2022: At last! A grand reopening in Baltimore and beyond

MWHC volunteer Christine Valeriann gave impassioned remarks about the importance of women’s history at the July 2022 unveiling of the roadside historical marker that honors suffragist Julia Ruhl. The marker is located at the former home of Ms. Ruhl in Mountain Lake Park, Maryland (Garrett County). Until recently, Ruhl was little-known in the suffrage movement.

During 2022, Maryland Women’s Heritage Center:
Download the MWHC 2022 Annual Report

Celebrated a grand reopening of MWHC’s exhibit space in the former Woman's Industrial Exchange
After operating virtually for several years, MWHC moved into the historic Marian House/Woman’s Industrial Exchange (WIE) building, though the pandemic and worldwide uncertainty keep us from opening the doors. 

However, nothing kept us from our cause to preserve women’s history in Maryland. Throughout 2020 and 2021, we worked behind the scenes, producing virtual programming and outdoor events. We always kept our vision on a grand reopening celebration when possible.

Finally, it happened. On June 4, 2022, we threw open the doors as long-time supporters, volunteers, new visitors, local representatives and neighbors came together. 

We are proud to be a part of this Baltimore landmark. Founded in 1880, WIE helped craftswomen discreetly earn a living and operated in various forms until June, 2020. Now, both the building’s owner, Marian House, and MWHC serve and honor women and carry WIE’s spirit into the future.

 

Produced virtual and in-person programs to showcase Maryland's intriguing women
Virtual and in-person audiences heard national and statewide advocates provide updates on the Equal Rights Amendment. They met Kalin Thomas, CNN’s first Black travel reporter, as she recalled her world-wide travels. The “Queens of Code,” a group of groundbreaking NASA scientists, recalled the highs and lows of their careers.

MWHC also welcomed Parkdale High School student Micah Carroll to talk about her Maryland History Day project that highlighted the life of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer.

We add “HERstory to history to tell OURstory” because it is important to our young women of today and tomorrow. Follow us on social media and/or sign up on our mailing list to learn about upcoming programs. 

Lent our expert board and volunteer expertise on women’s history to local museums and groups
MWHC board members and volunteers have wide ranges of women’s history knowledge and are recognized on a state and national level. This year, they lent that expertise to institutions that included the Edgar Allan Poe House/Poe Baltimore, Renaissance Institute at Notre Dame of Maryland University and Maryland Public Television

Launched our "Memories of the Woman's Industrial Exchange" project
Despite its landmark status at 333 N. Charles Street in Baltimore’s Mt. Vernon neighborhood, and its fond memories in the hearts of many longtime Baltimoreans, no one has documented and celebrated the history of the Woman’s Industrial Exchange (WIE).

That will change when the Maryland Woman’s Heritage Center (MWHC), who now occupies the WIE’s former retail space, and the building’s current owner, Marian House, embark on a two-year project to catalogue artifacts that remain in the building, collect oral histories from people who loved this Baltimore locale and permanently preserve it all to share with Baltimoreans and visitors. The project is now possible with a generous $15,000 grant from the Baltimore National Heritage Area.

 

Facilitated three more historical markers that commemorate Maryland's forgotten suffragists
Along with local partners and the William D. Pomeroy Foundation, we commemorated women suffragists in Frederick, Easton and Mountain Lake (Garrett County.) These were an addition to four markers unveiled in 2021.
Featured a series of six women artists’ collections in the MWHC street-facing display window
Drive or walk by our event venue at 333 N. Charles Street to view a collection of works by women artists that changes every two months. Works include a diverse array of painting, sculpture, paper, fiber arts and quilting. We kick off each exhibition with a free artist reception. 
Produced an virtual experience app and a timeline that features Maryland suffrage champions
With support from Maryland Humanities, we developed Valiant Maryland Women, an app that allows virtual visitors to explore the story of Maryland’s courageous suffragists. Maryland Humanities also supported the publication of an extensive timeline that tells the story of suffragists in Maryland, beginning with Margaret Brent in the 1600s. 

 

Enrica Jang, Executive Director, Poe Baltimore/ The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum

“This year, Poe Baltimore partnered with the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center for a year-long program for the Virginia Poe Bicentennial. Several MWHC members participated, culminating in new insight and context for this important, yet often-obscure, figure in Edgar Allan Poe’s history. The work with MWHC was transformative and will become a permanent part of the history and narrative we share with visitors to Poe House.”

Click on photo gallery to enlarge photos and read captions. 

Woman dressed in period garb reenacting Virginia Poe standing with modern day women at Poe gravesite.
Woman with black dress and hat, showing program for Virginia Poe Bicenntennial
woman in black dress in front of a MWHC display at the Poe Tea party
A panorama view of people gathered on Washington Street in Easton for the suffrage marker unveiling
A group unveils the suffrage marker in front of Talbot historical Society
Five MWHC women holding a handmade sign that says "Votes for MWHC"
Diana Bailey and Johns Hopkins, Executive Director of Baltimore Heritage holding a check for $500
Five women standing in front of 333 N.Charles Street
Side view of MWHC venue. The words "Women's Exchange" are painted on the brick, leftover from previous years.
1950s era photo of the dining room of Woman's Industrial Exchange with words "Memories Baltimore's Woman's Industrial Exchange."
Flier advertising ellie Tyron art exhibit. includes pics of a woman looking in mirror, a dog landscape
blue, orange and green themed flier with photo of Kathy Kleiman and her book. Free forum details
three women, two holding the book called "Proving Ground"
Painting of Baltimore's Washington Monument on the reception invitation for artist Crystal Moll
woman in green sweater and woman in mustard colored hat
Woman with white corsage sits in front of a row of standing women
Two women outdoors. Woman on left is "pinning" a new bar member badge on the woman on right.
Two women outdoors. Woman on right is "pinning" a badge on the woman on left.
Woman standing at camera with suffrage flag
Four women standing in front of a suffrage marker in honor of Nannie Helen Burroughs
A woman at a lectern in the background and a man filming her.
Chris Potts on left, with a manniken of a suffragist and a vertical exhibit panel with Amy Rosenkrans on right
Close up of three women smiling in front of a display window containing artist paintings.
Judy Carbone, carrying a suffrage banner, leading a parade on the day of the Julia Ruhl historical marker unveiling.
flier with African colors that advertises quilt exhibition of Edna Williams.
Edna Williams, wearing a mask, stands in front of her quilt exhibition
A red, black and white quilt with a center square that says "Maryland Women's Heritage Center."
Welcome sign at entrance of 333 N. Charles Street
A small poster advertising artist Lisa Stearns.
Artist Lisa Stearns laughing
women laughing and making an art journal
Close up of Kalin Thomas (wearing a straw hat) and Amy Rosenkrans
A dad and daughter taking a selfie at the suffrage marker in Easton
MWHC Executive Director Diana Bailey and James King at the State office building on W. Preston Street in Baltimore.

Johns Hopkins, Executive Director, Baltimore Heritage

“It is great that the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center, with its passion for telling stories of our shared history that are too often forgotten, is now at the Woman’s Industrial Exchange. There could not be a better match.”

Amanda Shores Davis, Executive Director, The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House

“The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center is a valued partner of the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and shares MWHC’s values of equitable and inclusive Maryland Women’s History. As a fellow small museum, we are continuously impressed by MWHC’s commitment to creative problem solving, from finding a new physical space to increasing resources to support their mission. We look forward to capitalizing on MWHC’s extensive knowledge as we reorient our own historical narrative and interpretation toward a Women’s History model.”