Press Releases
Our Latest News
January 7, 2025
Maryland Center for History and Culture Receives $2.5M Grant to Explore
Religious Diversity and Tolerance in Maryland
The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) has received a $2.5M grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative. The grant will support development of a 5,000-square-foot exhibition and a larger programming and research initiative that will interpret the history of religious diversity and contested stories of religious tolerance in our state. READ MORE>
February 7, 2025
Historic Annapolis and Maryland Center for History and Culture Acquire Rare
18th-Century Artifacts Owned by William and Mary Paca
In anticipation of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, Historic Annapolis and the Maryland Center for History and Culture are pleased to announce the joint acquisition of a rare and important pair of silver canns originally owned by founding father and Signer of the Declaration of Independence William Paca and his wife, Mary. The 18th-century drinking vessels, were auctioned by Sotheby’s New York auction house during Americana Week on January 25, 2025. READ MORE>
February 24, 2025
Stitched in Favor: 200 Years of The Historic St. James Episcopal Church Opens at the Maryland Center for History and Culture
The newest exhibition at the Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) traverses two centuries of a Baltimore institution. Stitched in Favor: 200 Years of The Historic St. James Episcopal Church traces a tapestry of key moments and figures at the church, from its founding at Guilford Avenue and Saratoga Street to the congregation’s 2024 celebrations at Lafayette Square. READ MORE>
March 13, 2025
2025 Grant Recipients of the Miller History Fund Announced
The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is honored to present the eleven winners of this year’s Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. History Fund, re-granting $200,000 in funding statewide to Maryland’s historical collections stewards. READ MORE>
February 22, 2024
2024 Grant Recipients of the Miller History Fund Announced
The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is honored to present the ten winners of this year’s Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. History Fund, re-granting $200,000 in funding statewide to Maryland’s historical collections stewards. READ MORE>
November 18, 2024
Painted Screens Find Forever Home at the Maryland Center for History and Culture
Painted screens are a Baltimore icon gracing the windows and doors of the city’s neighborhoods since 1913. Recognizing the need to preserve the unique tradition and their story, the Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) recently acquired the majority of the Painted Screen Society of Baltimore’s historic collection. READ MORE>
February 27, 2023
2023 Grant Recipients of the Miller History Fund Announced
The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is honored to present the ten winners of this year’s Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. History Fund, re-granting $200,000 in funding statewide to Maryland’s historical collections stewards. READ MORE>
May 2023
Brewington Book Prize Awarded to Jack Schaum for 122 Years on the Old Bay Line (America Through Time)
After careful deliberation, the Maritime Committee of the Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is proud to award the 2023 Brewington Book Prize to Jack Shaum for his book 122 Years on the Old Bay Line (America Through Time). READ MORE>
May 24, 2023
The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) Celebrates the Creative Vision of Jim Henson in The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited
Kermit the Frog (The Muppet Show) Ernie and Bert (Sesame Street), Jen and Kira (The Dark Crystal), plus the ballroom costumes of Jareth and Sarah from Labyrinth featured in this exploration of the visionary entertainers work. READ MORE>
January 6, 2022
New Fellowship Promotes Historical Scholarship on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
MCHC is pleased to announce the establishment of a new fellowship program focused on scholarly research of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Ashby M. Larmore Fellowship expands genealogical and historical knowledge of the Eastern Shore’s communities before World War II. READ MORE>
February 3, 2022
2022 Miller History Fund Grantees Announced
Eleven organizations representing four Maryland counties and Baltimore City will receive grants up to $20,000 each to expand their capacity to steward and share state history. READ MORE>
March 21, 2022
Tench Tilghman’s Revolutionary War Uniform on Display in Annapolis
