Friends of the Banneker Douglass Museum

The Friends of the Banneker-Douglass Museum work diligently in supporting the programs of the museum. It was established January 10, 1978, under the direction of the late Mrs. Lulu Hardesty and the late Mr. Spencer Logan. It became immediately evident that the group understood the importance of preserving African American history and culture as they helped raise funds needed to convert the Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Church into the Banneker-Douglass Museum.

In 2023, the Friends established the John A. Makell, Jr. Scholarship. For 21 years, John A. Makell had been the treasurer of the Friends of the Banneker-Douglass Museum. Mr. Makell, a highly regarded community leader, worked as the Director of Recreation and Parks in Anne Arundel County as the first African American to hold that position.

For information about joining this group or donating to the scholarship, please contact Ms. Betty Coleman at betty.coleman@mygait.com or (410) 266-6780.