Our staff at The Water's Edge consists of individuals committed to advancing the deep African American roots of Eastern Shore history and culture.
Our team comprises talented individuals, from descendants of Founding Black Families illustrated in the artwork on the walls of our museum, to Caribbean intangible cultural heritage activists and conservationists. Everyone at The Water’s Edge is fully committed to serving our community and advancing Black cultural heritage on the shore and beyond.
We cannot wait to share our love for our work with you on your next visit!
Kay L. Brown with Governor Wes Moore
Ja’Lyn Hicks
CURATORIAL & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Ja’Lyn Hicks was born in Queen Annes County and works as our Curatorial and Graphic Designer. She is pursuing a master’s degree in museum studies and digital curation at Johns Hopkins University.
Sara Park (left) with Democratic Senate Nominee Angela Alsobrooks (center) and Dr. Mary DeShields (right)
Dr. Lydia Williams
LEADERSHIP
CO-DIRECTOR
Dr. Lydia Williams represents Leadership at The Water’s Edge Museum. Born in Oxford, Maryland, Lydia is the vision behind the museum and has worked tirelessly to preserve Black history on the Eastern Shore.
Meet The Team
Kay L. Brown
Co-Director Kay. L Brown was born in Queen Annes County and has dedicated her life to preserving the cultural and artistic heritage of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We are fortunate to have her on The Water’s Edge Team in collaboration with Bellevue Passage Co-Director Kathryn Moon-DeSheilds!
Ja’Lyn Hicks (right) with Kathryn Moon-DeShields (center) and Dr. Mary DeShields (left)
Sara Amber Marie Park
MUSEUM POLICY PROGRAMMING & EDUCATION AMBASSADOR
Sara Amber Marie Park is from Easton, Maryland and serves as our Museum Policy Programming and Museum Education Ambassador. She is also completing her undergraduate degrees at Syracuse University in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
Dr. Lydia Williams (right) with NPS Superintendent Deanna Mitchell (center) and Kiara Brummell (left)
MARYLAND SPIRITUALS INITIATIVE
Kiara Brummell is a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore and works as both lead docent and creative director at The Water’s Edge Museum. She is currently completing her undergraduate degree in interior design at Anne Arundel Community College.
Leroy Potter
Leroy Potter leads the Maryland Spirituals Initiative with trademark enthusiasm and ability. With a keen eye for talent, he has brought dozens of people to the forefront, proudly singing spirituals in a manner unique to the Eastern Shore.
Kiara Brummell (back) with Queen Camilla (front)
Kiara Brummell
LEAD DOCENT & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jeffrey Moaney at the Water’s Edge Museum
Jeffrey Moaney
GENEALOGICAL ADVISOR
Jeffery Moaney is one of the founding members of The Water’s Edge, serving as our genealogical advisor. As with other Water’s Edge staff, he, too, is from a founding Black family. Jeffrey is a senior designer at Gensler and a key mentor to many young aspiring designers of African descent.
Leroy Potter playing the Piano