About the Chesapeake Bay Radio Association
One of Maryland’s oldest amateur radio clubs, serving Cecil County through education, technology, emergency communications, and public service.
Radio, public service, and technical education since the early 1970s.
The Chesapeake Bay Radio Association (CBRA) is a nonprofit amateur radio club founded in the early 1970s. As one of Maryland’s oldest amateur radio organizations, CBRA has a long tradition of promoting amateur radio, technical education, public service, and community involvement.
The club was established by radio enthusiasts, many of whom had participated in Civil Defense programs of the 1950s and 1960s. Several founders also held Citizens Band radio licenses and were active in local CB radio clubs.
From the club’s first repeater in Havre de Grace to regional coverage from the Woodlawn Fire Tower, CBRA continues to connect people, advance communications, and support the community when it matters most.
CBRA at a Glance
A legacy of communications service
From Civil Defense roots to regional repeater coverage, CBRA’s history reflects a practical commitment to education, service, and dependable communications.
Building Reliable Communications
CBRA’s repeater history reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to dependable regional communications.
From Havre de Grace
CBRA placed its first amateur radio repeater on the air in Havre de Grace, Maryland, laying the foundation for reliable local communications.
To Woodlawn Fire Tower
In the early to mid-1980s, the club moved the repeater to the Woodlawn Fire Tower, greatly expanding coverage across Cecil and Harford Counties.
When It Matters
During hurricanes in 1999 and 2003, CBRA members staffed the repeater around the clock with emergency and health-and-welfare communications.
Promoting radio communication, experimentation, education, and service.
CBRA promotes interest in Amateur Radio communication and experimentation; supports Amateur Radio networks for disasters and emergencies; advances the radio art; fosters noncommercial communication throughout the world; and shares technical, educational, and scientific information related to electronic communication.
Connect
Radio networks, repeaters, and noncommercial communication.
Educate
Learning, licensing, mentoring, and technical information.
Experiment
Research, development, and advancement of electronic communication.
Serve
Emergency communications and public service when needed.
Club Documents
CBRA’s governing documents describe the club’s purpose, membership classes, leadership structure, repeater operations, and operating rules.
Bylaws
Effective October 18, 2023. Current bylaws of the Chesapeake Bay Radio Association, Incorporated.
Constitution
Constitution download placeholder. Add the approved document when available.