visit crisfield md

• CRISFIELD’S 1ST ANNUAL JAZZ ON THE WATERFRONT
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Explore Crisfield

Uncover all that Crisfield, Maryland has to offer! Come for the crabs, stay for the beautiful sunsets.

Welcome to Crisfield, the southern-most city of Maryland known as the "Crab Capital of the World"

WELCOME TO THE UNIQUE EASTERN SHORE CITY OF CRISFIELD THAT FEELS LIKE HOME

Crisfield is a city unlike any other. We’re officially known as the “Crab Capital of the World”, but we’re much more than that — our welcoming residents, our unique festivals, our remarkable sunsets and natural beauty truly make Crisfield the city that makes you want to keep coming back.

Explore our city, find things to do, start planning your trip, and discover the best kept secrets of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

EXPERIENCE CRISFIELD YOUR WAY

There are many different ways to experience crisfield. find yours here.

Real Estate

Personal Care & Services

Transportation

Accommodations

Health & Medicine

Legal and Financial Institutions

Boating & Marine Industry

Food & Drink Stores

Arts & Museums

Seafood Suppliers

Parks and Outdoors

Tours & Attractions

Restaurants

Contractors

Community Organizations

Crisfield arts, museum and historical sights, don’t leave without checking out these top sights.

Gallery 413

Crisfield Arts and Entert...

call 410-968-1333

Crisfield Heritage Founda...

call 410-968-2501

Eddie Somers Model Boats

call (410) 968-3086

Bonnie’s Beach Find...

call 443-944-1587

call (410) 968-1535

Bette Orr, Artist

call (410) 968-3693

Pat Valdata, Writer

Smith Island Cruises

call 410-425-2771

CRISFIELD EATS

From an all you can eat maryland blue crab feast to fine dining or carry out – our restaurants have you covered.

John’s Smoked BBQ

call 667-868-4057

Hometown Subs

call 410-968-3000

Pays Sno Shack

call 443-783-8688

Waters Edge Cafe

call (410) 968-1500

call 602-944-1723

CRISFIELD SHOPPING

Find a piece of our city to bring back to your home.

Somerset Pet

call 443-735-0318

Downtown Sneaks

call 443-736-0702

Crab Pot Depot

call 413-672-2482

Crab Dynasty

call 888-340-3977

Blue Heron Junction

call 410-623-2583

FIND LOCAL GROCERY AND LIQUOR STORES

Staying at home and need groceries or beverages find it here.

Butlers Farm Market

call 443-859-1226

call 410-968-2858

Cannonball Produce

call 410-713-2030

Smith Island Baking Compa...

call 410-425-2253

call 410-968-1321

SEE CRISFIELD LIKE A LOCAL

See the city through the eyes of the people who know it better than anyone. watch these video’s for an insider view of crisfield..

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The Ultimate Guide to Crisfield, Maryland

We lived on our boat in Somer’s Cove Marina, next to downtown Crisfield, Maryland, throughout the Fall of 2021. We felt like locals as we lived and worked from our boat and explored Crisfield during our three-month stay. Crisfield has something that many towns in the United States lack, and that is a rich culture and long history. Read below as we share Crisfield’s top experiences, from the culture and history to our recommended restaurants and stays, when to visit, and experiences you shouldn’t miss!

Note: We use affiliate links which provide us a little kickback each time you use one of our links and make a purchase, without any additional cost to you. We do not recommend products that we don’t already love or have heard great things about, so you can trust we’re only suggesting great products to you .

Table of Contents

Culture and History of Crisfield

Crisfield, Maryland, is the first large town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in a region known as  Delmarva  ( a combination of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia). Colloquially known as “ The Gateway to the Chesapeake ” and “ The Crab Capital of the World ,” Crisfield’s culture is tightly coupled to the Chesapeake Bay.

The local Watermen run the industry that supports Crisfield. These Watermen have fished the Chesapeake Bay for generations in their family businesses. You’ll see the Watermen leaving before dawn, baiting and catching crab, and returning after a long day of work to either sell their catches or create the region’s delicacy, Soft-Shelled Crab.

