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.
Upcoming Program
The New Death of Cinema: Shifting Landscapes of Theatrical Presentation
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Virtual Teacher Workshop: Lynching in Maryland
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Discover Maryland
Discover MarylandNow Open
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. Image: Summer In Baltimore, Tom Patton Miller (1945-2000), 1993. Maryland Center for History and Culture, Baltimore City Life Museum Collection, BCLM-1993.27.1 Image inset: Duck pin bowling ball and pin and Orioles baseball team cleats.
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Wild and Untamed
Wild and UntamedDunton’s Discovery of the Baltimore Album Quilts
Follow Dr. William Rush Dunton Jr. on his journey to understand the Baltimore album quilt tradition and learn how quilts served as the building blocks for his groundbreaking work in occupational therapy. Explore our internationally famous quilt collection, including never-before-seen pieces, and Dr. Dunton’s personal works to unravel a narrative that connects Dunton’s views on quilts, gender, and mental health in the 1940s. Open through September 2022.
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Flickering Treasures
Flickering TreasuresRediscovering Baltimore’s Forgotten Movie Theaters
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 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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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 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
Shaping the Future of History
With funding and support from this campaign, we are seeking to shape the future of how history is presented, connect with new audiences, and expand our national presence.
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Losing Winter: New Participatory Exhibition Opening in July 2021
Lynn Cazabon, a Baltimore-based artist and professor, is the artist behind Losing Winter, an upcoming exhibition. Learn more about the participatory art project and sharing memories of winter.
Read MoreGenerous leading support for this website was provided by the Sheridan Foundation with additional support from the Helen Clay Frick Foundation.