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The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is definitely the best resource for information and inspiration about the lives of African American Marylanders. Each collection and exhibition is developed to explore and celebrate local African American heritage through different themes, such as family, community, slavery and art. It is an authentic source for African American history and culture, honoring the significant accomplishments and stuggles of African American Marylanders through History. Groundbreaking exhibitions, permanent collections and a whole calendar of events mix up to bring you the most complete experience on African American culture in Maryland.

Permanent collections

Because the Reginald F. Lewis Museum has been acquiring objects, documents, artworks and photographs for such a long time – some of these generously donated by members of the local community –, the museum’s permanent collections reach today more than 10,000 objects dating from 1784 onward, telling the story of African American Marylanders and their culture.

The museum owns four permanent collections:

  • The McMillan African Artifact Collection
  • The Scipio Military Collection
  • The Robert L. Hall Button Collection
  • The Stearns Family Collection of Slavery Documents

Not all pieces can be exhibited at a time, but all of them can be found on the museum’s online collection portal.

Temporary exhibitions

Additionally to these permanent collections, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum hosts regularly some temporary exhibitions. Amongst the most popular exhibitions the museum has hosted :

  • Hateful Things: the exhibition contained material culture from the late 19th century to the present, embodying the terrible effects of the Jim Crow Legacy
  • Black Women – Image and perception in Popular culture: the exhibition unpacked the stereotypical imagery of black females that still exists today
  • Maryland Collects – Jacob Lawrence
  • Reflections of Baltimore

The Museum events calendar

As the Reginald F. Lewis Museum aims to be not only a museum, but a whole cultural center, it organizes a full agenda of events all throughout the year: film projections, lectures, family days, performances, live music, but also activities such as dance, yoga, and so on… making the Lewis Museum and important part of culture and gathering in Baltimore.

The Museum annual gala

Every year, the Lewis Museum organizes an annual gala around November. The occasion to meet new actors of the Arfican American life in Maryland and share culture and history knowledge with passionate and dedicated people.

Becoming a member

If you feel like African American history and culture in Maryland touches you closely, why not becoming a member of the adventure? Additionally to become a part of the Baltimore’s culture, museum members enjoy free admissions, discounts on special events, VIP special events invitations and other special discounts throughout the museum.

Venue rental

And because the Lewis Museum is a place for sharing, it also puts its venue to disposal for any event, may it be a simple and intimate dinner party up to a full wedding ceremony. Do not hesitate and book your venue right now !

Donations

Like many other museums, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum relies heavily on donations to survive, may it be from corporations, foundations, members or just visitors. If you want to be part of the culture and history of African American in Maryland but do not have time or energy to get involved, you can make a gesture and donate, through funding a schoolchild’s visit, sponsorship or a simple payroll deducted online, cash or check donation.