When you visit Crisfield, you’ll find an accent unique to this part of the United States. Many of the residents of Crisfield and neighboring Smith Island have an old English accent and speech patterns reminiscent of the original English settlers. Another interesting tidbit is that you’ll meet a lot of “Smiths.” I think we met four individuals named William Smith! All signs from their old heritage and earlier colonizers from England.

The people of Crisfield are kind and hardworking. The casual small-town feel makes it easy to understand the culture present here. Seeing this unique part of the United States and its subculture makes it a trip you won’t regret!

Best Restaurants in Crisfield

Crisfield, Maryland, is known for its seafood caught locally in Chesapeake Bay. Here is our list of the best restaurants in Crisfield!

The Crab Place

If you have only one meal in Crisfield, you should stop by  The Crab Place . Their menu features all different types of crab, including Maryland Blue Crabs, crab cakes, Maryland crab meat, Chesapeake Bay oysters, and many other shellfish options. The Crab Place, along with the other options, serves seafood caught locally. If you are looking for crab (and let’s be honest, you don’t go to the crab place and not order crab), then you’ll want to go in the best season for Blue Crab. The season is from April to the end of November, but the crabs are bigger later, so plan your trip accordingly!

If you want to eat crab while enjoying the Chesapeake Bay, The Crab Place offers an all-you-can-eat Crab & Cruise onto the Bay.  I’m not sure there is a better way to get the Crisfield, Eastern Shore experience!

The Crab Place is unique because it has a booming online business, so if you want to order fresh Maryland seafood from home, you can support a local Crisfield business!

Address: 504 Maryland Ave, Crisfield, MD 21817

When to Go : Lunch and Dinner

What to Order : All-you-can-eat local crab and a Natty Boh lager

Waters Edge Cafe

The Waters Edge Cafe  was our most visited restaurant while we lived in Crisfield, Maryland. They are located right next to all the shops and town docks, have great prices, and offer a variety of food options, from diner classics to soft-shelled crab. Their diner-style menu includes many typical meals plus a few with a Maryland twist.

Address: 1108 W Main St, Crisfield, MD 21817

What to Order : Crab cake or Cream of Crab soup

Red Shell Shanty

The Red Shell Shanty is located at  Somers Cove Marina , just off of downtown, and is only open seasonally. It’s not the place for a sit-down family meal; you can get local eats and snacks like crab bites, crab dip, pizza, and other bar food.

Visiting the Red Shell Shanty gives a great view of the largest Marina on the Eastern Shore, and while you’re there, you can taste Maryland’s most famous cocktail—the Orange Crush. We recommend the Red Shell Shanty because it’s far enough off Main Street, so your crowd is a fun mix of locals and marina residents. Sit down and have a great conversation!

Address : 715 Broadway, Crisfield, MD 21817

When to Go : Sunset or Evening

What to Order : Crab Pizza and Orange Crush

From Scratch

All of the above options are mainly seafood-focused and for dinner, but if you are in Crisfield, Maryland, for Breakfast or Lunch, you have to check out   From Scratch . Mainly focused on sandwiches, burgers, and many breakfast options,  From Scratch  is a great first stop on your Crisfield travels!

Address : 4012 Crisfield Hwy, Crisfield, MD 21817

When to Go : Breakfast or Lunch

What to Order : Dee’s Biscuits or the Chicken Chesapeake

Where to Stay in Crisfield

Since Crisfield is a small town on the Eastern Shore, there are few places to stay the night. Here are our top picks.

Lady Grace Bed and Breakfast

Lady Grace Bed and Breakfast  is a fantastic place to stay when visiting Crisfield. It is located close to downtown and is an iconic old Victorian home. Staying here will help immerse you in the history of Crisfield.

Rodeway Inn At Somers Cove Marina

If you are looking for a low-cost, quality place to spend the night and serve as a launching point for your adventures in Crisfield, look no further than the  Rodeway Inn . Located right next to Somers Cove Marina, rooms have views of the harbor and a pool on the premises. It is only a short walk or drive until you are smack dab in the activities!

