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.
Hutzler’s box
Collar box, circa 1880, Gift from the Archives of Hutzler Brothers Co. On view in the new exhibition, "The Hutzler’s Experience: How a Small Dry Goods Store Became a Maryland Institution."
Explore the People, Places, & Events that Shape Maryland.
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.
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.
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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Sailing to Freedom: A Maritime History of Maryland’s Underground Railroad
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Flickering Treasures
Flickering TreasuresRediscovering Baltimore’s Forgotten Movie Theaters—Open Through September 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 September 2023.
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Discover Maryland
Discover MarylandOpen Through March 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. Open through March 2022.
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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. Opening September 10, 2021.
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Intimate Expressions
Intimate ExpressionsPersonal Diaries of Maryland Life—Open Through June 2022
A diary is a record of one’s most private thoughts, feelings, and view of life. It is also an important historical document, providing a very personal view of major moments in Maryland history. Located in our niche gallery outside of the library, this intimate space allows visitors to step into the minds of Marylanders, read their innermost thoughts, and see the world through their eyes. Open through June 2022.
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Losing Winter
Losing WinterOpen through July 2022
A frozen lake, a buried street, shoveling feet of snow as it begins to fall again—these special winter experiences serve as landmarks in our life and memory. Yet with each year, we find such moments are disappearing. At the heart of this participatory exhibition and art project are Marylanders’ memories about the winter season, collected by featured artist, Lynn Cazabon. These recollections intersect with individual lifetimes and places found in the film and photograph collection at MCHC and the UMBC Special Collections. Memories and images intertwine, providing a window into personal loss in the face of a changing climate. Open through July 2022.
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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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Students gain essential social studies skills by engaging with our collections in person and virtually.
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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 renewLovely facility, friendly staff, very interesting exhibits. I liked it so much I became a member! We will definitely be back.
Kristin Powell Strong, Member Since 2017
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 “Triumphal” and “Monster” Parade: The June 1912 Baltimore Suffrage Parade
One hundred nine years ago this month, Maryland suffragists took to the Baltimore streets in a momentous march for women’s […]
Read MoreGenerous leading support for this website was provided by the Sheridan Foundation with additional support from the Helen Clay Frick Foundation.