Julia A. Purnell Museum - Historic Snow Hill MD

10/27/2026

Tomorrow, we celebrate the birthday of Julia A. Purnell, born in Snow Hill on October 27, 1843.
Many visitors are drawn to Julia's remarkable needlework. Self-taught and beginning many of her creations later in life, her work reflects incredible patience, creativity, and craftsmanship. But just as remarkable are the frames that surround her pieces.
Julia's son, William Purnell, devoted countless hours to designing and handcrafting what have become known as Purnell Frames. Built in walnut and adorned with distinctive carved leaf motifs, these frames were works of art in their own right. One frame even bears the inscription that it was made from trees planted by Julia's husband in 1877, creating a tangible connection between generations of the Purnell family.
Together, Julia's needlework and William's handcrafted frames tell a story of artistry, devotion, and family. More than a century later, that legacy continues to inspire visitors to the museum.
Happy Birthday, Julia. We are honored to share your story.
❤️

10/22/2026

Save The Date! More details coming soon!

10/19/2026

This Saturday 1-4pm

10/19/2026

🔮🍸 SOLD OUT and absolutely unforgettable!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Cocktails & Clairvoyance at the Julia A. Purnell Museum. From the incredible food by Chef Jim Washington to the fascinating readings from our talented clairvoyants, the evening was filled with great energy, laughter, and memorable experiences.
A huge thank you to our volunteers, clairvoyants, and every guest who helped make the night such a blast. Your enthusiasm made this event a tremendous success, and we're excited to announce that Cocktails & Clairvoyance will return as an annual fundraiser!
Thank you for supporting the museum and helping us create a magical evening of community, connection, and fun.

✨ Until next year... the future is looking bright! ✨

10/15/2026

📣 Please Note: We will be closed today and tomorrow (October 15-16) as we prepare for special events taking place both evenings.
Join us tonight from 5:00-7:00 PM for the opening reception of our newest exhibit featuring the work of talented local artist Paul Bessette. Enjoy free admission, light refreshments, and the opportunity to meet the artist, learn about his creative process, and experience his remarkable work firsthand.
We hope you'll stop by to celebrate local art, connect with fellow community members, and help us welcome this exciting new exhibit. 🎨

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

What do a giant crab, a skeletal reaper, and a goat have in common?

They're all part of the richly imaginative world of Paul Bessette.
Join us Thursday, October 15, from 5-7 p.m. to meet artist Paul Bessette and celebrate the opening of his newest exhibit. Filled with intricate details, fantastical creatures, and unexpected storytelling, this exhibition invites visitors to take a closer look and let their imagination wander.
✨ Meet the artist✨ Enjoy light refreshments✨ Free admission
Come experience the extraordinary and discover the captivating work of one of the Eastern Shore's most distinctive artistic voices.

10/12/2026

What does the future hold? Join us for an enchanting evening at the Julia A. Purnell Museum's Cocktails & Clairvoyance on October 16 from 6 to 8 PM.
Sip a handcrafted cocktail, enjoy the museum after hours, and explore the mystical arts through personalized readings in a unique setting.
🔮 October 16🍸 6:00-8:00 PM 🎟️ $40 per person
The crystal ball predicts a full house... and only a few tickets remain.
Reserve your spot and discover what the cards may have in store.

10/06/2026

Save the date!!!

We are SO excited to announce the official dates for next year’s Crossroads Fiber Festival! We have had so much wonderful feedback from our inaugural event last May and are busily working to make Crossroads ‘27 an even bigger and better experience ✨Interested in being a vendor? Just click the link below to apply. Updates, fun facts, and companion programming will be posted here regularly so keep your eye out. We can’t wait to welcome you! 🐑🧶

A huge thank you to the super talented Sam Elam for the beautiful logo 💕

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMg-8iTT1T0MFUjK1ePS7CRgrSDmyRfsWpto-Yd59sh0x9Tw/viewform?pli=1