Condos on the Water with VRBO

Your last option for staying in Crisfield is to find a local vacation rental. We recommend checking out rentals in the  newly built condos  right off downtown with waterfront views.

Learn about our 3-year boating journey aboard our boat Pivot here .

What to Do in Crisfield

Since Crisfield was founded on the Chesapeake Bay’s Eastern Shore, you’ll need to do some water-related activity. The good thing is that it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of free or low-cost options for enjoying the Chesapeake Bay.

Sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay

The sunsets in Crisfield, Maryland, are out of this world . Looking west gives you a view of the water, and you are frequently immersed in wonderland as the cloud-covered skies turn red and pink. We found the best place to view the sunset was at the local library! Yes, the local library (which we highly recommend visiting) has a trail and a dock leading to the water. It is more of a local sunset spot so you might have it all to yourself!

Day cruises to the inhabited islands on the Chesapeake

The most popular activity in Crisfield is taking a cruise to the inhabited islands off the Eastern Shore. These tours are seasonal and leave from the  Crisfield City Dock . With rising sea levels, these islands are considered “sinking,” and it isn’t known if they will be around for much longer. Visit them while you can!

Smith Island

Smith Island is the last inhabited island in Maryland. Discovered by John Smith and later named after early landowner Henry Smith, Smith Island is a slice of the past made present. With around 200 people living in the three towns comprising Smith Island, it is still the place of work, schooling, and daily life for a few Marylanders.

We visited Smith Island by boat in 2021 before laying up in Crisfield for the season, and it was a beautiful town. You can get to the island by booking a Smith Island Cruise and can walk around the island in a day, but what was truly special was the history and their way of life. It was like going back in time.

When you visit Smith Island, be sure to stop by the Smith Island Bakery to try the layered Smith Island Cake, which is the state dessert of Maryland!

Tangier Island

Tangier Island, Virginia, is also accessible from Crisfield, Maryland. The Tangier Island Cruises offers a comprehensive tour of Tangier Sound, the local wildlife, and the history of Tangier Island during a one-and-a-half-hour cruise to the island. They operate from May 15th through October 15th and are a great way to get out on the water and learn about the local history and culture. You can walk past the local high school, visit one of the four restaurants on the island, and watch the local watermen work as their boats go in and out of the harbor.

Window shopping on Main Street

Another free option for exploring Crisfield is to grab an ice cream at  Pay’s Sno Shack  and walk downtown to the Crisfield City Docks. On the main street, you’ll find many small boutique shops, so you can take a stroll and relax on the city dock with uninterrupted views of the Chesapeake Bay.

Tawes Museum by the Crisfield Heritage Foundation

If you are looking for history and information about Crisfield, look no further than the free Tawes Museum . There, you can see miniature reproductions of historical watercraft and learn more about the crabbing industry and how soft-shelled crabs are harvested. Make sure the museum is open, and see if they have any guided walking tours available before you visit! Call (410) 968-2501 for more information.

When to Visit Crisfield

Like other small towns, Crisfield has a defined tourist season. The season starts in May and runs through September when stores close or operate at reduced hours. But if you are planning a trip to Crisfield, there are certain days of the Summer when It is a huge tourist destination!

Memorial Day – Crisfield Soft Shelled Crab Festival

Crisfield opens its season with a Memorial Day bonanza focused on its specialty… soft-shell crab! Many vendors will be out as the recreational boating season unofficially kicks off. Learn more  here .

Labor Day – The Crisfield National Hard Crab Derby

The Crisfield National Hard Crab Derby for Labor Day weekend, in its 77th year as of 2024, is the best time to visit Crisfield, Maryland. The entire weekend is packed full of activities, including:

• 60th Crab Cooking Contest
• Miss Crustacean Pageant
• 10k Race / 5k Walk
• Crab Derby Race
• Boat Docking Championships

This is the weekend to experience Crisfield at its finest. Witnessing the culture and history of watermen and the importance of crabbers for the eastern shore of Maryland is a true highlight of Crisfield. If you’re curious about what “boat docking championships” are, check out this clip from last year:

End of September – Annual Tawes Crab & Clam Bake

If all you care about is seafood, the last massive event of the season is the Annual Tawes Crab & Clam Bake , the all-you-can-eat seafood festival. When we were in Crisfield, this doubled as a way to meet the local politicians, and since it’s after Labor Day, you get a much more local, regional vibe. It’s less of a party than Labor Day and focuses on what the people have loved for generations in Crisfield—the food from the Bay .

