Reginald Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, Baltimore

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the history and contributions of African American Marylanders. Located just two blocks away from Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the museum covers a vast range of topics, from art and culture to politics and civil rights.

Since its opening in 2005, the Lewis Museum has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, documenting, and exhibiting the rich history and achievements of African American Marylanders. The museum's collection boasts over 11,000 documents and objects, as well as resources drawn from across the country.

The Lewis Museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and is named after Reginald F. Lewis, the first African American to build a billion-dollar company, TLC Beatrice International Holdings. Lewis, who started from humble beginnings in Baltimore, was listed among the 400 richest Americans by Forbes in 1993 with a net worth estimated at $400 million.

The museum's permanent exhibits include "The Strength of the Mind," "Things Hold, Lines Connect," and "Building Maryland, Building America". These exhibits offer visitors a chance to explore various aspects of African American history and culture in Maryland, including art, music, and social justice.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Lewis Museum also hosts various temporary exhibitions. Recent major exhibitions have included the work of artists Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden. Other facilities at the museum include an oral history recording and listening studio, a special exhibition gallery, a 200-seat theater auditorium, a classroom, and resource center.

The museum's commitment to preserving and celebrating the contributions of African American Marylanders has made it an important cultural institution in the city and a valuable resource for visitors from all over the country.