HARBOR MAGIC HOTELS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH!

In honor of Black History Month, and throughout the year, Harbor Magic Hotels celebrates diversity and African American Heritage in Baltimore!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS – FEBRUARY 2012

Baltimore’s history as one of the southernmost free cities for African Americans during the era of abolition has resulted in an incredible wealth and depth of black history, culture and heritage.

Take advantage of special events, exhibits and programs all over the city this and every month.

Fourth Annual Reginald F. Lewis Museum High School Juried Art Show
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
January 14 – February 26, 2012
This year’s theme, “Building Community through Civic Engagement,” focuses on improving
communities through civic or political actions. In partnership with the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA).

Celebrate Black History Month at the B&O
B&O Railroad Museum
February 1-29, 2012
Mon– Sat 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sun 11:00am – 4:00pmCelebrate the contributions of African Americans to the railroad industry. Learn about these men and women who filled vital jobs along the B&O Railroad’s line and understand how significant social issues, such as segregation, affected railroading.

African Dancing and Drumming
Enoch Pratt Free Library – Govans & Orleans Street Branches
February 2 & 7, 2012 at 6:30pmAn evening of African dancing and drumming performed by the Nazu Dance Company, under the artistic direction of Nai Zou Oliver.
From Fortune to Henrietta Lacks and Beyond
Enoch Pratt Free Library – Central Branch
February 6, 2012 at 7:30pm

This panel discussion will examine ethics in medical education, research, treatment, and practice and explore the parallels between Fortune’s story and that of Henrietta Lacks. Panelists include: Professor Taunya Lovell-Banks, University of Maryland School of Law; Dr. Curt Civin, University of Maryland School of Medicine; David Lacks, son of Henrietta Lacks; Ysaye Barnwell, composer and curator of the Fortune’s Bones Project. Moderator: Kojo Nnamdi, WAMU-FM.

Here’s a look at the some of the great cultural experiences and events that you can discover in Baltimore throughout the year! 

Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum
1417 Thames Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
410-685-0295 x252
www.douglassmyers.org

Frederick Douglass and Isaac Myers, along with 14 fellow African-Americans, started the first African-American owned shipyard in the United States: the Chesapeake Marine Railway and Dry Dock Company. Learn more about their remarkable story at this national heritage site. You’ll find museums, galleries and interactive learning centers.

Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
830 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
443-263-1800
www.africanamericanculture.org

Baltimore is now home to the largest African-American museum on the East Coast. Designated a Smithsonian Affiliate, The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture includes a 200-seat theater, an oral history studio, classrooms and spacious exhibition space. The museum’s striking architecture is an expression of Maryland’s African-American spirit—one of beauty, grace, strength and power. Its physical location has historical significance as well. The museum’s entrance faces what was once a pre-Civil War slave market; a somber yet inspirational reminder of our history and our survival.

The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum 1601-03 East North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21213
410-563-3404
www.greatblacksinwax.org

The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum began as the dream of husband-and-wife team Dr. Elmer and Dr. Joanne Martin. The Martins purchased four wax figures in 1980, and personally transported the figures to schools, churches and community venues for educational presentations. Today, after a multi-million dollar renovation, The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum has additional gallery space and a multimedia theater. Among the most talked about displays at the museum is the renowned slave ship exhibit, a moving and emotional representation of the Middle Passage. Modern-day Baltimore heroes like Dr. Ben Carson, pediatric neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital, are memorialized in the museum’s Maryland Room.

Mount Clare Museum House Carroll Park
1500 Washington Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-837-3262
www.mountclare.org

This 1760 Georgian mansion houses a collection of approximately 1,000 rare 18th- and 19th-century objects, many of which belonged to the builder, Charles Carroll, barrister, and his heirs. It is the oldest mansion and only surviving plantation house in Baltimore City.

Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum
216 Emory Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-727-1539
www.baberuthmuseum.com

A tribute to Babe Ruth and baseball, this cozy museum is chock-full of memorabilia and history, including exhibits on the Negro League. Baltimore had two teams that were part of the Eastern Colored League (ECL) which was later replaced by the American Negro League (ANL): The Baltimore Elite Giants and The Baltimore Black Sox.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
2400 East Fort Avenue (End of East Fort Avenue)
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-962-4290
www.nps.gov/fomc

Experience ranger-led walks and informative historical exhibits at one of Baltimore’s best known historical sites. Learn little-known facts about African-American military history, and take in the view that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Fort McHenry also boasts one of the most unique Juneteenth celebrations in the State of Maryland.

Maryland Historical Society
201 West Monument Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-685-3750
www.mdhs.org

Maryland’s history is captured in objects, archives and art, and the Maryland Historical Society is home to an impressive collection. Visit the MdHS for a journey into Maryland’s past. See the work of African-American artists, and tributes to African-American activists and leaders in Maryland history.

Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards
301 W. Camden Street (next to Oriole Park)
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-727-1539
www.sportslegendsatcamdenyards.com

An exciting display of sports history, storytelling and memorabilia, the Sports Legends Museum features in-depth exhibits about baseball’s Negro League, along with information on all of Baltimore’s sports teams, from college athletes to the pros.

The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
844 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-837-1793
www.flaghouse.org

Enjoy exhibits, guided tours and programs at Baltimore’s Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, a stop on the Baltimore Heritage Walk. Learn about flag maker Mary Pickersgill and young Grace Wisher, the African-American girl who worked for Pickersgill when she sewed the famous flag that inspired America’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

USS Constellation Museum Pier 1
301 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-539-1797
www.constellation.org

Built in 1854, USS Constellation is the last all-sail warship built by the U.S. Navy and the only Civil War era naval vessel still afloat. History comes alive with hourly “hands-on” demonstrations and tours. The USS Constellation was the flagship of African Squadron from 1859 to 1861. This anti-slavery patrol captured three slave ships: brig Delicia, bark Cora and brig Triton.