Nearby Attractions

If you’re staying in Crisfield (or the surrounding towns like Princess Anne or Salisbury), we recommend visiting a couple of other spots while you’re in the area.

Deal Island and the Historic Skipjack Boats

We took a trip out to historic Deal Island and went to  Arby’s Dockside Bar and Grill  in 2021, and it is a fun memory to this day. First off, it’s way out there, so you know only the people visiting are locals (which is our type of spot). Since Jen and I were eating Vegetarian at the time, we had some homemade grilled cheeses and french fries, nothing gourmet, but the bar cooked them up right – even using whole potatoes for hand-cut fries. Now, I’m not sure if the grill is still open today, as on Google, they are closed, so hopefully, they will reopen for the season. However, Deal Island’s other neat historical part is its Skipjack boats.

Skipjacks are old sailboats used for Oystering. They were popularized in the 19th century before motors were allowed to help harvest Oysters. Wide but shallow, sloop-rigged boats, Skipjacks are iconic to the Chesapeake Bay. While it is estimated there used to be 2,000 of these vessels, there are only roughly 40 left, and only a few are still sailing. You can find them on Deal Island.

Janes Island State Park

Janes Island State Park is located just north of Crisfield and offers different camping options, kayaking, and a way to see the Chesapeake Bay in its natural, wild state!

Boater’s Guide to Crisfield, Maryland

Where to dock in crisfield.

The only marina in the area is Somer’s Cove Marina . It is a state-run facility, so its rates are very competitive. Don’t expect a lot of amenities, but you will have good power and water on its new floating docks and a friendly staff happy to catch a line. They have golf carts you can rent by the hour or free bicycles to explore the town!

If you decide to stay for a while, Somer’s Cove Marina has incredible seasonal rates, which we took full advantage of while we replaced our decks in the Fall of 2021!

Where to Anchor in Crisfield

We found that anchoring right in Somer’s Cove, also called Crisfield Harbor , was the best location to explore Crisfield. It’s well protected from the Chesapeake Bay, meaning it’s a great place to ride out a storm. You can land your dingy at the marina just next door for a small fee. There is a little bit of boat traffic in the harbor from the nearby USGC station, the daily ferry to Smith Island, watermen traffic, and small pleasure boat traffic.

Wifi in Crisfield

Although the marina has wifi, we found the best wifi was at the Crisfield Public Library . Open Monday through Saturday, the newly constructed library has great resources, an awesome outdoor deck space, and beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay marshes. It’s a great spot to get off your boat on a rainy day.

Provisioning in Crisfield

Food Lion is 1.4 miles away and an 8-minute bike ride, making it a great stop to re-provision for groceries.

Hardware in Crisfield

Bayside Home Center is the local hardware store that is 1.5 miles away and an 8-minute bike ride.

Map of Crisfield

This guide mentions several restaurants, marinas, and places of interest. We have saved all the Crisfield, Maryland, locations on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. Once you’re in your Google Maps, click the menu icon, saved, maps, and Big Bend Florida will appear.

Final thoughts

All in all, we recommend taking some time to check out Crisfield, especially if you have an interest in the history of the Chesapeake Bay, love crab, or just want to see a different side to the United States. Here’s our YouTube video from our visit.

The ups, downs, and everything in between , we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of ways to  show your support and say thanks ! The easiest way to support our work is by commenting on this post, liking and sharing our content on Facebook, and pinning our content on Pinterest . It’s a small way to say thank you that goes a long way!

