Charlotte Hall Public Library

In this workshop, Donnie Hammett will talk about the life of a Southern Maryland waterman and teach participants the craft of making crab dipping nets. Each participant will take home the tools they need to complete their own net.

Donnie Hammett

Donnie Hammett grew up around the water. His grandfather was a waterman and his father, in Donnie’s words, “had one oar in the water.” By this measuring stick, Donnie reckons he has had perhaps half an oar in the water. He was born and raised in St. Mary’s County, and his family traces their beginnings back to the first settlers in Southern Maryland. The son of Regina Combs Hammett, author of The History of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Donnie worked for the Maryland State Park Service for over thirty years, including many years at Point Lookout State Park.