Last Night A DJ Saved My Life
2026-01-31 13:00 - 15:30 UTC
A salute to Black Radio DJs featuring panel conversation and the Short Kuts Show. Local DJs from Baltimore and the DMV discuss the impact of Black radio in the community.

Voices in Solidarity: Baltimore’s Black and Jewish Operatic History | Roots and Resonance: An Operatic Love Letter to Baltimore
2026-02-14 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax)
Saturday, February 14 | 11 am – 3:30 pm | Cost: General Museum Admission
Voices in Solidarity: Baltimore’s Black and Jewish Operatic History, a collaborative partnership between Opera Baltimore, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, and the Jewish Museum of Maryland launches with a powerful kick-off event at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum on February 14th, 2026. Join us for an immersive public program using vocal music as a lens to explore the deep roots and lasting resonance of Black musical traditions shaped by migration, resilience, and artistic exchange in Baltimore.
The day begins with a moderated panel featuring scholars, archivists, and performers. including acclaimed Baltimore-born opera singer Daniel Rich. Anchored by artifacts from the Lewis Museum, the panel explores themes of tradition, support, tension, and solidarity across Black and Jewish communities. The afternoon culminates in a recital by Daniel Rich, tracing his personal and artistic journey through opera, musical theater, spirituals, and new works by Baltimore composers, reflecting the sound, stories and ongoing artistic excellence of Black Baltimore. Daniel will be joined by poet, singer, and visual artist Vincent Stringer and pianist, JoyAnne Amani
Lunch Service: Boxed Lunch is available during this event for pre -purchase for a $20 fee. Boxed lunch includes a sandwich, chips, small coleslaw or potato salad, fresh baked cookie, and a bottle of water. Lunch orders are limited to 2 per registration.

Beyond the Scoreboard: The Baltimore Black Sox
2026-02-21 00:00 UTC
Explore the Baltimore Black Sox and the Negro Leagues’ Civil Rights Legacy. The intersection of sports and social justice in Maryland history.

Business 101: How to Thrive as a Creative Entertainer
2026-02-28 00:00 UTC
Essential business strategies for creative professionals. Learn how to build, sustain, and grow your career in the entertainment industry.

A Soldier’s Life: A Black Woman’s Rise from Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion
2026-03-07 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | The Lewis, 830 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202, United States
Join retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings to converse on her extraordinary personal journey in the US military and her triumphant effort to honor her predecessors with the Congressional Gold Medal in her new book, A Soldier’s Life: A Black Woman’s Rise from Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion. This memoir chronicles Cummings’s unlikely but successful path to leadership roles in the army and afterward, tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the Six Triple Eight—a trailblazing African American World War II Women’s Army Corps unit now the subject of a Netflix film and a Broadway-bound musical—and the grassroots campaign Cummings led to honor them. A book signing will take place after the talk.

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II
2026-03-28 14:00 - 16:00 (Asia/Dubai) | The Lewis, 830 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202, United States
Join the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in a film screening and discussion of Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II. Invisible Warriors gives voice to the hidden heroines who helped reshape both a nation at war and the course of American heritage. Told by the women who courageously fought both racism and sexism on America’s home front, this is the untold story of 600,000 Black “Rosie the Riveters.” These trailblazing women entered factories, government offices, and shipyards, shattering barriers and laying the groundwork for future generations of African American women.
This film screening will include a post discussion with filmmaker Gregory Cooke (virtually), and local Rosie Riveter Susie King (in person).
This program is in conjunction with Women’s History Month and National Black Women’s Labor Day (April 5).

Purchase tickets here

Children’s Book Festival 2026
2026-04-11 11:00 - 15:00 (Asia/Dubai)
Presented by Baltimore Gas and Electric (an Exelon company)
Food Sponsored by Harris Teeter & The Fresh Market
This spring join the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for the return of our family friendly Children’s Book Festival. Children and families can enjoy a fun-filled day exploring kids’ literature about African Americans while meeting some of your favorite children’s authors and illustrators in our Book Village. Enjoy a host of activities to include author readings, illustration workshops, craft activities, dance parties and more. Museum visitors can receive a free copy of A Ride to Remember by Amy Nathan and Sharon Langley while supplies last.
The African American Children’s Book Festival strives to connect families to high quality books about and for African American children. We aim to foster a love of reading for families by connecting them with renown and up and coming creators of children’s books.

