Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion
Since its founding in 1844, the Maryland Center for History and Culture’s mission has been to preserve and steward Maryland’s history and culture. While this mission remains true today, we realize the organization has been shaped by privilege and power. As a result, the MCHC collection and interpretation does not fully represent the diverse population of Maryland. A shared sense of place and heritage is integral to building community, and MCHC’s past practices have often been exclusive and harmful to underrepresented Marylanders.
MCHC is actively examining our shared role in systemic racism and forging a new path that is more diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive for all Marylanders. By assessing and developing policies and activities through a DEAI lens, MCHC will more fully realize our mission, vision, and core values of community, authenticity, dialogue, and discovery.
Our ultimate goal is to become an organization that authentically reflects the voices of all Marylanders. Most urgent is the need to further develop a staff and board that reflects the diversity of our state. With this in mind, MCHC is taking the following actions now:
- Equitable and inclusive hiring of staff;
- Active and inclusive recruitment of board members;
- Continuous DEAI training for staff, board of trustees, and volunteers;
- Representative collecting practices;
- Inclusive interpretation, programming, and exhibitions.
These actions will serve as the foundation of our ongoing commitment to discovery and reconciliation, informed by open dialogue with our peers, members, and the many diverse communities that make up Maryland.