The Life of a Waterman
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. In this workshop, Donnie will offer some dryland demonstrations of several aspects of being a waterman, including trot-lining, making crabbing dip nets, and tonging for oysters. This workshop will take place behind Montgomery Hall, where Donnie will have his boat parked, in order to offer a better view into the waterman’s life.
Donnie Hammett 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 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, where he regularly did a popular talk on the ghosts of Point Lookout. He 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.