Opening May 26!
Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is hosting the traveling show The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited. Developed by Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI), this 5,000-square-foot, Muppet-filled multimedia exhibition is full of hundreds of objects, including puppets, character sketches, storyboards, scripts, costumes, and film and television clips.
MCHC celebrates bringing Jim Henson’s story home to Maryland!
Reserve Your Tickets
Explore The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited
Take a journey to the whimsical world of Jim Henson in this multi-media exhibition open May 26 through December 30.
Explore Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in history? Enjoy interacting with the public? Apply to become a volunteer docent.
Become a Member
Receive free admission, our biannual scholarly journal, and discounts on event tickets and Museum Store items.
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
Henson Homecoming—The Jim Henson Exhibition Opening Festival
View Event DetailNext Upcoming
Styling Miss Piggy: A Conversation with Creator Bonnie Erickson and Costumers Polly Smith and Calista Hendrickson
View Event Detail
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
Discover Maryland
Discover MarylandOpen 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.
Learn More
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 this Fellowship is generously provided by the Tory Burch Foundation.
Learn More
The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited
The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination UnlimitedMay 26, 2023–December 30, 2023
Few people of the 20th century have had such enduring, wide-reaching, and inter-generational appeal as Jim Henson (1936-1990). His innovations in storytelling revolutionized childrens’ education, and his work from “Fraggle Rock” to “Dark Crystal” had a profound impact on generations of people. And it all started in Maryland.
Learn MoreLibrary
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.
Library Catalog
Digital Collections
Shake Up Maryland History!
Educational Programs
Students gain essential social studies skills by engaging with our collections in person and virtually.
Find the perfect programsMembership
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 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.
view issuesBlogs & Updates
All Updates
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.