A Word From Our President & CEO

Cultural heritage helps to define human communities. In our community, Historic Annapolis works to protect our unique heritage, and create connections to the places, objects, customs, and practices that have defined and shaped our culture throughout history.

But what happens when our heritage is threatened by disasters or violent actions? As I think of the conflict that continues in Ukraine, or the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, I wonder - how do those communities preserve and protect what is unique, meaningful, and precious to them, and then recover what has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed?

Next week, we will welcome world-renowned scholar Dr. Richard Kurin of the Smithsonian Institution for a special presentation at Maryland Hall. As founder of the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative, Dr. Kurin spurred efforts to make the Smithsonian a national and international leader in responding to cultural crises. On April 17th, he’ll share a globetrotting range of stories about that work, including the assistance provided to Haiti, the restoration of Iraq’s Mosul Museum after it was pillaged by ISIS militants, and safeguarding the Ukrainian people’s history and cultural identity in the face of Putin’s aggression. This presentation is free and open to the public.

Historic Annapolis is proud to be a Smithsonian Affiliate, a nationwide community of more than 200 museums and other organizations that partner with the Smithsonian Institution—and each other—to create experiences that educate and inspire, such as bringing world-class Smithsonian experts to Annapolis. We are delighted to have Dr. Kurin join us here in Annapolis for a fascinating evening, and I hope to see you there!

Karen Theimer Brown | President & CEO

Monday, April 17
Saving Cultural Heritage in Crisis: From Haiti and Hurricanes, Iraq to Ukraine
Time: 7 pm
Location: Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street
Cost: FREE

Register

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, April 18
Virtual Lecture - Life Along the River: The Pamunkey Tribe of Virginia

Renée Gokey of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian will explore the history and contemporary lives of the Pamunkey peoples during this FREE virtual lecture.

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Saturday, April 22
Mr. Paca's Garden Storytime:
My Friend Earth

Celebrate Earth Day with your preschooler and Miss Nannetta in Mr. Paca's Garden with a book reading, song, and craft time. We'll read My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan!

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Visit the Calendar of Events to register and for more upcoming programs!