If you love history and museums, Baltimore has plenty to offer. The city’s history is largely centered on its role as a seaport. Fort McHenry, the birthplace of our national anthem, sits at the mouth of the city’s Inner Harbor. This harbor district is home to upscale crab shacks, the Civil War-era warship USS Constellation, and the National Aquarium.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
If you’re looking for a place to go to learn more about the African-American history of Maryland, consider the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. This museum has a wealth of resources for African-Americans living in Maryland. It features artifacts, history, and culture.
The museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and opened in 2005. It is named for its founder, Reginald F. Lewis, who built a billion-dollar company and was listed among the 400 richest Americans in 1993. His net worth is estimated at $400 million. The museum is home to many permanent exhibitions, including “Strength of the Mind” and “Lines Connect.” Other facilities include an oral history recording studio, special exhibition gallery, classroom, resource center, and theater auditorium seating 200 people.
Sports Legends Museum
In the historic 1856 Camden Station, the Sports Legends Museum in Baltimore offers visitors a unique opportunity to view memorabilia of some of Baltimore’s most recognizable sports figures. The museum showcases items from many of Baltimore’s most famous teams, including the beloved Baltimore Colts. The exhibit also features items from the Baltimore Elite Giants, a prominent team in the Negro League. The museum also honors the late Orioles manager Earl Weaver.
There is even a replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy, which was won by the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V. In 1972, Carroll Rosenbloom traded the Colts to the Los Angeles Rams, but the original trophy remained in Baltimore. This replica of the trophy was later placed in the Sports Legends Museum.
Graffiti Warehouse
The Graffiti Warehouse in Baltimore is an art gallery located in a 14,000 square foot warehouse. It is in the Baltimore Arts District, across from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and next to The Motor House. The gallery features an excellent collection of contemporary works by local artists. It is free to visit and is a great place to meet local artists and learn about new art forms.
This expansive art gallery offers visitors the opportunity to take in the work of street artists and see their works up close. It also offers a rental space for those interested in obtaining eye-catching backgrounds for their photographs and videos. The warehouse also supports local street artists and offers them a place to sell their work.