Banneker-Douglass Museum
Banneker-Douglass Museum
The Banneker-Douglass Museum serves as the State of Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage, documenting, interpreting, and promoting African American history and culture (particularly in Maryland) through exhibitions, programmes, and projects to improve everyone’s understanding and appreciation of America’s rich cultural diversity.
The Banneker-Douglass Museum is part of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, which is a division of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, an executive-branch agency whose mission is to coordinate outreach efforts to communities, organisations, and local governments throughout Maryland.
History of Banneker-Douglass Museum
On February 24, 1984, the Banneker-Douglass Museum was dedicated in honour of Benjamin Banneker and Frederick Douglass. In the centre of downtown Annapolis, the initial museum was situated within the former Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1971, the Victorian-Gothic building was included to the Annapolis Historic District, and in 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The BDM opened on February 24, 1984, thanks to a community-led effort to convert the former Mt. Moriah AME Church building into a museum. In light of this history, the BDM emphasises a community-based approach to collection development and presentation, as well as tours, public activities, and other services.
On February 24, 1984, the Banneker-Douglass Museum was dedicated in honour of Benjamin Banneker and Frederick Douglass. In the centre of downtown Annapolis, the initial museum was situated within the former Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1971, the Victorian-Gothic building was included to the Annapolis Historic District, and in 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The BDM opened on February 24, 1984, thanks to a community-led effort to convert the former Mt. Moriah AME Church building into a museum. In light of this history, the BDM emphasises a community-based approach to collection development and presentation, as well as tours, public activities, and other services.
Who is Benjamin Banneker?
Banneker was the first African American man of science and mathematics, having been born on a tobacco farm in Baltimore County, Maryland. Banneker was a scientist who worked on the first wooden striking clock in America, wrote several popular almanacks, and assisted in the surveying of Washington, D.C. He also opposed slavery. Banneker contrasted the moral fight for independence by the Colonists to the situation of the enslaved person in America in a powerful 1791 letter to Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson rightly included their correspondence in one of his almanacks since his response seemed to acknowledge Banneker’s logic. He kept a meticulous journal of his nature investigations, particularly his examination of bees, throughout later life.
The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum in Baltimore Country, which is located on Banneker’s original homestead, is one of the Maryland organisations honouring him. In 1980, the United States Postal Service published a stamp commemorating the achievements of this self-taught scientist.
Who is Frederick Douglass?
Frederick Douglass was the first African American to achieve international recognition as a social crusader. He was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey (1818-1895) in Talbot County, Maryland. Douglass was a persistent champion for the anti-slavery struggle and also supported the woman’s suffrage campaign, thanks to his towering presence.
In 1838, Douglass managed to free himself from slavery. Soon after, he became a travelling lecturer for the American Anti-Slavery Society. Douglass pushed lawmakers and met with presidents for the freedom movement throughout the 1830s and 1840s. He also published a number of newspapers. With the publishing of his first autobiography in 1845, the world became aware of the man and his cause. After the Fifteenth Amendment was ratified in 1870, Douglass held a number of positions, including president of the Freedman’s Savings & Trust Company and recorder of deeds in Washington, D.C. In 1889, he was named Minister Resident and Consul-General of Haiti.
Annapolis Town Center to Banneker-Douglass Museum
1906 Towne Centre Blvd, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States Head northeast on Sail Pl Then 0.0 mi
Turn right onto Somerville Rd Then 315 ft
Use the middle lane to turn left onto Solomons Island Rd Then 0.1 mi
Turn right onto MD-450 E/West St
Pass by Valvoline Instant Oil Change (on the left in 0.6 mi) Then 1.7 mi
At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto West St Then 0.5 mi
Turn right onto Cathedral St Then 0.1 mi
Turn left onto Franklin St
Destination will be on the right
Downtown to Banneker-Douglass Museum Location
From Downtown Annapolis
Start out going east on West St/MD-450 toward Church Cir. Then 0.13 miles
Enter next roundabout and take the 1st exit onto Franklin St.Then 0.06 miles
Banneker-Douglass Museum, 84 FRANKLIN ST is on the left. If you reach Cathedral St you’ve gone a little too far.
Banneker-Douglass Museum Map
84 Franklin St, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
http://bdmuseum.maryland.gov/
+14102166180
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Annapolis City Dock
More information
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Source:
https://bdmuseum.maryland.gov/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banneker-Douglass_Museum
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