Reginald F. Lewis Museum
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Maryland's premier institution highlighting the history and accomplishments of African Americans. The Reginald F.
Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture is the state’s premier institution highlighting the history and accomplishments of African Americans, with a special focus on Maryland. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum engages visitors through its permanent and special exhibitions, resource center, as well as programs such as its film series, live music performances, and family programming.
09/25/2026
What an evening at The Lewis!
Inspired by our newest exhibition, The Lines We Cross: 250 Years of Maryland Forging America, last week we gathered for an intimate conversation exploring the many ways Black Marylanders have pursued freedom, built community, passed down knowledge, and used creativity to shape the American story.
From abolition and artisanship to artistic expression, Dr. Ida E. Jones led a rich conversation with Kwame Kenyatta-Bey, Karen Smith, and Aaron Maybin—connecting history to the work, creativity, and questions of today.
Thank you to our guests, members, friends, and supporters who joined us for this special evening of conversation, reflection, and community.
Take a look back at a few moments from the evening.
📸: Andre | DMV Event & Branding Photographer & Videographer
09/24/2026
A new chapter begins at The Lewis ❤️💛🖤
We’re excited to welcome Travis E. Mitchell as the next President of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture.
A Morgan State University graduate and longtime storyteller, media executive and advocate for Black history and culture, Travis brings deep ties to Maryland—and a passion for the stories that connect us.
He’ll officially join The Lewis in November, building on the incredible foundation established under President Terri Lee Freeman’s leadership.
Join us in welcoming Travis to The Lewis! We’re excited for what we’ll build together.
To learn more about Travis, click the link in our bio!
09/22/2026
For over 250 years, African Americans have pushed boundaries, shaped culture, and redefined history. This fall, we’re bringing those extraordinary journeys to the big screen!
Join us at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for The Lines We Cross Fall Film Showcase; a full day of compelling documentary screenings and exclusive live Q&As with the filmmakers. Whether you’re a film buff, history lover, or looking for an inspiring Saturday outing, there is something here for everyone.
📍 Reginald F. Lewis Museum
📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Museum Admission
THE PROGRAM LINEUP:
11:00 AM – Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom (Celebrating 170 years of the Tilly Escape!)
12:15 PM – In Search of Phillis Wheatley Peters + Q&A with Leslie Askews
1:35 PM – Kindred Spirits + Q&A with Cintia Cabib
2:45 PM – A Life in Art: Through the Eye of Dr. Leslie King Hammond + Live Panel
🎟️ Plan your visit: Click the link in our bio to reserve your spot today!
Associated with “The Lines We Cross: 250 Years of Maryland Forging America.”
Take it from the kids, there’s a lot to discover at The Lewis! ❤️💛🖤
From Black art and Maryland stories to hands-on exploration in our Kid Zone, a visit gives young people space to learn, ask questions, make connections and see history in a new way.
Planning a field trip? Bring your students to The Lewis and let them experience the stories for themselves.
Plan your group visit at the link in our bio.
🎥:
“Uncle Tom” gets used like an insult.
The real man behind it was Josiah Henson.
Born in Maryland. Sold at auction as a child. Ran to Canada in 1830 with his family. Built a town for people who’d been enslaved. Went back and helped 200 more escape.
His life story helped inspire Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
The name became a slur.
The man built freedom with his own hands.
His story lives at The Lewis. Come learn about the real Uncle Tom.
🎥: THE LIGHTHOUSE AGENCY
09/16/2026
Join Smithsonian scholar Richard Kurin for the launch of his new book, “History by a Hair: Thomas Jefferson, Sally Hemings, and Solving a 200-Year-Old Mystery.”
In 2011, staff at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History discovered a light red hair inside the pages of Thomas Jefferson’s Bible. That hair sparked an unprecedented scientific investigation that could finally resolve the most enduring question surrounding his life: Did he father the children of Sally Hemings, an African American enslaved woman?
For over two centuries, the Jefferson–Hemings controversy has shaped American debates about race, power, slavery, and the mythology of the Founding Fathers. In this riveting narrative; part scientific detective story and part historical epic, Richard Kurin leads readers through the fifteen-year-long genomic investigation conducted with leading DNA scientists, archaeologists, genealogists, forensic experts, and Jefferson and Hemings’ descendants across the country. The result is the first conclusive, scientifically validated answer to a question that has reverberated since the eighteenth century; an answer that settles the historical record, deepens our understanding of Jefferson, honors generations of family oral history, and asks America to confront the full complexity of its origins.
This book conversation will be moderated by historical archaeologist Dr. Cheryl Janifer LaRoche of University of Maryland, College Park
A book signing will occur after the book talk. This program is in conjunction with The Lines We Cross: 250 Years of Maryland Forging America.
To Register/ Purchase Tickets, Click The Link in Our Bio!
Cost: Museum Admission
Fall just landed in the Museum Shop.
New season. New collection. Same Lewis.
Come through and experience our new fall room scents! We can’t wait to see you!
🖤❤️💛
Plan your next visit and shop in person!
09/10/2026
Experience the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s latest exhibition, The Lines We Cross: 250 Years of Maryland Forging America, through a dynamic performance of movement, music, and dance interpretation by Dance Baltimore THIS SATURDAY at 2PM!
Drawing inspiration from the artwork and musical artifacts displayed in the “Black Artistic Expressions Within Maryland Gallery”, the ensemble will bring to life themes surrounding iconic pieces such as jazz legend Billie Holiday’s piano alongside creations by Tom Miller, Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, and Jacob Lawrence.
To Purchase Tickets for, Click the Link in our Bio!
Cost: Museum Admission
09/09/2026
This September is International Underground Railroad Month.
On Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1 PM, Dr. John F. Leeke and his daughter, Ananda Leeke, share their family’s story of freedom.
Their research, for Dr. Leeke’s memoir, American Change Agent: A Life & Legacy of Seeking Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, traces their origins back to Hagerstown, Maryland, where Peter and Catherine Leek escaped to Amherstburg, Canada — with their 14 children.
It’s a conversation about ancestry, courage, and how that legacy still shapes the work of equality today. A book signing follows the conversation.
This program is connected to The Lines We Cross. Join us at The Lewis.
Register through the link in our bio!
Events for September 2026 – The Lewis In celebration of International Underground Railroad Month this September, join Dr. John F. Leeke and his daughter, Ananda Leeke, as they share their family’s extraordinary story of freedom seekers. Through research on Ancestry.com for Dr. Leeke’s memoir, American Change Agent: A Life & Legacy o...
09/08/2026
Join acclaimed author and cultural commentator D. W A T K I N S and Maryland State Delegate Marlon Amprey THIS THURSDAY at The Lewis for a dynamic, unscripted conversation exploring the history, meaning, and contemporary impact of free expression.
📆Thursday, Sept. 10
⏰ 7PM
🎟️ FREE!
Join us for an evening of history, insight, and purpose and take part in shaping what comes next.
In partnership with the Maryland’s Four Centuries Project and the Maryland Center for History and Culture, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture presents a powerful conversation on freedom of speech, one of the nation’s most essential and contested ideals.
Register today by visiting the link in our bio!
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Address
830 E Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD
21202
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 9pm |
| Friday | 10am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 5pm |
| Sunday | 12pm - 5pm |
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