Antietam shadow box
Shadow box made in 1886 by John Philemon Smith who witnessed the Battle of Antietam. It records the dedication of the Antietam National Cemetery in 1867 and lists Union soldiers who died.
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Hutzler’s box
Collar box, circa 1880. Philip Harry Foxman (1885-1955) of Baltimore donated this item to the Hutzler Brothers Company Archives. He worked in the furniture business for many years.
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Eubie Blake Piano
A celesta piano owned by Baltimore jazz musician James Hubert "Eubie" Blake (1887-1983). Made by Mustel & Company in Paris, France. Circa 1923.
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Etting Mug
To commemorate their contribution to history, the men who defended North Point and Fort McHenry in 1814 scratched their names into this six-inch tall tin mug owned by Samuel Etting.
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The Maryland Center for History and Culture is more than a Museum and Library. We provide space for discovery and developing a deeper understanding of the nation’s history and culture through the lens of Maryland.
Upcoming Program
Afro Charities at Work: Building Bridges through the AFRO American Newspaper Archives
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Object Dive—Paper Dolls and American Fashion: Art-Making Virtual Workshop
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Passion and Purpose
Passion and PurposeVoices of Maryland’s Civil Rights Activists
Marylanders have been at the forefront of the national Black freedom struggle, from lawsuits that revealed the lies of the “separate but equal” doctrine in the 1930s and ’40s, to massive protests in the streets during the 1960s that forced a nation to confront its moral consciousness. This legacy continues through today. Visitors to Passion and Purpose learn and draw inspiration from the lived experiences of these activists who make up a complex mosaic of the long and continuing fight for civil rights in Maryland and the nation. This exhibition is on long-term view.
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Claire / McCardell
Claire / McCardellOpen through November 2023
Claire McCardell redefined women’s fashion in America during the 1930s –1950s and she continues to influence American sportswear today. By designing for modern American women like herself, McCardell became synonymous with the American fashion rebellion. Beneath her dynamic, confident, and strong-willed business persona, Claire was a shy introvert in conflict with this perceived identity. Through family letters, personal interviews, and archival documents, juxtaposed with examples of McCardell’s designs spanning her career, this exhibition gives a more intimate look at the woman behind the iconic label. This exhibition is curated by Tory Burch Claire McCardell Fashion Fellow Robyn Levy. Support for The Tory Burch Claire McCardell Fashion Fellowship is generously provided by the Tory Burch Foundation.
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Flickering Treasures
Flickering TreasuresRediscovering Baltimore’s Forgotten Movie Theaters—Open through March 2023
In 1896, Marylanders crowded to Electric Park to see the lights and attractions, including the very first moving-picture show. Movies were magical, transporting the viewers to new places, inviting them to escape their everyday lives, marvel at a new technology, gather news, and appreciate art. Movie theaters became symbols for the worlds they were unlocking, ethereal buildings where people gathered to take a journey together through the movie screen. Open through March 2023.
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The Unfinished Revolution
The Unfinished RevolutionMaryland in the Wars for Independence
The Unfinished Revolution explores the turmoil of the United States’ emergence on the world stage between 1775 and 1815. The exhibition highlights two points that became certain—the country’s revolution remained unfinished, and Marylanders of many races and creeds were at the forefront of each conflict. This exhibition is on long-term view.
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Discover Maryland
Discover MarylandOpen through September 2022
Who are Marylanders, why are they so obsessed with their flag, and what does duckpin bowling have to do with the Baltimore Orioles? This exhibition explores how Maryland and its people have changed since its founding in 1634. Learn how the dynamic geography of the state drove its industry, population, and the identity of Marylanders, and how the arts and culture of Maryland reflect on its past. For traveling visitors and lifelong Marylanders, Discover Maryland shows there is much to uncover about Maryland.
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Dedicated to preserving the irreplaceable history of Maryland
The H. Furlong Baldwin Library invites visitors to explore the records of Maryland’s past and preserves irreplaceable historical materials for future generations.
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Our members believe what we believe: history can illuminate the past, lend perspective to the present, and inform the future. Don’t take our word for it. Hear what they have to say.
Join or renewI am thrilled to see how [the MCHC] has become more open to the Baltimore community, especially in making materials more accessible through interactive exhibits and in research and scholarship. A membership is very cost-effective if you are actively researching in the collections.
Jean Lee Cole, Member Since 2013
100+ Years of the Maryland Historical Magazine
Read past issues digitized through a partnership with the Maryland State Archives. Enjoy print copies mailed to you with membership.
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A Major Booster Event for Baltimore
Post published September 29, 2022 One hundred eight years ago this fall, the city of Baltimore played host to the…
Read MoreGenerous leading support for this website was provided by the Sheridan Foundation with additional support from the Helen Clay Frick Foundation.