To commemorate Maryland Day and the anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of Maryland’s State House, MCHC is displaying Tench Tilghman’s original Revolutionary War uniform in the Senate Committee Room at the State House from Wednesday, March 23 to Monday, April 4, in partnership with the Maryland State Archives. READ MORE>
April 26, 2022
Visions of Night: Baltimore Nocturnes Opens April 29
MCHC is pleased to unveil Visions of Night: Baltimore Nocturnes, an exhibition that showcases night photography from MCHC’s collections, as well as contemporary artists. Opening April 29, the exhibition features work from contemporary photographers Sydney J. Allen, J.M. Giordano, John Clark Mayden, Webster Phillips III, and others. READ MORE>
May 20, 2022
New Exhibition Opens: Passion and Purpose
MCHC opens a landmark, innovative exhibition today, immersing visitors in the ongoing fight for Black civil rights with Passion and Purpose: Voices of Maryland’s Civil Rights Activists. The installation reverberates with the voices of Maryland’s civil rights activists through oral histories and photojournalism. READ MORE>
July 21, 2022
Free Admission Now Offered to Visitors Under Age 18
Children, youth, and students can now visit MCHC at no cost. Beginning this month, admission is free for all visitors under 18 and students with ID. READ MORE>
August 12, 2022
New Board Members Welcomed
The Maryland Center for History and Culture is pleased to welcome four additional members to its Board of Trustees—Maya Davis, Diane Hutchins, Angel Gonzalez-Sanfeliu, and Stiles Colwill. READ MORE>
September 2, 2022
Maryland Center for History and Culture Announces Change in Leadership, Names Katie Caljean President and CEO
Maryland Center for History and Culture, where Maryland’s rich history, art and culture is collected, preserved, and interpreted, today announced a succession in leadership as Mark Letzer READ MORE>
November 5, 2022
New Exhibition Opens: Claire / McCardell
The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) announces the opening of Claire/McCardell, the first exhibition in nearly 20 years dedicated to the work of the iconic fashion designer Claire McCardell (1905–1958). READ MORE>
February 10, 2021
Virtual Spring Public Programs Announced
The Maryland Center for History and Culture has announced an all-new line-up of virtual public programming for winter and spring 2021. More than a dozen history conversations and workshops are scheduled between February and May, all free to the public. READ MORE>
February 25, 2021
2021 Grant Recipients of the Newly Renamed “Miller History Fund” Announced
The Maryland Center for History and Culture is pleased to announce the renaming of its popular Pathways Grant Program, as well as the 2021 new class of 11 award winners. The program will be named the “Thomas V. ‘Mike’ Miller, Jr. History Fund,” in honor of the late Senate President Emeritus who sponsored the legislation that makes the publicly funded grant program possible. READ MORE>
March 2, 2021
Public Invited to “Discover” Maryland in March
In recognition of Maryland Day on March 25—the state history holiday—the Maryland Center for History and Culture is inviting the public to celebrate throughout March and “discover” more about the state in the newly opened museum exhibition, Discover Maryland, and in free virtual public programs. Museum admission is also free for students (Pre-K-12) all month long. READ MORE>
March 10, 2021
Flag Conservation Project Launched for Maryland Day
This month the Maryland Center for History and Culture is launching a project to conserve 100 rare and fragile flags in its collection, with a goal to raise $30,000 toward the effort. READ MORE>
April 27, 2021
“Step into History” at State and Regional Parks
Marylanders are invited to “Step Into History” with interactive displays on view at Patapsco Valley State Park and Watkins Regional Park through the end of July. READ MORE>
May 13, 2021
Squashwise Acquires Historic Greyhound Terminal from MCHC
SquashWise has acquired the former Greyhound terminal on the campus of the Maryland Center for History and Culture in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood. This purchase will enable SquashWise to further advance equity and opportunity in education and squash for Baltimore youth and to restore a memorable building in the city. READ MORE>
May 18, 2021
Historic St. Mary’s City and MCHC Announce Joint Membership Program
The partnership offers savings and benefits allowing members to explore two of Maryland’s great historic institutions. READ MORE>
July 15, 2021
Cool Off During Exhibition Opening
