Art| Artifacts |Community
Through the lens of “We Are. . .” our core values of Community, Authenticity, Dialogue, and Discovery are echoed in objects, ideas, and stories throughout the galleries.
Explore the People, Places, & Events that Shape Maryland.
Lafayette in Maryland
MCHC joins the American Friends of Lafayette and a network of museums and sites commemorating the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour and its impact on Maryland.
Explore the People, Places, & Events that Shape Maryland.
Painted Screens of Baltimore
A sampling of the painted screens collection is exhibited now on the first and second floors of the lobby atrium.
Explore the People, Places, & Events that Shape Maryland.
Explore the Exhibit
MCHC’s oral history collections are at the heart of the exhibition. Visitors encounter excerpts of oral history conversations with dozens of notable civil rights leaders.
Explore the People, Places, & Events that Shape Maryland.
Claire/McCardell
Claire McCardell redefined women’s fashion in America during the 1930s –1950s and she continues to influence American sportswear today.
Explore the People, Places, & Events that Shape Maryland.
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.
Explore the People, Places, & Events that Shape Maryland.
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.
Explore the People, Places, & Events that Shape Maryland.
Material & Memories
Featuring Abstract #1 by Elizabeth Talford Scott in dialogue with responsive works by the African American Quilters of Baltimore and historic quilts from MCHC’s collection.
Explore the People, Places, & Events that Shape Maryland.
Become a Member
Receive free admission, our biannual scholarly journal, and discounts on event tickets and Museum Store items.
Take a Guided Tour
Group tours of 20 or less are currently being offered, Wednesday through Saturday.
Explore the Future of MCHC
The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is poised for the future, following the newly-developed 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.
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
Step Into History—The Power of Place: The Avalon Site at Patapsco
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Member Program—Summer Sail on LADY MARYLAND: Rum Tasting and Sea Shanties
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Claire / McCardell
Claire / McCardellOn view now!
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 this Fellowship is generously provided by the Tory Burch Foundation.
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Stitched in Favor
Stitched in Favor200 years of The Historic St. James Episcopal Church
Reflecting on the enduring legacy of The Historic Saint James Episcopal Church; the first African Protestant Episcopal church. This exhibition honors the church’s unwavering commitment to faith, education, and social justice, inspiring future generations to continue to fight for equality and empowerment. By chronicling the church’s journey from its founding in 1824 to its enduring legacy today, the exhibition explores the rich history of this cornerstone of African American heritage in Baltimore through historic and contemporary textiles, art, and artifacts.
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Collecting Maryland
Collecting MarylandArt | Artifacts | Community
The 350,000 objects, artworks, and artifacts within the museum collections of MCHC tell the stories of our state’s interconnected communities. Collecting Maryland: Art, Artifacts, Community returns important works of fine and decorative arts to public view. Vignettes highlighting major collecting themes are organized to provide an introspective look at our institution and dive into the depth and breadth of our collections assembled over our 180-year history. Through the lens of “We Are. . .” our core values of Community, Authenticity, Dialogue, and Discovery are echoed in objects, ideas, and stories throughout the galleries. Collecting Maryland is designed as a flexible space for our curatorial team to experiment with new ideas and rotate frequently. We invite our members and larger community to come and learn something new with each visit.
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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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A Word From Our Members
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 renewThis place is fascinating and has interesting programs and displays. I’ve had excellent personal interactions with everyone. All friendly and helpful folks. I love history and this is an excellent place to learn more about it.
Virginia Green, Member Since 2011
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.