Preserving a Community’s History
Within 25 years Bellevue School (a Rosenwald School), Knights of Pythias Lodge, Star of Bellevue Masonic Lodge and Recreation Center, Nicholas B. Gardner Store and Service Station, General Store, and the Thomas Store were replaced by new construction or converted to private residences.
The Turner Seafood Factory, formerly an African American owned seafood factory on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is a multifamily residential complex. Decades of effort to rescue Bellevue’s historic buildings were unsuccessful, but some of the contents were salvaged for safekeeping by community residents.
The John U. Green Store is among the last of Bellevue’s public spaces. Transformed into the Bellevue Passage Museum, the Green Store will house and display the photos and memorabilia that recall Bellevue’s past.
Concept Plan for Bellevue Passage Museum created by Preservation Green LLC
The proximity of the Bellevue Passage Museum to the historic Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, Bellevue Landing Park, the Port of Oxford, a UNESCO Slave Route Site of Remembrance, and partnership with the Water’s Edge Museum, will present an immersive experience in heritage tourism and place-based education.
Elevations of the Bellevue Passage Museum Annex
Museum Founders
Drs. Dennis and Mary DeShields are the museum founders. Dennis is a fourth-generation descendent of Bellevue, where his father and aunt continue to reside. While visiting his grandparents in the 1980s, Dennis was consistently taken by Bellevue’s location, community spirit, and history.
Eventually, Bellevue became a holiday and weekend retreat for the DeShields’ and their young family and in 1998 it became their home. Since this time, the DeShields’ have become committed to preserving Bellevue’s rich culture and heritage and are leading the effort to establish the Bellevue Passage Museum, a place where this history can be presented to wider audiences and serve as a center of cultural conservation for the community.
Director of Programming & Events
Kathryn De Shields-Moon is the Senior Public Relations Manager at Schell Games by day and the Director of Programming for Bellevue Passage Museum by night and as needed. A fifth-generation Bellevue resident, Kat's commitment to preserving Bellevue's legacy is a personal endeavor. She is passionate about positioning the Museum as a dynamic space that shares the community's deep history while creating programs and events that engage current and future generations via technology and education. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Bellevue Passage Museum. The only thing Kat loves more than her family and a good book is a Dad Joke, so let her know if you know any.