Cultural Heritage Attractions
African-American heritage is celebrated all over Baltimore—even in places you might not expect. From Fort McHenry to the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards, Baltimore's world-famous attractions tell the amazing stories of great African-Americans.
- 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.
- Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum
901 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
410-752-2490
www.borail.org
- Comprised of the oldest and most comprehensive collection of railroad history in the Western Hemisphere, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, Inc. is a unique cultural and educational institution. Exhibits present information on the social and economic impact of the railroad on American culture, and the people who were imperative to the growth of railroading as an industry.
- Baltimore Museum of Industry
1415 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-727-4808
www.thebmi.org
- In 1860, there were more free African-Americans living in Maryland than any other state. This large and cohesive community provided a support network for African-Americans moving into the city from rural areas and for new African-American business owners. Learn about the role of African-Americans in various Baltimore industries including food processing, machine shop work, the garment industry and printing.
- 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.
- Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens
3100 Swan Drive in Druid Hill Park
Baltimore, MD 21217
410-396-0180
www.ci.baltimore.md.us
- Named for one of the most influential African-American lawmakers in Maryland history, the conservatory features colorful flowers and plants year-round. Visit the 1888 Palm House, the Orchid Room, Mediterranean House, Tropical House and Desert House.
- Leon Day Park
Trailhead 4 at Gwynns Falls Trail
1200 block North Franklintown Road
Baltimore, MD 21216
www.gwynnsfallstrail.org
- Named for Leon Day, the 12th player from the Negro Leagues to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Leon Day Park is one of eight parks connected by Gwynns Falls Trail, Baltimore's 15-mile hiking and biking trail.
- 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.