The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is one of the most important sites in Baltimore, Maryland. It is important to the history and background of Maryland. It is important because it provides facts about the impact and influence African Americans had on Maryland. It tells how blacks created their own style of music, dance, and artwork that is still around and has great influence on todays world. More importantly its a place where generations to come can turn to to explore the history of the African American heritage. It is essential that we have this museum because there aren't many other ones like it. Without this museum the data, and artifacts inside it would have been lost forever.
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is definitely an eye catching building. It is a four story building made with black granite, red brick and gold accents that reflect the colors of the Maryland state flag. The structure is said to "convey the spirit of Maryland's African American experience: complex, contradictory, and diverse. The location of the museum is also significant because it is located near the inner harbor, which is the main tourist attraction in Baltimore. The state of Maryland can benefit from this because it is the golden opportunity for Maryland to get into the tourism market. The inside of the museum is also very interesting starting right at the front entrance.
Beginning on the first level there is a information and ticket booth, a cafe, and a gift shop. The second level contains a 200 seat theatre, and two temporary galleries that gets changed every six months or so. The first gallery is where you can listen to the stories of some of Maryland's most popular and not-so popular African Americans. Peering just across the hall in the second gallery is where the magnificent artwork of a few Marylanders are on display. The third level has the permanent exhibits, which are broken up into three galleries. Things Hold, Lines Connect, "tells the stories behind the families of Maryland's African Americans. Despite slavery, they managed to maintain familial and community bonds." Building Maryland, Building Baltimore, "states the role African American labor played in building the state and national economy, particularly in areas such as iron-working, fishing, and agricultural." Strength of Mind, "focuses on music, art, storytelling, and literature. The fourth and final level is the Learning Resource Center. This is where the library books, papers, oral histories, and other educational resources about the African American experience of Maryland are located.
4 comments:
Hey Van,
Sounds like you are off to a great start. I think your landscape topic is a really good one which will a lot of interesting things to explore. I think one you add more about the cultural aspect of the building it will really strengthen your paper. Good Luck! And good job on our group presentation.
I've never heard about this place until now. I'm really excited to see how your paper is going to turn out. I know this is random, but I like your picture of the place!
I never knew this museum even existed. It's definitely very informative and quite original.
I can't wait to read this paper. I've never visited this museum but after reading this proposal, I will definitely be taking a trip there. I agree with your argument and think places like this are extremely important to the black community and I love this topic choice. Good luck on this and I am looking foward to reading it.
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