America 250th Exhibit

Maryland played a pivotal role in shaping the national narrative even prior to 1776, yet many impactful stories remain under-recognized. As the country prepares for the Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of America’s independence, there remains a persistent need to engage local communities in our shared history about our nation’s past—both the triumphs and the ongoing struggle for liberty. The proposed project will invite diverse and varied communities to participate in reflective, communal engagement with art as the catalyst. Whereas traditional museum exhibits frequently present linear-driven narratives, the narrative of this exhibit will unfold through experiential witness.

Exhibit overview: 

The Flag House is designing a two-year exhibit where eight Maryland artists representing their communities across the state will provide historical witness through individualized work. These works will culminate in a dynamic museum exhibit that coordinates public programming in commemoration of America’s Semiquincentennial. “Maryland’s America” will reflect on the ongoing evolution of American democracy, Maryland’s integral role in that process, and the impact of Marylanders on our nation’s past, present, and future. The Flag House is working with Adler Display to fabricate the exhibit and showcase the submitted final work to create a comprehensive story of the nation’s history from a Maryland perspective. The museum’s permanent exhibit, which was also designed by Adler Display, highlights female entrepreneurship in early America through the struggles and successes of the Young-Pickersgill family who were contracted to sew the original Star-Spangled Banner.

The selected artists are:

Flag House institutional goals for this exhibit are to:

• Communicate a diverse and inclusive story about America’s past successes and failures
  that invites individual participation from Marylanders from across the state; and
• Encourage reflection on the ongoing evolution of American democracy, Maryland’s
  integral role in that process, and underscore the broader impact of individuals on the
  direction and achievements of the nation’s past, present, and future; and
• Demonstrate the complexity of history and the limits of the current identifications of
  American identity; and
• Highlight the state’s rich history while engaging visitors and fellow citizens alike.

Questions can be directed to Executive Director Chris Sniezek: csniezek@flaghouse.org.

A big thank you to our partners and sponsors!

Partners:

Pride of Baltimore II & Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine  

Sponsors:

National Endowment for the Humanities Celebrate America! Grant

Middendorf Foundation, Inc.

William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund and the Baker Artist Portfolios

Maryland 250th Commission

This project has been financed in part with State funds from the Maryland 250 Commission, an instrumentality of the State of Maryland. Project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the State or Maryland 250 Commission.