Elliot Schoenfeld

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We’re Jen and Elliot , aka Scho & Jo, and we are happy to help plan your next Pivot! Sometimes, we’re forced to make decisions, and sometimes, we have time to plan them out; in all cases, Pivots are part of our lives, and we’re better off embracing them rather than avoiding them!

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Home of the annual National Hard Crab Derby and the annual Tawes Crab & Clam Bake, Crisfield is the southernmost city in the state of Maryland.  Located between the Annemessex and the Pocomoke River, it has a natural cove that affords protection from the weather.  This cove is now part of Somers Cove Marina, where several charter boats are moored.  Unofficially known as “The Crab Capital of the World”, Crisfield has its roots in the seafood industry and harvesting the bounty of the bay.  When you visit, stop in and check out the local shops, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants, make plans to attend one of the stellar events, and make your own adventure.

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BayDreaming.com

Your guide to the chesapeake bay, crisfield, maryland.

Visiting Crisfield

Crisfield is very much a Chesapeake Bay town. Located in southern Somerset County, Maryland, at the mouth of the Little Annemessex River at Tangier Sound, the town is bordered by water on three sides.  Crisfield’s history is based in the seafood industry and the town features excellent seafood restaurants .  Home to the annual National Hard Crab Derby , Crisfield is proud of its ties to the Chesapeake Bay.

Somers Cove Marina

Crisfield boasts one of the largest marinas on the East Coast, Somers Cove Marina , with 450 slips.  In addition to having lots of transient slips, Somers Cove’s charter boats and head boats are ready to take you out on a fishing adventure.

Charter and head boat fishing opportunities are plentiful in Crisfield. Fishing is a primary form of recreation in this area and you’ll see lots of boats headed out into the Bay. Make arrangements for a charter or head boat (group fishing boats that charge by the person or “head”) and you’re bound to have a good time.

A City Built on Oyster Shells

A good part of Crisfield was actually built on oyster shells.  Early homes were built on pilings over marshy land, but through the years that low-lying marshland was filled with oyster shells.  Today’s town, from about mid-town to the town docks, plus the locations of many of the packing houses, are all sitting on a man-made bed of shells.  Read more about Crisfield’s history .

Crisfield Attractions – Things to see and do in and around Crisfield, Maryland.

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts Located in Crisfield

• My Fair Lady Bed and Breakfast .  A fully renovated Queen Ann Victorian-style home. Five rooms with private baths.
• Marquis Manor Bed and Breakfast  –   Located in Crisfield’s historic area. Caters to outdoor activities for guests.
• Best Value Inn Crisfield (Somers Cove Motel) .  Somers Cove Motel is ideally located in the heart of Nautical Crisfield and adjacent to the famous Somers Cove Marina.
• Paddlewheel Motel   Also known as Captain Tyler’s. Located in the center of town.
• More Crisfield area hotels and Bed & Breakfasts

Film by the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce

Featured Crisfield Vacation Rentals

• Waterfront Crisfield Condo – Three bedrooms, 2 baths. Waterfront unit facing the Bay with balcony and screened porch.
• Top Floor Waterfront Condo with Boat Slip – Three bedrooms, 2 baths. Fifth floor corner unit with wrap around balcony and screened porch.
• More Crisfield Vacation Rentals – More available units to choose from!

More Crisfield Information

• Crisfield, MD – Official Crisfield, Maryland government website
• Traveler Rev i ews – See what fellow travelers have to say about Crisfield hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
• Somers Cove Marina – One of the largest marinas on the East Coast
• Janes Island State Park – Camping, boating, and nature
• Crisfield Vacation Rentals – At Vrbo.com

Top Things to Do in Crisfield, MD

Places to visit in crisfield.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Tangier Island Cruises

2. Janes Island State Park

3. Smith Island

4. Somers Cove Marina

5. Crisfield Heritage Foundation

6. Corbin Studio & Gallery

7. The Bay Gift Vault

8. Smith Island Cruises

9. Crisfield Kayak and Canoe Rentals

What travellers are saying

• Janes Island State Park
• Tangier Island Cruises
• Somers Cove Marina
• Smith Island
• Crisfield Heritage Foundation
• Smith Island Cruises

