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A Year in Review: Save & Preserve African American History & Culture in Maryland

 

As our museum enters a new stage of growth and expansion, we are excited to share with you this update. Please read below for a few of our accomplishments, future plans, and an invitation to seize the opportunities ahead of us. 

The Banneker-Douglass Museum, Maryland’s State Museum on African American history and culture serves to document, interpret, and promote African American history, art, and culture in Maryland through dynamic and interactive exhibitions, programs and projects.  Doing so, together, we improve the understanding and appreciation of America’s rich cultural diversity for all. This year, BDM accomplished important program milestones:

  • Reached 50,000+ people through online educational programs & events
  • Developed a virtual exhibition of BDM’s permanent exhibit “Deep Roots Rising Waters: A Celebration of African Americans in Maryland” 
  • Produced 6 free Anti-Racism Trainings sessions for youth and adults

 

Operating a State museum for this purpose is a major undertaking and requires meaningful community involvement and support. BDM has launched the We Rise development campaign to raise $200K by June 2022.  We are halfway to the goal and ask you to join the many people contributing to this critical initiative.  In the last six months, BDM has:

  • Completed a successful FY21 Annual Campaign
  • Hosted more than 300 visitors at a Grand Re-Opening Block Party
  • Attracted more than 80 guests for a private reception to kick off the museum reopening with friends
  • Raised 50% of funds, representing $100,000 for the BDM FY22 Campaign

 

In the coming months, plans include, and your contributions will support:

  • Producing and delivering free, accessible anti-racism educational programming for Maryland public schools and the general public for FY22
  • Planning for a new art exhibition curated by acclaimed gallerist, Myrtis Bedolla, featuring Maryland artists whose work explores Black liberation movements
  • Conservation, preservation, and installation of the historic “Andrew Ellicott & Benjamin Banneker Surveying the Boundaries of the District of Columbia” Mural 
  • Museum capacity building in youth education, development, and marketing and communications
  • Strategic planning to include a new permanent exhibit
  • Continued free admission to the public

 

Our goal this quarter is to raise $50,000 by December 31. So far, we have raised $25,000. Please consider a gift of $50 or more to help us meet this goal. Gifts of all sizes are also welcome and appreciated. 

Contributions can be made online on the museum’s website at bdmuseum.maryland.gov/donate, or mailed to:

Banneker-Douglass Museum Foundation
℅ Beryle Hall
P.O. Box 1442
Annapolis, MD  21404

Please join us to make a difference today and support Maryland’s African American history, art and culture. Your gift will be an investment in BDM’s collections and research program, state-wide youth and community programs, and exhibitions. We hope you will join us in our important work.