Participating Authors, Illustrators, Presenters and Community Partners:

Joan Trumpauer Mulholland
Kwame Alexander
Marilyn Annette Barber
Carole Boston Weatherford
Jeffery Boston Weatherford
Julia K. Briggs Moseley
Sanaa Chege
Bryan Collier
Go-Daddy Productions, Ltd. – Wendell Shannon
Jordan P Jackson
Jordyn’s Journeys
Allison Lall
Dr. David C. Miller
Dr. Margaret Musgrove
Amy Nathan
Ashley Palmer
Enoch Pratt Free Library Book Mobile
James E. Ransome
Culture Queen
Taunya T.D. Said
Markette “Sugar” Sheppard
Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields
Shadra Strickland
Roland P. Taylor
Shenell Tolson, DrPH
Aisha Toombs
Mariah Torries
Renee Watson
Wellthy Entertainment
Lor Xay Xay
Katrina Denise
Dr. Mercedes Osakwe

Maryland at 250: The Values That Shape Us (FREEDOM) presents “Freedom Is Not A Moment, It Is A Movement”
2026-04-16 18:00 - 19:30 UTC
Thursday, April 16th | 6:00 PM-7:30 PM | Free Event
As Maryland commemorates its 250th anniversary, the semiquincentennial of the nation’s founding, this moment calls for more than reflection. It calls for reckoning. In partnership with the Maryland 400 Commission and the Maryland Center for History and Culture, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture invites you to the opening program in a bold new lecture series examining the values that have defined and challenged the state across two and a half centuries.
On Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6:00 pm, acclaimed historian Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries will deliver a powerful keynote exploring how Black Marylanders have continuously shaped the meaning of freedom from 1776 to the present. From the self emancipation efforts of Frederick Douglass and the daring leadership of Harriet Tubman, to the intellectual activism of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and the ongoing work of community organizers, this lecture traces a long tradition of resistance, strategy, and collective action that continues to define Maryland today.
This program serves as a signature component of the Lewis Museum’s upcoming exhibition, The Lines We Cross: 250 Years of Maryland Forging America, which examines how individuals and communities throughout Maryland’s history have confronted the boundaries of race, citizenship, power, and belonging. Together, the exhibition and lecture series challenge us to consider: What lines have Marylanders crossed in pursuit of freedom and what lines remain before us?
At 250 years, Maryland’s story is not complete. It is still being written by those willing to question, to act, and to carry forward the work of freedom. Join us for an evening of history, insight, and purpose and take part in shaping what comes next.

The StoryDancer
2026-05-09 13:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Saturday, May 9 | 1pm-3:30pm |
Museum Admission During Mother’s Day Weekend, the Lewis Museum invites you to a special screening of The StoryDancer. This film offers a profound meditation on healing, authenticity, and the bravery required to pursue one’s genuine vocation. In 1977, Maria Broom made the pivotal decision to leave her prominent role at a local Baltimore news station to honor an internal pull toward dance. Over the ensuing decades, her career has spanned from instructing women and children in dance and meditation to appearing on HBO’s The Wire. Her journey stands as a powerful example of the grace found in letting go of conventional expectations to fulfill a true life’s purpose. Now 76, Maria continues to practice “storydancing” throughout the city, motivating individuals of all ages to embrace activities that foster personal well-being. The screening will be accompanied by a post-film discussion featuring the director, Gaia Bethel-Birch.

Watch Teaser

Juneteenth 2026
2026-06-19 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Juneteenth 2026: Celebrate Freedom Day at the Lewis
Sponsored by UnderArmour
Supported by Morgan State University’s College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies & Walmart
Friday, June 19, 2026, 10 am – 4 pm | FREE Admission

This Juneteenth, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum invites the community to gather in celebration under the theme “Juneteenth Brings Balance to America’s Celebration of Freedom.” Inspired by our upcoming exhibition “The Lines We Cross,” this dynamic program explores how the story of freedom in America has been shaped by the lines we have drawn—and the ones we continue to cross.

Through history, dialogue, and cultural expression, this celebration reflects on Juneteenth as a powerful moment that helps complete and rebalance the national narrative. By connecting the legacy of emancipation to the ongoing pursuit of equity, the program invites visitors to consider how we each play a role in shaping a more inclusive and truthful understanding of freedom.
Join the Lewis Museum in a myriad of indoor and outdoor Juneteenth Freedom Activities to Include:

