Heart of the Community,
Soul of a Culture.
Celebrate the history, beauty, and culture of the Eastern Shore at the Barrier Islands Center. The lovely museum showcases how our peninsula brings together watermen, artisans, farmers, scientists, innovators, and people who love the land. The BIC is dedicated to highlighting Virginia’s unique coastal history through free admission to exhibits with over 7,500 artifacts artfully displayed to tell the stories of the men and women who once lived, worked, and played on the barrier islands.
Barrier Islands Center
What is a Barrier Island?
Barrier islands are bodies of sand, longer than they are wide, that face the ocean on one side and a lagoon on the other. They are separated from one another by inlets. There are two principal types of barrier islands: those formed along Coastal plains, such as the islands on the Virginia Coast and those on river Deltas, such as the Mississippi. In all cases, the islands form on flat coasts with an abundance of sand.
Barrier islands serve two main functions. First, they protect the coastlines from severe storm damage. Second, they harbor several habitats that are refuges for wildlife.
Along the seaside of Virginia's Eastern Shore are a chain of uninhabited barrier islands, protecting the coastline from severe storm damage and serving as refuges for wildlife. These 23 shifting islands of sand, as well as a swath of marshland and lagoons, constitute one of the longest undeveloped stretches of shoreline on the East Coast.
Virginia’s Barrier Islands
Come visit us!
See what people are saying on Trip Advisor:
-Susie F “If you want to know what the Eastern Shore is all about, this is the place to start!!! It is family friendly, the staff is fun and involved in the daily life of the center...What a place to go back in time, from the local watermen, their families, along with the wealthy who hunted and fished in a world that defies time—-Still does....Enjoy !!!”
— Lawrence S, Virginia Beach, VA “I called ahead to say our dog was visiting the Eastern Shore with us, asking if we could bring her on the grounds. Instead, they insisted she come right into the museum with us and then whisked her away to play and explore while we watched a wonderful oral history documentary about Hogg Island. The director talked with me about their philosophy that includes making this museum as accessible and inviting as possible for everyone, including people with disabilities. I’ll never visit the Eastern Shore without stopping at this terrific center!”
— Mary P, Silver Spring, MD “This place breathes life into the past. It is not your typical boring museum. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and the displays are well designed and interesting. Can’t wait to bring the grandchildren here as they will love it!”
— John and Angela T, Salisbury, MD