Copy of Dinner & a Cruise: Between North & South

On this dinner cruise, we will hear from Historican Michael Kauffman, who will discuss the role the Potomac River played in John Wilkes Booths plan and escape.

Crossing the main routes between North and South, the Potomac River became a focal point for Confederate spies and smugglers—and for the Union forces charged with enforcing Lincoln’s blockade.

Lying directly along the road to Richmond, the river sat at the heart of John Wilkes Booth’s escape plan. Yet, in the chaotic aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination, the Potomac nearly proved fatal for Booth, and the reception he received on the southern bank fell far short of what he expected.

This talk explores the central role of the Potomac River in shaping both Booth’s plot and his desperate flight from Washington toward the Confederate states.

Event Details

• Departure Time: All cruises depart promptly at 4:00 PM from the pier at St. Clement's Island Museum
• Dinner: We will cruise to a local seafood restaurant for a sit-down meal.
• Meal Selection: Guests will receive an email 7–10 days prior to their scheduled cruise with meal selection options and additional cruise details.
• Dessert: All cruises conclude with a custom dessert from Tea’s Heavenly Bakery

Weather Policy

Safety is our top priority. Cruises will operate in rain or shine; however, wind conditions will determine whether it is safe to sail. Please plan accordingly.

If the Captain determines that a cruise must be canceled, notifications will be made around 1:30 PM. Please note that changing conditions may require a later cancellation. We will make every effort to notify guests as soon as possible.

ADDITIONAL ACTVITIES HAPPENING THIS DAY:

Join us for our Black Diamond Wreath Laying at 2:00 PM on the waterfront at St. Clement' s Island Museum.

Concert/Reception following the wreath laying at Potomac Gardens. The 8th Green Machine (GM) Regiment Band is an early American brass band that performs 19th-century brass band music. The band performs on authentic 19th-century instruments and mouthpieces. A number of the instruments used by the band feature an Over-the-Shoulder (OTS) bell direction. This design was utilized so that a band could march in front of soldiers and be heard by the troops.

Stay and meet author Karen Stone, Museum Division Manager and author of a newly published book on the Black Diamond . She will be available in the St. Clement’s Island Gift Shop to sell and sign copies.