• What is the Baltimore Museum of Industry?
    • The Baltimore Museum of Industry is a 5-acre campus along the Maryland waterfront that celebrates the past, present, and future of Maryland’s industrial legacy.
  • What does the museum's location highlight?
    • Its location adjacent to a thriving port emphasizes the museum’s tribute to the common American worker, their entrepreneurial spirit, and their legacy of innovation.
  • What is included in the museum’s permanent collection?
    • The museum’s main building is a former fruit, vegetable, and oyster cannery built in 1865.
  • What exhibits can visitors explore?
    • A replica 1920s-era garment loft showcasing one of Baltimore’s oldest industries.
    • A machine shop displaying how workers conducted on-site machinery repairs.
    • A replica 1910 pharmacy that re-creates a soda fountain and educates visitors about early pharmaceutical development.
    • A print shop featuring a working vintage printing press and a linotype machine.
  • What can visitors find in the Decker Gallery?
    • The gallery includes artifacts related to Maryland’s history of innovation and industry, including the world’s first cordless electric drill.
  • What are some of the museum’s most notable artifacts?
    • The 1937 Mini Mariner, a flying prototype of a WWII boat bomber, built and restored in Baltimore.
    • The Baltimore, a 1906 steam tug docked on the museum grounds, which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993 and remains operational.
  • What research and archival resources does the museum offer?
    • The museum houses a large archive and library preserving records related to Baltimore’s industrial history.
    • It maintains historical collections from companies such as the Rustless Iron and Steel Corporation and American Rolling Mill Company (ARMCO).
    • About 10,000 images from the Baltimore Gas and Electric archives are available online.
    • The museum is the official repository for archives and artifacts from the Bendix Radio Foundation, a Baltimore-based company now part of Raytheon.
  • What is the history of the Baltimore Museum of Industry?
    • The Museum of Industry was founded in 1977 as a project of the mayor’s office to preserve the industrial history of downtown Baltimore.
    • Former mayor William Donald Schaefer was instrumental in its founding, as well as the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Baltimore Convention Center.
    • The museum’s main building is the 1865 Platt and Company cannery, the only surviving cannery in Baltimore.
  • What ongoing programs and educational events does the museum offer?
    • The museum offers educational programs and events year-round.
    • The BMI Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday in spring and fall, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, artisan items, and live music.
    • Independence Day celebrations include a fireworks show.
    • The Distillery Showcase features tastings from Maryland Distiller’s Guild members, along with music and appetizers.
    • The Working Animals event introduces visitors to service animals and their handlers.
    • Printmaking workshops with local artists allow guests to use the museum’s vintage printing press and linotype.
    • Guest speaker talks cover topics such as history, architecture, and sociology, often related to the museum’s exhibits.
  • What daily and weekly programs are available?
    • Daily and weekly programs include:
    • Guided tours of the museum.
    • Wee Workers, a program geared toward preschoolers.
    • Weekend Workers, a hands-on activity program for children of all ages.
  • What is the Industrialist of the Year award?
    • Since 2004, the BMI has hosted the annual Industrialist of the Year award.
    • The award is named after William Donald Schaefer and is presented to a visionary Baltimore-area business leader recognized for innovation and community dedication.
    • The award luncheon is one of the museum’s largest annual fundraisers, supporting educational programming that serves over 80,000 children annually.
  • What past and future exhibits are featured at the museum?
    • Past exhibits have included:
    • Video Game Wizards, an interactive exhibit allowing visitors to create their own video games.
    • A tribute to Helen Delich Bentley, showcasing select dresses from the museum’s collection.
    • REINVENTION: The Work of Chris Bathgate, featuring machined metal sculptures made from salvaged parts.
  • What is the contact information for the Baltimore Museum of Industry?

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