Justice and Reconciliation: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
This film explores the influential lives of abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet, a Civil War Chaplain and Harvey Johnson, a civil rights pioneer and founder of the Brotherhood of Liberty. Join filmmaker Xavier Frink, Reverend Alvin C. Hathaway Sr., Dr. Ida Jones and Dr. Brian Morrison for a post-film discussion afterwards.
Youth Engagement: Baltimore Miss Juneteenth Pageant
Celebrate young Black girls with the Baltimore Miss Juneteenth pageant, a cultural scholarship competition celebrating Black history and heritage. Coordinated by Athena Brown (Little Miss Black USA, Jr. 2025), this local Juneteenth Pageant allows participants to show their pride and community contributions through different categories to include community service, activism, and a live Q&A interview. For more details contact terry.taylor@lewismuseum.org.
Musical and Dance Performances
Enjoy summertime musical concert performances featuring a Richard Smallwood Gospel Tribute by some members of his ensemble group Vision, as well as drumming by Trinidad & Tobago Steel Drum Orchestra and a Juneteenth Jazz Session highlighting the creative influence of jazz from both masters and emerging musicians. Jazz groups performing are The Spence Start Jazz Trio along with Bright Moments Jam Session Presented by Keystone Korner Baltimore led by Obasi Akoto.See the electric footwork of Tap dancer Baakari Wilder (Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk) and international choreographer TSU Terry who specializes in Baltimore Club dance showcasing both unique dance forms expressed in Black culture.
Artmaking Workshops
Design a Freedom tote bag with Art with a Heart for all ages while supplies last.
Living History Reenactments
Go back in time and meet Maryland female abolitionist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper who was the first African American woman to publish a short story. Short presentations will be presented by FREED: Female RE-Enactors of Distinction.
Resisting Erasure: Civic Engagement, Education, and the Ongoing Work of Freedom
Resisting Erasure: Civic Engagement, Education, and the Ongoing Work of Freedom is a Juneteenth reflection on the enduring struggle to preserve history, protect democracy, and expand opportunity. Centered on the enduring strength of community, this address explores how voting, education, and civic engagement serve as acts of resistance against erasure — and why the ongoing work of freedom belongs to every generation.

Food Services from local food vendors will be available for purchase.**

African American History Institute: Reginald F. Lewis Museum Summer Teacher Institute 2026 - A Quest for Freedom
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-16 15:30 (America/New_York)
Join the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for Summer Teacher Institute 2026 for educators to examine the freedom experience of enslaved and free blacks in Maryland from the state’s founding to Maryland Emancipation Day when slavery was officially abolished in this region. This program reflects on the Black experience as it pertains to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Participating educators will learn about various Maryland freedom seekers and abolitionists who fought for their freedom in the state and beyond as well as understand what freedom meant to the enslaved and free black. Designed for K-12 educators, this Teacher Institute strives to enhance the scholarship of Maryland educators through:

History content lectures with regional and national guest speakers
Best practices and pedagogy for teaching African American history and culture, as well as art integration techniques with Guest Teacher Practitioners
Field trips to regional museums and historical sites related to Maryland’s local history
Opportunities to connect with peer educators and create educational resources for the classroom

To participate please complete the application form. For more information contact terry.taylor@lewismuseum.org.

Bear Me Into Freedom Special Conversation
2026-07-18 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Bear Me Into Freedom Film Showing & Special Conversation
Saturday, July 18 | 1 pm – 3 pm | Museum Admission
Learn more about the creation of the video installation and the project’s background. Join us in a special conversation featuring the Bear Me Into Freedom creative team. Featured panel participants include:

Harriette Lowery (Frederick Douglass Honor Society co-founder)
Jeff McGuiness (Writer and photographer)
Lance Morris (Narrator)

Watch the “Bear Me Into Freedom” Official Trailer
To purchase tickets for the 1 pm screening and talk, Click Here

AIN'T NO STOPPIN' US NOW: Celebrating 10 Years of Stories, Healing, and Community
2026-07-25 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Ten years ago, Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields envisioned a space where ordinary people could share extraordinary stories—a place where truth, healing and community could be strengthened through storytelling. That bold idea grew into one of Baltimore’s most unique and transformative storytelling experiences, touching thousands of lives along the way. Inspired by the timeless anthem “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” this special 10th Anniversary Celebration honors a decade of courage, vulnerability, laughter, music, inspiration, and healing.
Join us on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, where this incredible historic journey began, for an unforgettable afternoon of storytelling, music, reflection, and celebration.
Over the past decade, The Short Kuts Show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup of storytellers and special guests, including Nelson Malden, the barber to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; acclaimed R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn; Hip-Hop legends Roxanne Shanté and Dana Dane; Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon; WEAA’s Dr. K; DJ Tanz; Marc Clarke; and other remarkable voices whose stories have educated, inspired, and transformed audiences.
Join us as we look back on ten unforgettable years and look forward to the future. Because after ten years of changing lives through storytelling, healing, and connection, there truly ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
Free ice cream refreshments will be provided by Taharka Brothers Ice Cream while supplies last.
Cost: Museum Admission
