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Explore the People, Places, & Events that shape Maryland.
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 Antietam shadow box

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.

Image of Antietam shadow box
Explore the People, Places, & Events that shape Maryland.
Plan Your Visit
 Hutzler’s box

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.

Explore the People, Places, & Events that Shape Maryland.

Image of Hutzler’s box
Explore the People, Places, & Events that shape Maryland.
Plan Your Visit
 Eubie Blake Piano

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.

Explore the People, Places, & Events that Shape Maryland.

Image of Eubie Blake Piano
Explore the People, Places, & Events that shape Maryland.
Plan Your Visit
 Etting Mug

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.

Image of Etting Mug

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.

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Museum After Hours—Free Museum Admission

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Profile photograph of Claire McCardell.
Current Exhibitions

Claire / McCardell

Claire / McCardell

Open 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 this Fellowship is generously provided by the Tory Burch Foundation.

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Black Panther Party_Childress
Current Exhibitions

Passion and Purpose

Passion and Purpose

Voices 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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Duck pin bowling ball and pin and Orioles baseball cleats.
Current Exhibitions

Discover Maryland

Discover Maryland

Open through January 2024

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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Sword
Current Exhibitions

The Unfinished Revolution

The Unfinished Revolution

Maryland 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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1
Something for Everyone
2500
Toys, Dolls + Games
2200
Native American Objects
1000
Maritime Objects

Library

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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Library Catalog

Search for books, periodicals, pamphlets, manuscripts, maps and more.
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Digital Collections

View digitized paintings, photographs, prints, and other materials.
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Paul Robeson, photograph by Paul Henderson, 1948, HEN.00.A2-156

Shake Up Maryland History!

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Educational Programs

Students gain essential social studies skills by engaging with our collections in person and virtually.

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Membership

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.

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“ ”
This 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
Image of 100+ Years of the Maryland Historical Magazine

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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Blogs & Updates

All Updates
Image of A Major Booster Event for Baltimore
September 29, 2022

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…

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Generous leading support for this website was provided by the Sheridan Foundation with additional support from the Helen Clay Frick Foundation.