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Commissioners approve Black Waterman's Monument at Wells Cove; grant application support pledged
Summary
The County Commissioners approved placing a Black Waterman's Monument at Wells Cove and agreed to provide a letter of support for the project's grant application. The privately raised project is designed as life-size bronze and stainless-steel sculptures depicting Black watermen and their vessels.
The Queen Anne's County Commissioners voted Aug. 26 to approve placement of a proposed Black Waterman's Monument on county property at Wells Cove and to provide a county letter of support for the project's grant application.
Artist Tillman Hensley, director of American Patriotic Monuments Inc., presented a detailed maquette and a schematic for the proposed installation, describing the work as a series of life-size bronze figures and partially cut-away boats intended to let visitors walk "through the conversation" between watermen depicted in the piece. Hensley said the concept grew from conversations with local veterans and watermen and described the monument as a way to recognize the history of Black watermen in the county.
Hensley estimated the project cost at roughly $475,000 and said the monument would include two boats (roughly 20 and 24 feet), life-size figures and engraved historical text. He said maintenance needs would be low and that Parks and Recreation and the Kent Narrows Foundation had reviewed the concept and provided approvals or recommendations to proceed.
Commissioners asked for additional materials, an overhead/site layout and confirmation that Parks and Recreation had reviewed the staking and scale on the site. Parks and Recreation staff told the commission the site had been staked out on county property, the department had reviewed the location and would provide a letter confirming that review. Commissioners also asked for assurance about insurance and maintenance; Hensley and his advisory group said the project would be insured and that advisory members, including local watermen, had reviewed designs.
After discussion, a commissioner moved and the board approved the proposal to place the monument at the Wells Cove site. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioners also approved sending a letter of support for the project's grant application.
The monument's proponents said they intend to seek grants and private donations and hope to have maquettes and fundraising in place by late fall with a target installation and public unveiling in time for a 2026 anniversary celebration; the project schedule depends on fundraising and contracting.
The county vote authorizes use of the specified Wells Cove site and a letter of county support; it does not commit county construction funds. Project proponents said they will pursue fundraising and grants and will coordinate with county staff on permitting, insurance and site preparation.
