Our latest in the Lectures on the Shore Series, this program promises an unforgettable evening celebrating over a decade of bringing the Chesapeake Bay to life on screen.

Join the Forum as we welcome an acclaimed trio of dynamic filmmakers who explore the Chesapeake Bay through the eyes of their lens.

Working together over the past ten years, David Harp, Sandy Cannon-Brown and Tom Horton have teamed up to produce some of the Bay’s most compelling environmental documentaries, starting with Beautiful Swimmers, and including High Tide in Dorchester, An Island Out of Time, and most recently A Passion for Oysters.

We’ll enjoy an evening of dynamic storytelling as we revisit the bay they have documented with mesmerizing images that capture the landscapes, wildlife, communities, and environmental challenges that make the Chesapeake one of the world’s most remarkable estuaries.

More than a retrospective, this program offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of these iconic films. Hear the stories behind the cameras, learn what inspired each project, and discover how filmmaking can deepen our understanding of the Bay and the people whose lives are intertwined with it.

The evening will conclude with a brief preview of films they are currently developing.

What to expect:

You will gain a deeper appreciation for the beautiful, fragile Chesapeake Bay ecosystem that so many of us call home. This program uses film, conversation, and shared stories to illuminate the Bay’s history, its challenges, and the communities whose lives are closely connected to it.

We begin the evening with an hour-long catered reception in the beautiful lobby of the B’nai Israel Temple before adjourning for the program, followed by Q&A.

Feedback from past Lectures on the Shore:

“Thanks for bringing in experts to talk about such a timely topic for the Chesapeake Bay area. The program was interesting and eye-opening. Everyone I spoke with afterwards really enjoyed it and thought it was impactful. Let’s do more of these kinds of programs that educate us about the Bay!”

“Neil King gave a fascinating and memorable presentation based on his most recent book, American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal. Neil is an accomplished writer and a lovely speaker. I thoroughly enjoyed this evening. Thank you!”

“Very informative event with good discussion between the speakers. Well moderated. The venue was great. Nice area for socializing before the event. The food and service were very good.”

Tuesday | Nov 10 | 5:30-8:00pm | IN PERSON or LIVESTREAM (Choose to join us at the B’nai Israel Temple in Easton, on Livestream, or wait for the recording) | $60 Lecture + reception OR $40 Lecture only/Livestream

Tom Horton (picrtured on the left) is a leading environmental journalist, author, and educator dedicated to the Chesapeake Bay. He covered environmental issues for The Baltimore Sun for more than three decades and has written for National Geographic, The New York Times, and Rolling Stone. Horton is the author of several acclaimed books about the region—including An Island Out of Time—and currently teaches environmental studies at Salisbury University and writes a monthly column for the Bay Journal.

Sandy Cannon-Brown (pictured in the center) is an award winning environmental filmmaker, editor, and producer. She is the founder and president of VideoTakes, Inc., and previously served as associate director of the Center for Environmental Filmmaking at American University, where she was named Adjunct Professor of the Year in 2011. Cannon Brown has produced and edited numerous conservation focused films, with a major emphasis on the Chesapeake Bay. Her collaborations with Horton and Harp have aired on PBS/MPT and appeared at major environmental film festivals.

David Harp (pictured on the right) is a renowned documentary filmmaker and photographer who has spent nearly 50 years capturing the natural beauty and environmental complexities of the Chesapeake Bay. He has co produced multiple books and a series of films dedicated to regional storytelling, conservation, and sustainability. His work uses powerful visual narratives to highlight ecological preservation and the relationship between local communities and their environment.

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