Smith Island | The Dig

To some, a series of small, inhabited islands in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay have become emblematic of larger environmental shifts. To Tom Horton, Smith Island has poignantly illustrated the social and cultural changes tied to these shifts for the last several decades.

#smithisland #TomHorton

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[thequeensjester]

I miss that place. The best childhood one could ever dream of having. Thanks Tom. Great, great film. And thank you for everything you have done for us.

[Boatingwego]

Well 10 Stars :) Both of my grand parents were born & raised on Smith Island. My grandfather Harvey Guy also worked at the Baltimore Sun Papers. They relocated to Middle River, Maryland.

[saltwaterinmyveins]

This is a wonderful documentary! Sea level rise isn't a real thing, erosion is .

[catheyahannas]

If the government would invest in saving the island, people will come back to live there. All those empty houses could be fixed and families would come home.
As it stands nobody wants to buy a sinking house.
Smith island could generate plenty of tax dollars if only given the chance!!!
My dad used to take us on his boat all over those islands when I was a kid, I'm going to be 60 this year so it's been 45 plus years ago but the difference from then until now is shocking!
Smith island is as much a part of Maryland's history as Old Bay and steamed crabs!!
Our government has wasted millions of our tax dollars on ridiculous things, so why not take a chance and save something near and dear??

[patriciarussell]

This retired lady, would love to live there!Move me out there, make a movie, ! Lol!

[peterhomann]

I find myself in a dilemma here. I have an opinion but I do not feel entitled to voice it as it could be considered to be smart azz condescending talk. I came to the US from Germany many years ago and eventually cruised the Chesapeake with my sailboat. My young kids and I visited Smith and Tangier Islands for the first time in 2018; at the time I knew that it would be a different experience for us but did not know how. One of my reasons was to show my suburban offspring that there is a different way of life.
Yes, I am a "Northern" liberal, a tree hugger, conscientious objector, Trump critic (to be polite) and my children are of mixed race; all of that makes it difficult to stay for more than a visit. My oldest daughter, then 10 told me after a day that she wants to leave because "people look at me funny". The many Trump flags made me feel uneasy. But there also was the experience speaking to folks about their daily lives, sailor to waterman, the local kids inviting my daughters to play with them and showing them their island.
We visited a few more times, the pandemic put a hold to it but I hope to return this season.
Anything that could sustain a population on Smith Island requires money and would change the way of life as it is / was. For one I do not think Colonial Williamsburg should be used as an example, it is not the way to go, a polished interpretation of Colonial times, cliché souvenirs, overprized foods adapted to the tastes of 21st century customers and well groomed actors in perfectly ironed, starched costumes.
The very essence of Smith and Tangier is the rugged authenticity. How can it be preserved AND bring revenue in?

[Pdmc-vugj]

Tangier island is done. Maybe smith island can be helped. But if you overwhelmingly vote for the party that wants to shrink and reduce government, and that is against government subsidies, its ironic you want millions in funding from the same government to save the island.

[jamestaylor]

From Wenona I can smell the island and marshes.