List of museums in Maryland facts for kids
Maryland is a state full of amazing places to explore, especially its many museums! These special places collect and take care of interesting objects. They share these items with everyone, showing off art, science, history, and culture. From old trains to space rockets, Maryland's museums have something cool for every young explorer.
Contents
Awesome Museums to Explore
Maryland has museums for all kinds of interests. You can learn about history, art, science, and even cool vehicles. Here are some of the most exciting ones to visit!
History Comes Alive
Step Back in Time at Historic St. Mary's City
Imagine what life was like in Maryland's first capital! Historic St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County is like a time machine. You can see a reconstructed 17th-century State House and a working colonial farm. It’s a great way to experience early American life.
Discover Old Trains at B&O Ellicott City Station Museum
Love trains? The B&O Ellicott City Station Museum in Ellicott City is America's oldest surviving railroad station. It has a huge model train display that's 40 feet long! You can learn all about how railroads changed society.
Explore Fort Frederick State Park
At Fort Frederick State Park in Big Pool, you can walk inside a restored stone fort from 1758. It has barracks and exhibits about early military life. There's even a museum about the Civilian Conservation Corps, a group that helped build parks during the Great Depression.
Visit the National Colonial Farm
The National Colonial Farm in Accokeek shows you what a 1770s tobacco farm was like. It's a living history museum where you can see how people lived and worked long ago.
Learn About African American History
The Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis shares the rich history of Black life in Maryland. It features African and African American art. You can also learn about important African American Marylanders. The Josiah Henson Park in North Bethesda tells the story of Josiah Henson. His autobiography inspired the famous book Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Science and Space Adventures
Blast Off at Goddard Visitor Center
Ready for space? The Goddard Visitor Center in Greenbelt is part of NASA. You can learn about space exploration and see real rockets. It's a fantastic place for future astronauts and scientists.
Uncover Inventions at the National Electronics Museum
The National Electronics Museum in Hunt Valley is packed with cool gadgets. You can see telegraphs, radios, radar, and satellite equipment. It shows how electronics have changed our world.
Experiment at Discovery Station
Discovery Station in Hagerstown is a hands-on science museum. It has exhibits on science, technology, space, and history. It's a great place to learn by doing and exploring.
Dive into Computer History
The System Source Computer Museum in Hunt Valley has vintage computing devices. You can see how computers have evolved over the years. It's a fascinating look at the machines that power our modern world.
Art and Culture Wonders
See Amazing Art at the Academy Art Museum
The Academy Art Museum in Easton features beautiful art. It has works on paper and contemporary pieces by American and European artists. It's a great place to see different styles of art.
Discover African Art at the African Art Museum of Maryland
The African Art Museum of Maryland in Columbia displays incredible art from Africa. You can see masks, sculptures, textiles, and musical instruments. It's a colorful journey into African cultures.
Explore Outdoor Art at Annmarie Garden
Annmarie Garden in Solomons is a huge outdoor sculpture park. It has 30 acres of art to discover! There's also an arts building for exhibits and workshops.
Visit the Baltimore Museum of Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art has a huge collection of art. You can see European, Asian, African, and South American pieces. They also have impressive modern and contemporary exhibits.
Maritime and Water Fun
Sail into the Calvert Marine Museum
The Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons is all about the water. You can see traditional Chesapeake Bay boats and marine fossils. They even have live otters and estuary marine life!
Explore the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels focuses on the Chesapeake Bay. It has historical artifacts, Native American items, and cool boats. Learn about the bay's rich history and culture.
Climb a Lighthouse at Concord Point Light
The Concord Point Lighthouse in Havre de Grace is a historic lighthouse. You can take tours and learn about its role in guiding ships. It offers great views of the water.
Other Unique Museums
Learn About Firefighting at the Fire Museum of Maryland
The Fire Museum of Maryland in Lutherville has over 50 historic fire trucks! You can see firefighting equipment, uniforms, and memorabilia. It's a thrilling look at the history of fire rescue.
Visit the Carroll County Farm Museum
The Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster shows what rural life was like in the mid-19th century. It has original farm buildings, including an 1850s farmhouse and barn. You can experience history firsthand.
Discover Wildfowl Art at the Ward Museum
The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury celebrates wildfowl carvings. It has antique decoys and contemporary sculptures. It's a unique place to see art inspired by nature.
Museums That Are No Longer Open
Some museums in Maryland have closed their doors over the years. For example, the American Dime Museum in Baltimore, which showed curiosities, closed a while ago. The National Children's Museum was in National Harbor for a few years. The U.S. Army Ordnance Museum in Aberdeen moved its main collection to Virginia in 2010.
See also
- List of museums in Baltimore
- List of historical societies in Maryland
- Nature Centers in Maryland
