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“Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum” Name Change Bill Officially Signed by Governor Wes Moore

MCAAHC & BDM staff, MCAAHC commissioners, and partners with Gov. Wes Moore and supporting officials and legislators. Photo courtesy of Patrick Siebert/Joe Andrucyk, Executive Office of the Governor

For Immediate Release    
April 11, 2024                

“Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum” Name Change Bill Officially Signed by Governor Wes Moore

Annapolis, Maryland – On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Governor Wes Moore signed bills HB390/ SB341 into law, actualizing a historic change in the name of Maryland’s official museum on African American heritage. The Banneker-Douglass Museum will now be known as the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum. The name change honors the legacy of Harriet Tubman, the iconic abolitionist, suffragist, and humanitarian, alongside Benjamin Banneker and Frederick Douglass.

The museum’s new name will officially take effect starting July 1, 2024 with the new fiscal year. The name change process will involve updating marketing materials, signage, and eventually the building’s facade over the coming year to reflect the museum’s new identity. 

The decision reflects the museum’s commitment to inclusivity and recognition of the contributions of Tubman to the state of Maryland and beyond. Dr. Edwin T. Johnson, Chair of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC), expressed his thoughts on the historic moment: “The addition of Harriet Tubman’s name to the museum signifies a pivotal step forward in our acknowledgment of the dynamic history of African American women in Maryland. Tubman’s unparalleled courage and dedication to freedom resonates deeply with our work to preserve and document African American history in the state, and her story must be told. We are proud to honor her alongside Banneker and Douglass.”

Chanel C. Johnson, Executive Director of the commission and museum, shared her sentiments on the name change: “As we embark on this journey to transition to the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, we are filled with a sense of reverence and responsibility. Harriet Tubman’s legacy embodies resilience and activism, which are at the core of our institution. We are committed to ensuring that her name and contributions are celebrated and remembered for generations to come.”

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Contact: Jan Lee, Director of Marketing and Communications
jan.lee@maryland.gov / (410) 216-6185

About the Banneker-Douglass Museum
The Banneker-Douglass Museum is the State of Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage. It is operated by the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture. It serves to document, interpret, and promote African American history and culture through exhibitions, programs, and projects in order to improve the understanding and appreciation of America’s rich cultural diversity for all. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. To learn more, visit http://bdmuseum.maryland.gov. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.