Janes Island State Park

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Janes Island State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (2.01 mi) Lady Grace bed and breakfast
• (2.58 mi) Rodeway Inn At Somers Cove Marina
• (1.74 mi) Chesapeake Waterfront with Private Dock in Crisfield, Maryland
• (3.66 mi) Kingsbay Mansion
• (2.19 mi) The Tawesmore Inn
• (1.10 mi) Lintons Crabhouse and Deck
• (1.21 mi) From Scratch Restaurant
• (2.40 mi) Waterman’s Inn
• (2.11 mi) The Crab Place
• (2.11 mi) Crab and Cruise
• (4.37 mi) Chesapeake Ghost Walks
• (2.49 mi) Tangier Island Cruises
• (2.26 mi) Smith Island Cruises
• (2.44 mi) The Bay Gift Vault
• (2.29 mi) Somers Cove Marina

    Life on the Chesapeake Bay according to a Tangier Island waterman, "It is not an easy way of life. In fact, it is a true labor of love.  Commercial fishing and crabbing for the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab is physical and demanding, but it is the love for the Chesapeake Bay, its wildlife, and its beauty that makes it worth all the aches and pains we live with each day". Rain or Shine, Tangier Island awaits you!  A great time, anytime............ For the young and the young at heart........ Tangier Golf Cart and Bike Rentals Year Round : Quality Electric and Gas Golf Carts as well as Bikes for Adults and Children.  Ask about our Seasonal Accommodations:  Guaranteed Customer Satisfaction...  Contact Tommy or Claudine Eskridge at the Four Brothers Crab House & Ice Cream Deck.   Tele: 757 891 2999  Email: [email protected] Tangier Island Hideaways.com

Crisfield Arts & Entertainment District

The non-profit Crisfield Arts & Entertainment District (CAED) Project is the State recognized entity for the management of the Crisfield Arts & Entertainment District. Maryland’s Arts & Entertainment (A&E) Districts help develop and promote community involvement, tourism, and revitalization through tax-related incentives that attract artists, arts organizations, and other creative enterprises to towns and cities across the State.

The mission of the Crisfield Arts and Entertainment District Project is to foster the economic vitality of Mainstreet by building partnerships to develop, support and promote diverse artistic, entertainment and cultural endeavors that preserve a sense of place, appreciate the unique historic character of the district and build community pride.

Thank you MSAC!  To discover more about the Maryland State Arts Council and how they impact Maryland, visit msac.org

The Crisfield Heritage Foundation is physically located at the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum. Your visit should start at the museum. Information about other properties owned by the foundation, as well as other local attractions, are available at the Gift Shop counter.

The Museum is CLOSED for the season. Please check back to see about opening day on May 4, 2024.

Admission Fees:  The museum is free to the public 

Location:  3 Ninth Street, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Hours:   Closed until May 4, 2024

For more specific information call the museum at 410-968-2501 or email [email protected]  

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U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Conducts Maryland Test Facility Site Visit for Facial Recognition Technology Report

WASHINGTON D.C. –  Today, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights conducted an important site visit to the  Maryland Test Facility (MdTF), as part of the Commission’s ongoing  investigation into the civil rights implications of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT), which was unanimously taken up by Commissioners. This visit, which took place on Thursday, April 18, 2024, is a significant milestone in the lead-up to the Commission’s forthcoming report, due to be published on September 30, 2024. 

The site visit was conducted by a bipartisan subcommittee, including the Commission’s Chair, Rochelle M. Garza (D), Commissioner Stephen Gilchrist (R), and FRT Report Lead Commissioner Mondaire Jones, builds on the Commission’s  briefing held on Friday, March 8, 2024. The briefing focused on how FRT is developed, its utilization by federal agencies, emerging civil rights concerns, and the safeguards being implemented to mitigate potential civil rights issues. The site visit is a significant milestone in evaluating the regulatory framework and civil rights implications of FRT for the Commission’s report.