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Last Chance!

Now is the time to reserve your tickets for The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited! On December 30, this showstopper exhibition leaves the Maryland Center for History and Culture — Enjoy the exhibition today, before it closes.

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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.

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Explore Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in history? Enjoy interacting with the public? Apply to become a volunteer docent.

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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.

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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.

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Upcoming Event

MCHC Muppet Matinee: The Muppet Christmas Carol

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Profile photograph of Claire McCardell.
Current Exhibitions

Claire / McCardell

Claire / McCardell

Open through November 2024

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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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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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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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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Current Exhibitions

The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited

The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited

May 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.

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Toys, Dolls + Games
2200
Native American Objects
866
Pieces of Jewelry
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Stained Glass Windows

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
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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.