'For All the World to Hear' Commemorating Baltimore's Civil Rights Movement at the MD Historical Society

BALTIMORE, Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Maryland is world renowned for its rich African-American history, and Baltimore was one of the focal points of the 20th Century struggle for civil rights," says President Burt Kummerow, "It is our hope to make 'History Alive' for the present generation by remembering and telling these important stories."

The Maryland Historical Society owns an important collection of Civil Rights materials, including The Paul Henderson Photograph Collection, manuscripts, books, journals, pamphlets, and oral histories related to Maryland. Its oral history collection is a particularly valuable resource, containing interviews with many Civil Rights participants.

On Tuesday, February 12 from 6-8pm, the Society has the unique opportunity to present these stories – experienced first-hand by Baltimore residents– in front of a live audience.

The program, entitled "For All the World to Hear" will feature ten Baltimore seniors. These individuals put themselves on the line for freedom demonstrating extraordinary character and courage.  Following the performance, artistic director Harriet Lynn will lead an interactive audience discussion.  For All the World to Hear is organized by UMBC's Center for Art, Design & Visual Culture, and made possible by the Maryland Humanities Council.   

This free event is open to the public. To register, visit our website, or call 410-685-3750 Ext. 377.

In addition, in celebration of Black History month, the Society is hosting a Civil War Tribute Program that will be performed by the MdHS Players. Actors portraying Harriet Tubman and Union Sergeant Major and Medal of Honor recipient Christian Fleetwood will take part in a 'living history' program at the Society on Saturday, February 9 at 2pm. No advance reservations are necessary.

Other Society events in February include the start of the 2013 Francis Scott Key Lecture Series; a special Maritime lecture on Free Trade and Sailors Rights in 1812, presented by University of Oklahoma Professor Paul Gilje; and a Prohibition-themed 'Bootleggers Bash,' made possible by the Young Defenders of the Maryland Historical Society.

For a complete list of all of the MD Historical Society Spring Events, and to register, visit: www.mdhs.org/events

Founded in 1844, The Maryland Historical Society Museum and Library occupies an entire city block in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore. The society's mission is to "collect, preserve, and interpret the objects and materials that reflect Maryland's diverse cultural heritage." The Society is home to the original manuscript of the Star-Spangled Banner and publishes a quarterly titled "Maryland Historical Magazine."

For more information, contact Marketing Director Laura Rodini at 410-685-3750 Ext. 322 or [email protected].

SOURCE The Maryland Historical Society