The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum and its gift shop are proudly operated by the Back Bay Wildfowl Guild, a dedicated group of members who founded the museum with a shared passion for preserving the rich history of wildfowl art and culture in the Virginia Beach area. The Guild’s mission is to foster an appreciation for the art of decoy carving, the history of waterfowl hunting, and the environmental conservation of the Back Bay region. Through their hard work, commitment, and love for local wildlife, the Guild has ensured that the museum continues to educate and inspire visitors of all ages, while also supporting the preservation of these important cultural traditions.
Mission: Protect, Preserve, Promote and Provide
VISION: To be a passionate advocate for Coastal Virginia’s environmental and conservation needs through the use of our core values. We aim to keep the past alive in order to shape a bright, educated future for our area.
Board of Directors
Aimee Rhodes
President
Parke Atkinson
Secretary
Patrick "Buzz" Hayes
Larry Davenport
Treasurer
Charles L. (Lynn) Hightower
Vice President
Jim Mehne
Mark Cromwell
Philip Davenport
Chris Ludford
Larry Lambert
Our Carvers
Step into our Carvers’ Room in the Boat House and meet Local Masters at work.
Take a seat and enjoy a one-on-one experience as expert carvers bring blocks of wood to life, sharing captivating stories and time-honored techniques along the way.
After being mesmerized by the artistry of decoy carving, we invite you to browse our museum gift shop, featuring a wide selection of handcrafted carvings and unique gifts, perfect for taking a piece of tradition home with you.