Banneker-Douglass Museum | Annapolis

The Banneker-Douglass Museum, officially renamed the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum in 2024, is Maryland’s principal museum dedicated to African American heritage, history, and culture. Located at 84 Franklin Street in Annapolis, it occupies a historically significant building-the former Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church-and has become a cultural cornerstone in both the city and the state. It serves as a place of education, remembrance, and community reflection on the legacy of African Americans in Maryland from the 17th century through the present.

Historical Significance of the Building

The museum is housed in the Mount Moriah AME Church, constructed between 1874 and 1875. The church played a vital role as one of the earliest places of African American worship in Annapolis and served as a spiritual, educational, and civic gathering place during a time of deep racial segregation. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

The transformation into a museum began shortly after that designation, and the building officially reopened as the Banneker-Douglass Museum in 1984, named for two towering figures of Maryland history:

Benjamin Banneker, a free African American scientist, mathematician, and almanac author of the 18th century.

Frederick Douglass, a former enslaved man who became one of the most powerful voices in American abolitionism and civil rights.

In 2024, the name was expanded to honor Harriet Tubman, the famed Underground Railroad conductor, solidifying the museum’s broader mission to celebrate and preserve the stories of Maryland's Black trailblazers.

Architectural Features and Expansion

The original church retains its Gothic Revival style, with pointed arches, detailed brickwork, and a distinctive red-brick façade. In 2005, a four-story modern addition was constructed at the rear of the building. This expansion provided:

New galleries and exhibit space

The Sylvia Gaither Garrison Library and Archives

Event and performance areas

A more accessible environment for all visitors

This juxtaposition of historic and modern architecture reflects the museum’s dual role: preserving the past and engaging with the future.

Permanent Exhibition: “Deep Roots, Rising Waters”

The core permanent exhibit, Deep Roots, Rising Waters, provides a chronological narrative of the African American experience in Maryland. It covers over 400 years of history, with thematic sections including:

Colonial Maryland: Highlighting early African presence and the establishment of slavery in the region.

Resistance and Emancipation: Exploring individuals who resisted bondage, including runaway enslaved persons and Underground Railroad agents like Harriet Tubman.

Reconstruction and Jim Crow: Examining the challenges faced by freed African Americans and the enduring legacy of segregation.

Civil Rights Movement in Maryland: Featuring key figures such as Thurgood Marshall, the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice and a Baltimore native.

Modern Voices: Showcasing contemporary artists, activists, and leaders such as Gloria Richardson and Matthew Henson.

Artifacts include photographs, oral histories, historical documents, furniture, clothing, and personal belongings of prominent Maryland African Americans. Interactive media stations allow visitors to delve deeper into specific stories.

Rotating and Temporary Exhibits

The museum also hosts a dynamic schedule of rotating exhibitions, which showcase modern African American art, social justice themes, and current community issues. Notable recent exhibitions have included:

Sacred Spaces: An art and augmented reality installation exploring Black spirituality by contemporary artist Jabari Jefferson.

Joyce J. Scott Retrospective: Celebrating the Baltimore-based artist's unique use of glass, beads, and textiles to reflect on identity, race, and resistance.

Banners for Justice: A community-curated exhibit of protest art and banners from recent Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Maryland.

These exhibits are often accompanied by lectures, artist talks, and workshops.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The museum operates as more than a static exhibit space-it is a community learning center. Programs include:

Youth Educational Programs: Engaging school groups through historical tours, storytelling sessions, and interactive workshops.

Public Lectures and Panels: Covering topics from civil rights history to contemporary racial justice.

Film Screenings and Live Performances: Including documentaries, spoken word events, and theatrical performances rooted in African American culture.

Annual Events: Such as Juneteenth celebrations, Black History Month programs, and the Frederick Douglass Lecture Series.

Virtual options and hybrid events ensure accessibility for statewide audiences.

Library and Research Center

The Sylvia Gaither Garrison Library, located within the 2005 wing, is a specialized archive for researchers and scholars. It holds:

Over 12,000 historical documents and rare books

Personal papers, photographs, and church records

Artworks, posters, and maps detailing African American history in Maryland

The archive supports academic work, genealogical research, and documentary projects. Scholars can access materials by appointment.

Visitor Experience

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admission: Free for individuals; guided tours for groups (5+ people) are $5 per person and require advance reservation.

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with elevator service and inclusive facilities.

Parking: Limited metered street parking is available nearby, along with parking garages. A free downtown Annapolis circulator shuttle also stops nearby.

Cultural Recognition and National Role

The museum is a designated site on the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom, which commemorates Underground Railroad locations. It also contributes to the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, playing an advisory role in heritage preservation and education policy.

The renaming ceremony in 2024, attended by Maryland Governor Wes Moore and poet Nikki Giovanni, underscored the museum’s role as a living institution that evolves with the communities it serves.

Conclusion

The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum stands as a powerful symbol of Maryland’s African American legacy. It offers a compelling blend of history, art, and education, rooted in a historic African American church and expanded into a vibrant cultural hub. Through permanent exhibitions, contemporary art, youth programs, and community events, it honors the sacrifices and triumphs of past generations while providing a platform for future voices. For those visiting Annapolis, it is a profound and essential stop for anyone interested in the depth and richness of American history told through the lens of Black Marylanders.