The public is invited to enjoy winter in July during the opening celebration of MCHC’s newest exhibition, Losing Winter, Saturday, July 24, 12-3 p.m. The event includes artist and curator talks in the museum gallery, a live ice sculpture carving, and snowballs served in the courtyard. Museum and event admission are free. READ MORE>
July 26, 2021
Brewington Book Prize Awarded to David W. Wooddell
MCHC’s Maritime Committee has awarded the 2021 Brewington Book Prize to David W. Wooddell for The Inspection Tugboats Baltimore 1857-1980. READ MORE>
September 8, 2021
EXHIBITION OPENING: THE UNFINISHED REVOLUTION
MCHC is pleased to unveil The Unfinished Revolution: Maryland in the Wars for Independence, an exhibition that explores the turmoil of the United States’ emergence on the world stage between 1775 and 1815. READ MORE>
September 13, 2021
Free Fall 2021 Public Programs Announced
MCHC has a new line-up of free fall public programs—both virtual and in-person—that history lovers statewide and beyond can enjoy onsite at the Museum or from the comfort of their own homes. READ MORE>
September 30, 2021
Marylanders Invited to “Step into History” in Fall 2021
MCHC invites Marylanders to “Step into History” with interactive displays that are traveling across the state. Brand new Step into History displays are now on view at Accokeek Foundation in Piscataway Park in Prince George’s County, and at the Village in Rock Hall, Maryland in Kent County. READ MORE>
October 26, 2021
Partnership with Tory Burch Announced
MCHC is pleased to announce a partnership with American designer Tory Burch who drew inspiration for her Spring/Summer 2022 collection from Maryland-born fashion designer Claire McCardell. MCHC has partnered with the New York-based designer to establish the Tory Burch Claire McCardell Fashion Fellowship at MCHC. Applications are now being accepted. READ MORE>
November 3, 2021
New Board Members Welcomed
MCHC has welcomed four additional members to its Board of Trustees—William J. Cook, the Honorable Wanda Keyes Heard, David Taft Terry, Ph.D., and Mary Tydings. READ MORE>
November 30, 2021
Help the Maryland Center for History and Culture Document History in the Making
COVID cases are surging, and states are again shutting borders, just as the holidays approach. The Maryland Center for History and Culture is reinvigorating its Collecting in Quarantine initiative, first launched in Spring 2020. The initiative is meant to collect Marylanders’ stories about their experiences during this global pandemic. READ MORE>
December 4, 2021
Celebrate the Holidays (Safely) with The Maryland Center for History and Culture
Though many holiday celebrations will look different this year, the Maryland Center for History and Culture is offering safe, educational experiences for people of all ages to learn about Maryland and U.S. history while staying in the Baltimore area this season. Visitors can spend a day visiting the museum, reserve a private tour with household members, or purchase a gift from the museum store. READ MORE>
January 2020
Civil Rights Era Photos from Local Journalist on Display at Bowie State
A traveling photography exhibition, depicting African American life during the Civil Rights era, will be on display at Bowie State University’s Student Center from Feb. 4-May 22, 2020. The Paul Henderson: Photographs from the Civil Rights Era exhibition features select prints from one of the Baltimore Afro-American’s first photographers and provides an opportunity for the public to help identify unknown photo subjects. READ NOW>
February 25, 2020
Original Star-Spangled Banner Manuscript Traveling to State House
On March 3, the original Star-Spangled Banner manuscript will take to the road, and head to the State House in Annapolis, where it will be displayed alongside the State House’s 1783 George Washington Resignation Speech for the first time. READ NOW>
March 20, 2020
Collecting in Quarantine Initiative Launched
As we continue to face these challenging times together, we are finding new ways to bring Maryland history to you, and to continue its 175-year-legacy of collecting history, during this unprecedented time. READ NOW>
April 6, 2020
Statewide Pathways Grant Award Winners Announces
We are pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural Pathways grant program, a competitive program that supports small historical organizations statewide. Eleven organization representing seven counties across Maryland will receive grants up to $20,000 each to expand their capacity to steward and share state history. READ NOW>
May 27, 2020
Fall Reopening Planned
The museum and library will remain closed to the public through the summer, with an anticipated fall opening date to be determined. READ MORE>
