'Maryland on Film': Eight Short Films and Free Museum Admission at the Maryland Historical Society All Day, Saturday, October 13

Also in October, meet Steven Ujifusa as he discusses his new book, "A Man and His Ship... "

BALTIMORE, Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Saturday, October 13, The Maryland Historical Society will host 'Maryland on Film,' showcasing segments of 8 preserved films dating back to the early 1920s. "This is your 'sneak peek' into the life of Marylanders," says Eben Dennis, Special Collections Librarian, "What things used to look like in the city – buildings that no longer exist – and even some funny moments."

Included is footage from the first International Flight from Baltimore to Bermuda in 1937, VE Day in 1945, film of the Orioles at old Memorial Stadium (1957) and candid footage of Bayshore Amusement Park (1920).

The most recent film to be preserved, "Druid Hill Zoo," is a home movie of the Siebert family from 1927.

The preservation of these films was made possible by grants from the National Film Preservation Foundation (NFPF). The fragile 35mm reels were shipped to a conservation lab, where they were cleaned and fixed. Preservation and viewing copies were made so that the information could be made accessible without stressing the original.

Approximately 45 minutes of footage will be shown on a loop through the day, allowing for drop-in visitors. Audience members will be able to take home a free booklet, Filming Maryland. And MdHS staff will be making popcorn using a vintage popcorn machine – to impart that true movie-going experience.

This event is part of "Free Fall Baltimore" programming made possible by the Baltimore Area of Promotion and the Arts. FREE museum admission all day.

Later in October, on Thursday, October 18 at 6pm, author Steven Ujifusa will deliver a lecture on his new book, "A Man and His Ship: America's Greatest Naval Architect and his Quest to Build the SS. United States." This is a book The New York Times has called "[An] absorbing, transporting new history…Ujifusa's book is a portrait in determination, as Gibbs's plans for his big ship are continually tossed about in political, economic and personal squalls." A book signing will follow the lecture. Tickets are $15.

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].

The Maryland Historical Society
201 W. Monument St.
Baltimore, MD 21201-4674
410-685-3750 www.mdhs.org

SOURCE The Maryland Historical Society