The papers of Edward H. Nabb, Sr., document his family history and personal activities on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and date from 1944-2002 with the bulk of the materials dating from 1989-1997. Family history is documented by autobiographical writings, research correspondence, Nabb family genealogies, Andrew Nabb’s certifications, newspaper clippings and photographs.

Edward Harwood Nabb, Sr., (1916-2002), was born in Cambridge, Maryland, to William Thomas Nabb (1868-1973), a storekeeper. and Anna Melson Thomas Nabb (1881-1960), a nurse. Nabb grew up on Glasgow Street in Cambridge, surrounded by a supportive, nurturing community. After graduating high school in the midst of the Great Depression, Nabb was able to obtain employment at Phillips Packing Company until he was drafted into the Army Corps of Engineers. He served in the European and Pacific Theaters during World War II. After the war, Nabb returned to Cambridge, and in 1947, married the daughter of a local attorney Winifred Harrington (1919-1981) while working as a credit manager with Sears. Nabb returned to the armed services in 1951 when he was recruited for the Korean War to serve with the 116th Engineers Combat Battalion.

Upon his return from combat, Nabb entered into his father-in-law’s legal practice of Harrington & Harrington, where he began “reading the law” and became one of the last people in Maryland to be admitted to the bar without graduating from an accredited law school. In addition to his prominent legal career, which included serving as County Attorney and Attorney to the Planning Commission and Zoning Appeals Board, Nabb also functioned as Bank Director for People’s Bank.

Nabb lived close to the water his entire life. He sailed as a child, racing power boats, and writing articles for Rudder, Motor Boating & Sailing, Boat Construction and Maintenance, and Speed and Spray.  

In addition to his love of water and the law, Nabb was President of the Nathan Foundation for 25 years, awarding Dorchester county student’s scholarships to Salisbury University. He also endowed the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture in 1999 stating, “This Chesapeake Bay Region is where the United States began.”

Following the passing of his wife in 1981, Mr. Nabb married Linda Kleinwachter in 1982, who was the Planning Director of Dorchester County.

Edward H. Nabb, Sr., died in June 2002.

Edward H. Nabb Sr., papers have first been arranged chronologically and then alphabetically. Folders are listed by their location in each box; any given subject may be dispersed throughout the entirety of the collection.