201 W. Monument St.
410-685-3750
www.mdhs.org
HOURS:
Tuesday thru Friday 10-5pm
First Thursday of every month open until 8pm
Saturday 9-5pm, Sunday 11-5pm
ADMISSION:
$4.00 public, $3.00 senior citizens
The
best $4.00 you could possibly spend for an educational look at
Maryland’s heritage. The MHS is open to the public and
specializes in genealogy; rare artifacts and documents of the
regions history and general overviews of colonial American history
and art. For instance, it is the home of the original manuscript
of "The Star Spangled Banner," as well as many other
artifacts such as paintings, furniture, textiles and folk art from
some of Maryland’s most famous inhabitants.
But along with celebrating
Maryland’s earliest days, the MHS also unveils the deeper,
darker side of Maryland’s past. For example, several genuine
artifacts bring to life Maryland’s unfortunate slave history,
including the first depiction of a slave in American portraiture,
copies of reward letters for runaway slaves, and a disturbing look
at a KKK hood still sporting the sweat stains. Also shown are
three surviving Revolutionary War officer’s uniforms, and some
graphic photos depicting Civil War bloodshed in Maryland.
This museum is great for all ages,
providing a hands-on gallery for children, a library and a gift
shop as well. The MHS is located in the historic Mount Vernon
Cultural District, a 15-minute walk north from the Inner Harbor.
In close proximity of the MHS is Antique Row, a string of
unique antic shops; Mount Vernon Place, upon which stands
the towering Washington Monument
– visible from the MHS; Walters
Art Gallery, with over 30,000 works of art; and numerous
restaurants.
The Historical Society is best
reached by walking or private vehicle from the Inner Harbor;
however, it is located just off of Howard St., and therefore not
too far from an M.T.A. Light Rail stop. If possible, plan to take
a few hours out of the day to visit the MHS and the surrounding
attractions too, it makes for a great tour. -- Michael Rando
MARYLAND
HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
ATTRACTIONS
