Fall Arts 2019: Small … but Mighty Baltimore Museums

September 2, 2019 Simone Ellin, Associate Editor

The Baltimore Streetcar Museum documents Baltimore's public transportation history, especially the streetcar era. (Provided photo)

There’s no denying that Baltimore is a great museum town. With world-class museums such as the Baltimore Museum of Art, the American Visionary Art Museum and The Walters Art Museum, Charm City residents don’t have to leave town to see some of the finest artwork in the world.

But there’s more to Baltimore’s museum scene than just these exemplary institutions. Baltimore is host to dozens of small and medium-size museums that are well worth our attention and patronage. Visiting these museums is a terrific way to gain new appreciation for our city’s rich and important cultural heritage.

Besides, it’s a lot of fun!

“Baltimore played an important role in early U.S. history,” says Amanda Shores Davis, executive director of the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and president of the Greater Baltimore History Alliance, which is “dedicated to preserving, interpreting and promoting Baltimore’s history.”

“In Baltimore, so much of our history has been preserved,” says Shores Davis. “Not only by preservationists and archaeologists but through stories — personal stories of ordinary people and how they lived. Those stories are what bring some of the smaller [museum] sites to life.”

Says Anita Kassof, executive director of the Baltimore Museum of Industry: “Baltimore has such an amazing diversity of museums and cultural institutions that curious visitors can find one to suit almost any interest, and may just be surprised to discover something completely new. First-time visitors to the BMI often come away commenting about how their visit made them realize how many things were invented right here in Baltimore.” —S.E.

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Visit Baltimore museums from Oct. 1 to Nov. 10 and receive free admission through Free Fall Baltimore 2019. Presented by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts and held in conjunction with National Arts and Humanities Month, Free Fall Baltimore is a citywide arts and culture celebration that includes free art exhibitions, theater, music and dance performances and more. For information visit freefallbaltimore.org.