What was Christmas like in a Victorian-era fishing port? Find out for yourself with a visit to the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum’s 15th annual house tour, Saturday December 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday December 13, from 11 to 5 p.m.

The annual “Christmas on Cockrell’s Creek” weekend proudly highlights the Northern Neck’s rich heritage. Reedville, still one of the most active fishing ports in America, was established in 1867. By the turn of the twentieth century business was booming and Reedville was purported to be the richest town per capita in the United States.

The Morris House, on Main Street in Reedville, Va.

This prosperity led to the building of many fine residences on Main Street, now a National Historic District. Two of these fine homes are on the tour this year. The Morris House, a grand Queen Anne Victorian built in 1895, and the Capt. Frank Haynie House, a Dutch Colonial Revival, built in 1930. The Gothic Revival sanctuary of Bethany United Methodist Church built, consecrated in 1901, will also be open for free tours.

Also on the tour in Reedville, is a third home on the creek, the Atwood Cottage. There are also three stunning waterfront homes open on the Little Wicomico River; the Carey, Hill-Barnum, and Pyszka residences. The talented ladies of the Chesapeake Bay Garden Club will again be adding festive seasonal touches to all the homes.

Free boat shuttles will be provided on both the Little Wicomico River and Cockrell’s Creek routes. Step aboard Rescue I, Smith Point Sea Rescue’s patrol boat; Seaboard, Wendell Haynie’s classic Matthews cabin cruiser; or Fishing Buddy II, Buddy Sylvia’s vintage deadrise workboat, or one of several other boats carrying visitors, and enjoy a narrated boat ride between house visits.

House tour tickets are $20 in advance or $25 on tour days and include all houses, holiday tablescapes, museum exhibits, the model railroad and refreshments. Advance tickets may be purchased at the museum office Monday thru Friday from 9-5, and in the museum on weekends. Mail order forms are available online at rfmuseum.org, or call the museum office at 804 453-6529 for credit card orders. Proceeds benefit the museum’s ongoing education and preservation projects.