Cultural Institutions Around the City

Baltimore is home to many fine museums, some high profile like the Walters and the BMA. But there are also specialty museums around the city.

One is the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, long name great museum. Located near the Inner Harbor on East Pratt Street, the Museum has a permanent core exhibit of Maryland African American history and hosts short term focused exhibits. Currently on display is Elizabeth Catlett: Artist and Activist. Catlett was an important 20th century African American artist. She believed art is a tool for social and political change. She used art to fight oppression, racism and class and gender inequality. An exhibit of her art and sculpture is on display until March 1.

While the Museum is normally open Wednesday through Sunday, but on Monday January 20th there is a special tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. These events will run from 11am to 4pm.

Check out more details at the web site: lewismuseum.org

Close to home in Mt. Vernon is an often overlooked gem. The Maryland Historical Society is located in the 600 block of Park Avenue with an address of 201 West Monument Street. MHS has wonderful collections on many aspects of Maryland history. There is an excellent research library but you will need to book ahead for some projects. There are too many exhibits to list, but some to highlight are exhibits related to the Star Spangled Banner, Maryland’s role in the Civil War and a wonder exhibit on Baltimore’s silver manufacturers, Samuel Kirk and the Steiff Co. to name just two. A current exhibit, The Hutzler Experience: How a Small Dry Goods Store Became a Maryland Institution celebrates the family owned department store on Howard Street. Although the store is long closed the building known as the Palace is still there and shows the opulence that made it the Grande Dame of Baltimore retail. Whether you are a native Marylander or a transplant, MHS offers you an excellent history of where we live. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Check out the website: MDHS.org

-Written by Jesse Craig, Secretary