Jeff Holland published his first article in Chesapeake Bay Magazine in 1981. It was about the new turning basin at the end of Ego Alley at Annapolis City Dock. He had just arrived in town aboard a sailboat with his father, Bill Holland, and he’s been here ever since. While contributing articles and photographs to this magazine and other publications over the years, Jeff has also served at the PR guy for Annapolis Boat Shows, the director of the Annapolis Maritime Museum for its first decade in existence and as the Riverkeeper for the West and Rhode Rivers.
Oh, and all that time, he’s been writing and performing original tunes inspired by his years hanging around the Bay, sailing up and down between Norfolk and Havre de Grace in everything from 100-year-old bugeye schooners to nuclear submarines. He was a founding member of Them Eastport Oyster Boys and now shares his poems, songs and stories in solo performances all around the watershed.
Jeff lives a short bike ride from the magazine offices in Annapolis with his emotional support spouse, Louise White, their 2-year-old rescue retriever, Millie, and their two cats. When they’re not walking in the woods with Millie or messing about in their “large fleet of small boats,” Jeff and Louise like to go camping up in the mountains of Western Maryland or on the Eastern Shore in their little teardrop camper. They’re both into bird watching and Jeff likes fly fishing. “I’m just beyond the flailing stage,” he says of his casting technique.
We’re pleased to welcome Jefferson Holland to his new career as the editor of Chesapeake Bay Magazine. Jeff brings to these pages his experience with the Bay’s boating industry, natural history and cultural heritage, and conservation of our precious natural resources, and we’re looking forward to the fascinating people, places and fun experiences he’ll be sharing with us in the seasons to come.
