Maryland Historical Society: Maryland's Collection

No museum is more complete in culling together the story of Maryland’s history as the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore. A visit to the museum brings stories of maritime, politics, writers and artists as seen from the eyes of Marylanders past. With its status as one of the original colonies, the Maryland Historical Society's proximity to the nation’s capitol and its proud city of Baltimore serving as the busiest port in the United States, Maryland’s history is vast and fascinating, even to non-residents.

More than 350,000 pieces make up the collection at the historical society, spanning from pre-colonial days to the present. A large collection of artwork from the 18th and 19th centuries show portraits and scenes of Maryland life, some of which any local may recognize as an earlier form of their neighborhood. Silver-making was a prominent art and trade in Maryland, and many pieces of ornate silversmith work are on display. In addition, because of Maryland’s dependence on the Chesapeake Bay, a vast collection of model ships and maritime elements also dominate the museum. Other pieces include 19th-century Maryland painted and inlaid furniture, ceramics, quilts (including samples stitched by young children), weapons, books, photographs, maps, architectural drawings, linens, flags, household items, pottery, costumes, clothing (dating back to 1730), jewelry, dolls and toys.

The museum is made up of two buildings: the original building and a new one, both necessary to hold all the objects belonging to the historical society. The Carey Center for Maryland Life showcases various permanent exhibits: An Overview of Maryland Life, Maryland Through the Artist’s Eye, and Furniture in Maryland Life. Some of the museum’s highlights include the original manuscript of Francis Scott Key’s Star-Spangled Banner, Eubie Blake’s original Ragtime scores, seven portraits by Joshua Johnson – the first professional African-American portraiter, a ruby tiara worn by Betsy Patterson Bonaparte in the 1820’s, and family documents of the Tilghmans.

Of course, the museum is very interesting to those who live in Maryland and recognize different monuments, buildings and streets in the paintings and artwork. But for outsiders, there’s enough recognizable American history make the visit worthwhile. The Battle of 1812, which set the national anthem we know today, is well-documented at the museum, through newspapers, weapons and portraits of heroes. A large collection of prehistoric Native American tools, weapons and other items are also on display.

Also equally enjoyable is a stroll through the 150-year-old Monument Street Garden, once cultivated by Enoch and Mary Louisa Pratt. The garden features architectural pieces of once prominent Baltimore buildings and sites. Pieces include the ionic column from the Merchants Exchange and Custom House in 1820, a carved dragon from the Spear Boot & Shoe Factory in the 1940s to 1970s, and a tablet from the Walters Bathhouse which served African-American customers.
 

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