Just blocks from the Inner Harbor, the 82,000-square-foot museum dedicated to preserving history and retelling the stories of Maryland's African-American community is the largest of its kind on the East Coast. Images, music and recorded oral history bring to life the museum's exhibits and collection.
Galleries:
On the second floor, an orientation gallery greets visitors before they head into a special exhibits gallery, which changes every six months or so. One floor up, the museum's three major galleries, which all hold permanent exhibits, are segmented by major content areas.
On the second floor, an orientation gallery greets visitors before they head into a special exhibits gallery, which changes every six months or so. One floor up, the museum's three major galleries, which all hold permanent exhibits, are segmented by major content areas.
- Things Hold, Lines Connect tells the stories behind the families of Maryland's African Americans. Despite slavery, they managed to maintain familial and community bonds.
- Building Maryland, Building America studies the role African Americans' labor played in building the state and national economy, particularly in areas such as iron-working, fishing and agriculture.
- Strength of Mind focuses on music, art, storytelling and literature. This gallery also hosts a rotating slate of local and children's art exhibits.
Facilities:
In addition to main galleries, these are other components of the museum:
In addition to main galleries, these are other components of the museum:
- Learning Resource Center – Level 4
This library of books, papers, oral histories and educational resources about the African-American experience of Maryland is free (but does not include access to the museum's galleries). Open Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment, visitors are welcome to use its computers and online catalog for historical and genealogy research. The museum is building a collection of reference materials, which includes titles in the history of Maryland and the Upper South and genealogy.
Because oral history is such an integral part of the African-American experience, the museum's studio is a must-see…or, actually, must-hear. Listen to the stories of Maryland’s famous and not-so-famous African Americans or record your own.
This 200-seat theater hosts a variety of events, including theatrical, dance and musical performances; film festivals; lectures; panel discussions and receptions.
Accessible to visitors before paying admission, the café and gift shop give visitors a warm welcome. The café serves a variety of unique Maryland dishes, and the shop offers a collection of books, jewelry, music and specialty items.
Background:
With more than 350 years of history behind Maryland's African American community, a museum outlining and preserving that heritage was long overdue when it opened in 2005. Former Baltimore mayor and then-Governor William Donald Schaefer got the ball rolling by appointing a commission to study the museum’s impact. The commission's study, competed in 1994, revealed that important historical sites, objects and oral histories were at risk of being lost forever. In addition, the museum would give the state the opportunity to tap into the African-American tourism marketplace.
With more than 350 years of history behind Maryland's African American community, a museum outlining and preserving that heritage was long overdue when it opened in 2005. Former Baltimore mayor and then-Governor William Donald Schaefer got the ball rolling by appointing a commission to study the museum’s impact. The commission's study, competed in 1994, revealed that important historical sites, objects and oral histories were at risk of being lost forever. In addition, the museum would give the state the opportunity to tap into the African-American tourism marketplace.
The state legislature provided $30 million toward the construction of the museum and a commitment to providing 50 percent of the museum’s long-term operating budget. Named for Baltimore-born businessman and philanthropist Reginald Lewis, the museum benefited from a $5 million gift from his foundation.
Architecture:
The museum's audacious architectural statement is no accident. Black granite, red brick and gold accents reflect the colors of the Maryland flag. But the symbolism goes much deeper than the color scheme. The structure conveys the spirit of Maryland’s African American experience: complex, contradictory and diverse. From its inception, the museum’s leadership set forth to incorporate several important qualities into the museum's design: spirituality, joy and vibrancy, resilience, the power of knowledge, values and principles, and the importance of family and cultural continuity.
The museum's audacious architectural statement is no accident. Black granite, red brick and gold accents reflect the colors of the Maryland flag. But the symbolism goes much deeper than the color scheme. The structure conveys the spirit of Maryland’s African American experience: complex, contradictory and diverse. From its inception, the museum’s leadership set forth to incorporate several important qualities into the museum's design: spirituality, joy and vibrancy, resilience, the power of knowledge, values and principles, and the importance of family and cultural continuity.
Visitor Information:
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
Location: 830 E. Pratt Street (at President Street)
Phone: 443-263-1800
Admission: Members and children 6 and under, free; ages 7 and up, $8; senior citizens, $6; college students (with valid ID), $6.
Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
Location: 830 E. Pratt Street (at President Street)
Phone: 443-263-1800
Admission: Members and children 6 and under, free; ages 7 and up, $8; senior citizens, $6; college students (with valid ID), $6.
Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.
