Welcome to the Banneker-Douglass Museum, a cornerstone of Maryland’s rich African American heritage. Situated in Annapolis, this museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of three influential figures: Benjamin Banneker, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman. The museum’s journey began with the Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, constructed in 1874 as a spiritual and cultural hub for Annapolis’s free Black community. By 1984, driven by a passionate local movement to preserve African American history, it was transformed into the Banneker-Douglass Museum.
Benjamin Banneker, born in 1731 in Baltimore County, was a pioneering African American scientist and mathematician. Known for constructing the first wooden clock in America and assisting in the survey of Washington, D.C., Banneker also corresponded with Thomas Jefferson on issues of racial equality. Frederick Douglass, born into slavery in 1818 in Talbot County, escaped to become one of the most prominent social reformers and abolitionists of his time, using his powerful oratory skills to advocate for the end of slavery and the rights of African Americans. Harriet Tubman, an icon of courage and resistance, was born enslaved in Maryland around 1822. Tubman escaped in 1849 and returned to Maryland numerous times to lead others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Her contributions during the Civil War as a spy and nurse further cemented her legacy as a formidable freedom fighter.
The museum, recently renamed to include Harriet Tubman, continues to expand its mission. Its exhibitions and programs not only highlight the contributions of these Maryland heroes but also celebrate the broader African American experience in Maryland and beyond. Current exhibitions like ‘Sacred Spaces’ explore themes of memory, spirituality, and resilience, providing a platform for contemporary artists to reflect on these enduring themes.
Through its rich tapestry of exhibitions and educational programs, the Banneker-Douglass Museum invites visitors to reflect on the past and inspire action for the future. It serves as a vibrant cultural institution that honors the achievements and struggles of African Americans, ensuring their stories are preserved and celebrated for generations.
