About the Museum

Mission

The mission of the Maryland Museum of Military History is to collect, preserve, interpret, and present significant artifacts and artwork relating to the history of the Maryland National Guard in federal service and of the people, places, and events that represent the military heritage of the State of Maryland. Through exhibits, educational programs, and outreach, the Museum strives to convey an awareness of the military service of Marylanders, and how that service has helped preserve American freedoms.

In 1973, with the permission of Major General Edwin Warfield III, the Adjutant General of Maryland, a group of dedicated Guardsmen, headed by Colonel Edmund G. Beacham, formed the Maryland National Guard Memorial Library Committee. The committee's purpose was to keep alive the deeds, memories, and memorabilia of the Maryland National Guard so that future generations would have available to them the history of the Maryland Guard and the people who created that history. The group met periodically in The Adjutant General's Conference Room at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, although the number of members and degree of participation varied.

In March 1981, funds became available and, with the concurrence of Major General Warren D. Hodges, The Adjutant General of Maryland, the Board Room of the 175th Infantry Regiment, located in the Fifth Regiment Armory, was selected to house the Maryland National Guard Museum. The museum was dedicated on October 24, 1982.

With the establishment of a permanent museum, General Hodges requested that the library committee continue to function and recommended that it become the Maryland National Guard Military Historical Society and take over management of the Pikesville Military Reservation Museum as well. In response to this recommendation, the Maryland National Guard Military Historical Society was incorporated as a non -profit organization to oversee museum operations, with Colonel (ret) Bernard Feingold serving as Museum Director.

Over the years, the museum grew and prospered, eventually expanding to occupy all the former offices of the 175th Infantry Regiment. In addition, beginning in 2001, the museum began expanding into several adjacent spaces. When renovations were complete, these became the museum art gallery and the Hancock Memorial Library. In addition, the museum's Union Room Collection was relocated to the newly refurbished area.

On May 13, 2003, Major General Bruce F. Tuxill, The Adjutant General, instituted new policies governing the operation of the Maryland National Guard Museum. To bring the museum into compliance with Army regulations, the Maryland National Guard Military Historical Society agreed to transfer all artifacts to state ownership and the State of Maryland Military Department historian was designated as custodian for the museum's collection of artifacts, items, and documents.

In April 2005, in order to bring the museum into alignment with the evolving nature of the Maryland Military Historical Society and The Adjutant General's vision for the museum's future, the museum was renamed the Maryland Museum of Military History and it's mandate was expanded from covering the National Guard and militia forces to that of the military history of the State of Maryland. In addition, an umbrella organization, the Maryland Center for Military History, was established under the auspices of the Military Department Historical Services Office to oversee the museum and its sister organization, the Maryland Military Historical Research Center.

The Maryland Military Historical Research Center includes one of the nation's most extensive collections of original documentation relating to the 29th Infantry Division and the Maryland National Guard. It is open to the public by appointment only.

In keeping with its new direction the Maryland Museum of Military History seeks to portray the experiences of past and present members, activities and facilities of the organized militia forces of Maryland, significant military operations within Maryland, the military service of citizens of Maryland, and state and national military installations within Maryland.

Hours and Location

The Maryland Center for Military History is located at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore. Normal hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, but due to limited staffing, visitors are strongly advised to call in advance. Due to security restrictions, all adults must bring photo identification. Please call 410-576-6076 or 410-576-1496 for more information.