Four-Part Core Conversations Series Launches with Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden Baltimore, MD (September 15, 2020) – Beginning September 24, the Maryland Center for History and Culture will launch a Core Conversations Series to explore the institution’s four newly identified core values—Discovery, Dialogue, Authenticity, and Community. Librarian of Congress and Batimorean, Carla Hayden, Ph.D., will join Catherine Mayfield, France-Merrick Director of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library in a conversation about “discovery,” exploring how museums and libraries can make their collections useful in today’s world from 12 – 1:30 p.m. EST. “Our transformation to the Maryland Center for History and Culture has been years in the making,” said Mark Letzer, president and CEO of the Maryland Center for History and Culture. “Central to this major shift is our commitment to providing space for the community to hold meaningful conversations and explore the enormous impact Marylanders have had on our nation’s history. Since March, we have pivoted and hosted a number of virtual programs, and have had thousands from well beyond our walls, and even Maryland state borders, join conversations about our region’s history, and in historic moments relevant to today. We hope this series of conversations will hit a similar chord for the public.” Subsequent conversations over the next several months will focus on the three additional values, and each will ask a relevant question, prompting dialoague and conversation that illuminate the Maryland Center for History and Culture’s core values, and shed light on their new direction as an institution. The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC), which reopened to the public on September 12, also revealed its new name and identity at that time – one that reflects the organization’s mission to define itself as a space where the community can come to discover and develop a deeper understanding of our nation’s history and culture through a Maryland prism. The mission and vision statement has also evolved to one that better represents the institution’s role within the community, and reflects their goal to collect, preserve and interpret Maryland history. The four core values will help frame the MCHC’s initiatives, including their education programs, exhibitions, special events, research requests, and visitor interactions. This virtual program is free and open to all audiences, however registration is required. Those interested in registering can do so through the link here. Once registered for the program, attendees will receive an automated confirmation email with connection instructions. The Maryland Center for History and Culture’s series will continue throughout the fall, with other noted speakers to be announced. Visit the MCHC online for a full list of fall virtual programming. The Maryland Center for History and Culture is now open with limited hours and capacity due to COVID-19. As of September 12, museum hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. These hours will also apply to the library when it reopens on October 7. Entry will be monitored to ensure proper social distancing. Masks will be required. The library reopens October 7 due to ongoing building upgrades.
