Maryland Center for History and Culture

08/21/2026

"States of Independence," an interactive digital exhibition by the University of Richmond's New American History in partnership with Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, offers an extensive collection of videos that paint an expansive and intricate picture of American independence. The videos, roughly 100 in total, feature historical experts from each of the thirteen original states.

Maryland's videos feature MCHC staff members VP of Collections and Chief Curator Catherine Rogers Arthur, VP of Research and France-Merrick Director of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Matina Kado, VP of Education and Engagement David Armenti, and Library Associate and Student Research Coordinator Micah Connor. Browse all thirteen states at the link below!

How did the American Revolution alter life in each of the 13 colonies? Explore diverse perspectives and emerging themes from historical societies in each original colony.

08/19/2026

The 350,000 objects, artworks, and artifacts within the museum collections of MCHC tell the stories of our state’s interconnected communities. The exhibition "Collecting Maryland: Art, Artifacts, Community" brings important works of fine and decorative arts to public view.

Vignettes highlighting major collecting themes are organized to provide an introspective look at our institution and dive into the depth and breadth of our collections assembled over our 180-year history.

Plan your visit at mdhistory.org!

08/18/2026

Join MCHC, the Accokeek Foundation, and more statewide partners next week for Prince George’s County’s Liberty Tree Planting on Wednesday, August 26, at Piscataway Park!

The Maryland Liberty Tree project is a commemorative initiative marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence. Using seedlings grown from the only surviving genetically identical Liberty Tree scion in the United States—descended from Maryland’s original 1775 Liberty Tree in Annapolis—the project will plant a Liberty Tree in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City by the end of 2026.

RSVP at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/libertytreededication/event/rsvp.

08/14/2026

The Baltimore Comedy Festival is coming to MCHC! Join us on Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5 for a FREE comedy showcase of performers from across the country.

Learn more and grab your tickets today at www.mdhistory.org/events.

08/13/2026

In addition to being an inventor, astronomer, mathematician, and farmer, Benjamin Banneker was a land surveyor. In 1791, he was invited to assist in the surveying and planning of a new federal district along the Potomac River. Banneker used mathematical and astronomical calculations to help mark the corners of what would become Washington, DC.

In the exhibition "WayFinders: Making Sense of Our World," visitors can take a closer look at—and feel of—a map of the streets, waterways, and buildings of Washington, DC in 1792.

Plan your visit at https://wayfinders.mdhistory.org/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=wayfinders_launch.

08/13/2026

Join us at MCHC on Thursday, September 17, as filmmakers Ben Baker–Lee and Rassaan Hammond present a portrait of the life and work of artist, curator, and educator Dr. Leslie King Hammond.

This documentary celebrates Dr. King Hammond’s extraordinary contributions to the art world and her lifelong dedication to championing the work of artists of color. Following the screening, the filmmakers will be joined by several artists featured in the film for a panel discussion and audience Q&A.

Space is limited for this free film screening! Register today at www.mdhistory.org/calendar/stories-on-screen-a-life-in-art-through-the-eyes-of-dr-leslie-king-hammond.

08/10/2026

Discover how our sense of smell shapes memory, emotion, and the way we experience the world at MCHC on Thursday, September 3!

In this interactive workshop and performance, “Hostess of Smell” Laure Drogoul guides participants through a series of scent explorations using smell specimens, blindfolds, and conversation to uncover personal olfactory memories and shared experiences.

MCHC's WayFinder Workshop Series is sponsored by PNC. This free program is designed for adult learners. Space is limited! Register today at www.mdhistory.org/calendar/pnc-wayfinder-workshop-series-smelling-stories.

08/07/2026

August 7 is International Beer Day—the perfect opportunity to browse some brews in MCHC's digital collections!

This A. Aubrey Bodine photograph from 1946 shows a man testing a batch of National Bohemian Beer at the National Brewing Company, once located between Dillon, O'Donnell, and Conkling Streets in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore.

See more from National Bohemian, Arrow Beer, and more at https://www.mdhistory.org/digital-resource/?srch=beer.

Man testing beer at National Brewing Company, photograph by A. Aubrey Bodine, 1946. MCHC Library, Baltimore City Life Museum Collection, B815-D

08/06/2026

In "Passion and Purpose: Voices of Maryland’s Civil Rights Activists," historic moments in the ongoing civil rights movement are told through the words and voices of those who lived it. Oral histories and photography connect past to present and provide personal perspectives into historic moments.

Visit today for Free First Thursday, or plan a future visit at mdhistory.org!

08/05/2026

Tomorrow, August 6, is Free First Thursday at the Maryland Center for History and Culture. Come see what's new at 610 Park Avenue!

Enjoy free Museum admission and visiting hours extended until 8 pm on the first Thursday of every month. Learn more about First Thursday programming and other special events at mdhistory.org/events.