Prior to the Banneker Douglass Museum, which opened its doors on February 24, 1984, stood the beautiful Mount Moriah African Episcopal Church, which was slated for demolition and a new parking lot was planned as its replacement. The decision was over ruled, and today stands The Banneker Douglass Museum, the state’s repository of African American heritage and culture. The small gallery on the first floor, and open balcony on the second floor, allow you to view the original stained glass window from the historic church. The lobby also houses one original interior brick wall from the church, with replicas of the original stained glass windows. As a student from South Africa, I chose to complete my service-learning hours at The Banneker-Douglass Museum to learn about the similarities and differences between my country’s history and the African American history.
I worked as the Archives Assistant where I assisted in preserving and improving access to historical documents and photographs by creating descriptive inventories of selected collections.
Other opportunities include:
• Library Assistant
• Program Assistant
• Marketing Assistant
• Volunteer from Home
The Banneker-Douglass Museum, is not only a museum, it is also a library. This is where my work took place. The library is named after Sylvia Gaither Garrison, who was the first librarian at the museum. The library is located in the museum itself, and holds archival records, audio visual materials, blueprints, books, maps, encyclopedias, pamphlets, periodicals, and photographs. Some books, encyclopedias and periodicals date back to the 1960’s, and other rare books and manuscripts date back to the 1780’s. The library is open to the public and students are allowed access to these photographs and documents by appointment only.
This was such a rewarding experience knowing I was preserving ancient documents with my own hands which were wrapped in thin, white cotton gloves.
I am hoping in my next semester, I will find the time to continue volunteering at the Banneker-Douglass Museum and continue preserving Maryland’s African American Heritage.
To contact the museum:
Call (410) 216-6187
By Ashleigh Gregory (BPA 162- Business Communications)
