The May unveiling of a historical marker by the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Historical Trust commemorated the 1938 Crab Pickers strike in Crisfield, MD. (David Trozzo/ MDOT)
The triumphant fight for fair pay that lasted five turbulent weeks and led strikers to seek refuge in a church, now has its own spotlight. The former untold story is among Maryland’s latest roadside historical markers and proudly displayed on the Eastern Shore for generations to see.
The historical marker honors the 600 crab pickers, mostly African American women, who went on strike in 1938 protesting low wages and demanding union recognition. The strike began on April 6, 1938. Soon after, the strikers suffered threats and vigilante violence including home invasions of strike leaders and the burning of their union organizer’s car.
Members of the Holy Crab Pickers Union Center, together with Shiloh United Methodist Church hosted a ceremony along MD 413 (Maryland Avenue/Richardson Avenue) in Crisfield last May, officially unveiling the new roadside historical marker that commemorates the Crab Pickers Stike of 1938.
“We felt that they needed to be recognized for being brave enough to say no when they were the backbone to the seafood economy here in Crisfield,” said Reverend Emanuel Johnson, pastor of Shiloh United Methodist Church.
Shiloh United Methodist Church opened its doors to the strikers and served as a safe haven, which marked the location of the historical marker even more special.
The choice to unveil the maker on May 10, 2024, was significant. The date marked the 86th year anniversary of the end of the Crab Pickers Strike. On that day in 1938, packinghouse owners signed an agreement restoring the women’s pay rates that had been reduced to 5 cents per gallon of crab meat before the strike to 35 cents per gallon. The agreement also recognized the cannery union.
“This is my story,” said Crisfield Mayor Darlene Taylor, who worked in crab houses as a child and young adult. “For me standing here today on the shoulders of the folks who were apart of the Crab Pickers Strike, it is just something that I feel so deeply.”
Tony Bridges, Maryland Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Equity and Engagement, attended the ceremony. He thanked the brave women who created a legacy by participating and leading the 1938 Crab Pickers Strike.
“To the many mothers and women that sacrificed and did so much to make sure that you had fair wages for members of your family, I just want to especially thank you for all the work, perseverance, and your legacy which lives on today,” Assistant Secretary Bridges said. “The struggle that these brave women faced provided valuable contributions to their communities and the state’s seafood economy.”
The event was hosted by the Holy Pickers Union Center, a group of active and former crab pickers. MDOT Assistant Secretary Tony Bridges attended the event. (David Trozzo/MDOT)
The Holy Pickers Union Center, an organization of active and retired crab pickers, in conjunction with Shiloh United Methodist Church, nominated the location to the Maryland Roadside Historical Marker program.
“We felt that it was only right that they be recognized, so we petitioned the Maryland Historical Trust to have this sign placed so this history would not be lost and that all would know about those brave women who stood up to fight for the rights,” said Reverend Emanuel Johnson.
The Maryland Roadside Historical program is managed by the Maryland Department of Transportation in partnership with Maryland Historical Trust.
In addition to the Crab Pickers Strike roadside marker, several other historical markers that shine a light on the state’s untold stories were unveiled in 2024.
To learn more about the Maryland Roadside Historical Program, including searching current historical markers in Maryland, and for information on nominating a site, visit the Maryland Roadside Historical Markers website.
Crystal Dixon was an intern at the Maryland Department of Transportation in 2024. MDOT Senior Writer Meredith Devereux contributed to this report.
