Rachel Carson publishes a controversial environmental book in 1962 that leads to the banning of DDT and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Rachel Carson publishes “Silent Spring” Read More »
Fashion designer Claire McCardell, featured on the cover of Time in 1955, is the successful creator everyday easy-to-wear clothing for women.
Claire McCardell, fashion designer of modern women’s sportwear Read More »
Billie Holliday (born Eleanora Fagan and raised in Baltimore) revolutionizes the style and approach to jazz singing. She releases her first hit at 17, “Riffin’ the Scotch”, recorded with Benny Goodman in 1933.
Billie Holiday, iconic jazz vocalist Read More »
Eubie Blake creates a landmark in the history of Broadway musical theatre in 1921. Blake teams up with Noble Sissle to launch the first All African American Broadway production, Shuffle Along, which runs for 504 performances. President Reagan presents Eubie Blake with a national award.
Eubie Blake, musical pioneer in jazz and ragtime Read More »
Lemuel T. Ward and Steven W. Ward, barbers in Crisfield, carve realistic decoys to make extra money. They begin full time carving of realistic birds in the 1950s, turning it into a art form.
Ward Brothers are the most famous decorative decoy carvers Read More »
Methodist Preacher Charles Albert Tindley, born in Berlin, Maryland, publishes over 50 hymns including “We Shall Overcome” in 1900 and “Stand By Me.”
Charles Tindley publishes over 50 African-American spirituals Read More »
George Herman “Babe” Ruth is born in Baltimore in 1895 to working class German parents, During 22 seasons of major league baseball he becomes baseball’s most famous player and a cultural icon. His home runs are the longest ever recorded.
Babe Ruth born in Baltimore Read More »
In 1886 the Pratt Library is the first public library to open for all “without distinction of race or color”. The Pratt inspires the nationwide Carnegie Library system.
Enoch Pratt Free Library opens Read More »
John Brown leaves his 1859 hideout at the Kennedy Farm in Washington County, crosses Potomac with party of 22 to raid the Harpers Ferry Arsenal, intending to create a slave rebellion.
John Brown hides out at Kennedy Farm, preparing to attack Harpers Ferry Read More »
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, born in Baltimore, abolitionist, suffragist and writer, in 1859 publishes the first short story, then a novel by a Black woman.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper publishes first short story by a black woman. Read More »
We acknowledge the enduring presence of many American Indian tribes who once lived in Maryland and who now, having lost their lands, live in a diaspora. Read more.
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