To identify, document and conserve unique Chesapeake watercraft and promote education and cultural awareness through preservation of artifacts and intangible cultural heritage.
The preservation and interpretation of Chesapeake Bay fishing shanty boats, also known as “ark boats”, a distinctive and threatened type of historic vessel once common on the Chesapeake Bay, and to promote education and awareness through preservation of artifacts and intangible cultural heritage.
Meet The Crew
Kate Johnson
President
kdjohnson@fishingshanty.org
Established and operated a successful global industrial business designing and building custom industrial automated systems from the ground up. The corporations’ clientele ranged from small owner operated to fortune 500 organizations. Her expertise in communicating has covered a broad spectrum of languages, government regulations and codes both nationally and worldwide. After thirty years plus of growing success Kate decided to stop the global travel and leave the hectic business environment behind.
Kate currently owns and operates an Inn and small cafe in Rock Hall, MD.
Jen Barnes
Treasurer/Administration
jen@fishingshanty.org
Jen Barnes’s professional background includes, 22 years working in all aspects of the dental health industry, rewarding positions as a program development and grant researcher for Stetson University’s Office of Grants, Sponsored Research and Strategic Initiatives in DeLand, Florida and working for the educational value added agricultural magazine, Small Farm Today®, which was published on a working farm. In addition to her professional work, she has dedicated 25 years of her time and expertise to researching, fund raising and writing grants for a wide variety of non- profit entities in the communities where she has resided around the U.S. In her spare time she enjoys renovating old houses.
Liz Smith
Lead Marine Carpentry
Professional
liz@fishingshanty.org
Liz is the daughter of a Ship’s Master, born and raised in Kent County. She grew up racing Log Canoes and is alumni of Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland.
She owned a marina and boatyard in Rock Hall for over two decades. In retirement, she enjoys woodworking, gardening and making wine. She and a friend have built a traditional 14-foot Chesapeake Bay wooden skiff from scratch. She has served on the board of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland MTAM, and as former President of the Greater Rock Hall Business Association.
Star Bottomley
Social Media Manager
star@fishingshanty.org
Born in Rock Hall, Maryland, she was raised on the Chesapeake and has a deep love for her hometown. Star completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland – College Park, she majored in Public Policy with a focus on international security and graduated in May of 2022. Star has been offered and accepted a seat in the elite masters program of International Affairs at Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at the Bologna, Italy campus where she will be attending and residing for two years beginning August of 2022.
Star will continue to work and communicate remotely as a member of the board to manage and maintain CFSC’s social media. She feels this is her way of keeping a connection to her roots as she begins her work globally.
Elise Davis
Legal Consultant
elise@fishingshanty.org
Elise is a Tilghman Island Native. She is an American University and George Washington University Law School graduate. Prior to private practice she served as a former JAG officer, USN. Elise practiced law in Maryland for over thirty years with offices in Chestertown and Easton and is currently a private practice attorney.