Welcome to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, a historic sentinel of safety whose roots stretch back to the late 19th century. Established in 1878 as part of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, this station was initially a humble structure nestled among the windswept dunes at the northern edge of Ocean City, Maryland. As maritime traffic increased, the station saw more action than anticipated, prompting an upgrade in 1891 to the larger, more robust ‘1882 type’ station house designed by J.L. Parkinson.
This location played a pivotal role in the maritime safety network established by the United States Treasury Department. Designed to assist vessels in distress, the surfmen stationed here became local heroes, often risking their lives to save shipwrecked sailors. Their acts of bravery earned them the respect and admiration of the fledgling Ocean City community.
In 1915, a significant transformation occurred when the U.S. Life-Saving Service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service, creating the U.S. Coast Guard. This merger marked a new era of maritime safety and expanded the scope and capabilities of the services provided by the station.
The Ocean City Life-Saving Station continued its operations until 1964 when the Coast Guard moved to a new location near the Ocean City inlet. This original building faced deterioration and was nearly lost to demolition in 1977. However, thanks to the efforts of the Ocean City Museum Society and local government support, it was preserved and relocated to the southern end of the Boardwalk.
Today, the station serves as a museum, offering visitors a window into the past with exhibits that include the original USLSS log book, artifacts, and displays highlighting the history of Ocean City and its connection to the sea. It’s a place where stories of valor, innovation, and community spirit continue to resonate with all who visit.
