a full lineup of Fall Fiber Arts Classes here at the museum — separate from Fiber Fest — and that schedule will be posted next week.
Next week, we’ll also begin sharing Fiber Fest class and demonstrator times, along with features on participating artists and vendors as we get ready for this year’s festival.
A quick note on tickets: • Cocktails & Clairvoyance tickets go on sale mid‑September • History & Highballs tickets will be available in late October
Thank you to everyone who visits, supports, and participates in our programs. Your enthusiasm and involvement truly help make the museum a special place.

Fiber Fest returns to Snow Hill on September 26! Explore hand‑dyed yarns, fibers, needle-felting kits, spinning and weav...
08/16/2026

Fiber Fest returns to Snow Hill on September 26! Explore hand‑dyed yarns, fibers, needle-felting kits, spinning and weaving supplies, and handmade fiber goods — plus a curated selection of non‑fiber handmade items from local makers.
Enjoy live demonstrations in spinning, weaving, dyeing, needle felting, stitching, knitting, crochet — and quilting.
Saturday, September 26 • 10am–4pm • Sturgis Park Vendors & demonstrators — apply today at JuliaAPurnell.com.

Dive into color and creativity at the Julia A. Purnell Museum!  This month’s Local Artist Spotlight features the vibrant...
08/15/2026

Dive into color and creativity at the Julia A. Purnell Museum!
This month’s Local Artist Spotlight features the vibrant, playful marine and wildlife paintings of Nash Clark — full of movement, personality, and coastal charm.

🐠 Come see this fun, colorful exhibit on display through the end of August.

🕐 Museum Hours:

Thursday–Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM

Sunday: 1–4 PM

Stop by and enjoy art inspired by the history and landscape of Maryland’s coast.

Don’t miss this wonderful exhibit at the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture!
08/14/2026

Don’t miss this wonderful exhibit at the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture!

Join us for a day celebrating the artistry and traditions of our local decoy carvers. We’re happy to announce that featu...
08/13/2026

Join us for a day celebrating the artistry and traditions of our local decoy carvers. We’re happy to announce that featured carvers Doug Fisher and Matt Johnson will be joining us for this special day. Our new exhibit, Local Hands, Local Heritage — Shaped by Wood & Water, opens October 3 with live carving demos from 11–3. Experience the skill, creativity, and heritage shaped by wood, water, and the hands that carry these traditions forward.

08/07/2026

  SNOW HILL, Md. – Aug. 2 – 8 is National Farmers Market Week, and the small but mighty Snow Hill Farmers Market at Sturgis Park is ready to celebrate. The week is meant to celebrate local farmers, artisans, and strengthen communities. Snow Hill holds their farmers market every Thursday, from 2...

This 1860s Victorian poke bonnet belonged to Julia A. Purnell’s mother, Mrs. Henrietta S. LeCompte. Made of black cloth ...
08/07/2026

This 1860s Victorian poke bonnet belonged to Julia A. Purnell’s mother, Mrs. Henrietta S. LeCompte. Made of black cloth with dark green wool lace, it includes a cotton twill chin strap — a practical feature of mid‑Victorian visiting bonnets. The bonnet is now in very delicate condition, a testament to its age and long life of use.
According to the original placard written by Julia’s son, William Purnell, this bonnet was worn for Sunday church and neighborly visits. A beautiful glimpse into everyday life and Sunday best in Worcester County more than 160 years ago.

Address

208 W. Market Street
Snow Hill, MD
21863

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+14106320515

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