By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

Laura Tyhacz

(Oct. 15, 2020) Coastal Wisdom, a new nonprofit based in Ocean Pines, aims to educate families about the land, culture and heritage of Maryland’s Eastern Shore communities to cultivate responsibility for where they live.

“We believe that community and a sense of belonging to place is essential to our well-being,” said Laura Tyhacz, founder of Coastal Wisdom. “Ultimately, we believe that we live in a truly beautiful place, and we want our children to cherish it so that it will be protected for future generations.”

The  advocacy group, which launched in September, organizes educational opportunities for members to build a stronger connection to the Eastern Shore by working with regional museums, parks, environmental organizations, cultural entities and other sources of education.

“Our goal is that the families who participate in Coastal Wisdom will form lasting bonds with each other, learn from and about our history, culture and environment and eventually be better stewards of our community and environment,” Tyhacz said.

Coastal Wisdom will host a private event at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, 208 N. Main St. in Berlin, on Monday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registered participants will receive a tour of the museum to learn about Berlin history through memorabilia. Groups of six people are permitted inside the museum at one time.

Local stories will also be shared on the museum lawn.

The event is free to attend, but a $5 donation to the museum is recommended per participant.

“For those who are not able to make a donation at this time, Coastal Wisdom can make a donation on their behalf,” Tyhacz said. “Our long-term goal is to be able to fully fund all our events for our members.”

The recommended age for participants is 6 and up.

Coastal Wisdom will also receive exclusive access to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., on Nov. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Museum staff will inform participants about the history of the Life-Saving Service and Ocean City’s natural environment.

The cost to attend is $5 per adult and $1 per child.

To register for the upcoming events, visit coastalwisdom.org/events.

Coastal Wisdom offers free membership to families on Maryland’s Eastern Shore who have school-aged children.

Members are expected to attend monthly gatherings and assist with budgeting for events and classes.

Coastal Wisdom aims to hold two events per month, one on a weekend and one on a weekday to accommodate various schedules, according to its website.

“We are also looking to partner with other educators and individuals for the upcoming year,” Tyhacz said. “We are seeking out individuals with local stories to tell, skills to pass along and wisdom to share. Please contact us if you would like to attend one of our events or become one of our wisdom teachers.”

For more information, contact coastalwisdoms@gmail.com or visit coastalwisdom.org.