June 24, 2020
Brewington Book Prize Awarded to Donald Grady Shomette
After careful deliberation, the Maritime Committee has awarded the 2020 Brewington Book Prize to Donald Grady Shomette for his self-published Anaconda’s Tail: The Civil War on the Potomac Frontier, 1861–1865 (2019). READ MORE>
August 31, 2020
Letter to Members from Mark B. Letzer, President & CEO
An exciting transformation is taking place. READ MORE>
September 9, 2020
Maryland Historical Society Transitions to Maryland Center for History and Culture
Today, after 176 years, the Maryland Historical Society is reopening its doors as the Maryland Center for History and Culture. This new identity 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. READ MORE>
September 15, 2020
Four-Part Core Conversations Series Launches with Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden
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. READ MORE>
September 23, 2020
Museum and Library Launch $12 million Fundraising Campaign
The Shaping the Future of History campaign will enhance educational and visitor experiences, advance collection stewardship, and create a sustainable future for the Maryland Center for History and Culture. READ MORE>
September 28, 2020
Virtual Conversation with David Simon is Announced for October 22
The Maryland Center for History and Culture welcomes Baltimore-based journalist, author and television producer, David Simon, to its virtual stage on October 22 for the second installment of the institution’s Core Conversations Series. READ MORE>
October 2, 2020
Pathways Grant Program Launches Second Year of Funding Awards
The Maryland Center for History and Culture is pleased to announce the fiscal year 2021 funding cycle of the Pathways Grant Program. The Pathways Grant Program provides support for projects at historical organizations throughout the state of Maryland. READ MORE>
October 8, 2020
Marylander’s Invited to “Step Into History”
The Maryland Center for History and Culture invites Marylanders to “Step Into History” with interactive displays that will travel the state. Beginning October 8, Step Into History displays located at North Point State Park and the MCHC courtyard feature images from the museum and library’s extensive collection. READ MORE>
October 14, 2020
Clinton Daly Announced as New Board Chair
The Maryland Center for History and Culture has announced the appointment of the institution’s new Board Chair, Clinton Daly. As board chair, Daly shares the MCHC’s commitment to not only preserve and share Maryland’s history and culture, but realize the potential of the museum and library in making meaningful connections between the past and present. READ MORE>
November 2, 2020
Virtual Conversation with WYPR’s Aaron Henkin and Wendel Patrick, November 12
Aaron Henkin and Wendel Patrick, creators of WYPR’s Out of the Blocks, will explore the theme of authenticity during the third virtual program in the four-part Core Conversations series. READ MORE>
November 19, 2020
Dr. Porchia Moore and Nina Simon Headline Conversation about Museums and Community
The Maryland Center for History and Culture will host the fourth session in its Core Conversations Series on Thursday, December 10, 2020 from 12–1:30 p.m. With a focus on Community, this event will feature Dr. Porchia Moore, museum critical race theorist, and Nina Simon, designer, instigator, and advocate for community-driven institutions. READ MORE>
October 3, 2019
Statewide Grant Program Launched to Support Local Museums and Historic Sites
We are opening our newest exhibition on Oct. 5, 2019. The exhibition showcases nearly 100 of the museum’s more than 12,000 garments and accessories, each telling a spectacular story ripe with American – and Maryland – history. The collection is open to the public through December 2020. The Spectrum of Fashion gala featured a fashion show hosted by Maryland-native Christian Siriano. READ MORE>
October 16, 2019
Spectrum of Fashion Exhibition Opens, Bringing the Fashion Archives to Life
We are opening our newest exhibition on Oct. 5, 2019. The exhibition showcases nearly 100 of the museum’s more than 12,000 garments and accessories, each telling a spectacular story ripe with American – and Maryland – history. The collection is open to the public through December 2020. The Spectrum of Fashion gala featured a fashion show hosted by Maryland-native Christian Siriano. READ MORE>
December 10, 2019
New Exhibition Evokes Nostalgia for the Hutzler’s Department Store
We are pleased to announce the opening of The Hutzler’s Experience: How a Small Dry Goods Store Became a Maryland Institution, an exhibition that recalls Maryland’s iconic Hutzler’s department store. READ NOW>