A Message from the Executive Director

Aerial view of whirley crane located at the BMI.

We're almost there! Thanks to a generous award from the State of Maryland and the support of donors throughout the State, the historic shipyard crane that marks the museum's campus will soon have a "make-over." Keep an eye on the crane as its transformation begins this coming fall, with structural repairs and a gleaming coat of paint.

Throughout our campaign for the crane--which we launched in 2016 with an online, crowd-sourced fund drive--I have been impressed and humbled by the community's deep affection for this venerable object.

Perhaps the public's enthusiasm for the crane should come as no surprise, given its proud legacy: Constructed in 1942, our whirley (so-called because it could rotate a full 360 degrees) saw long service at the Bethlehem Steel shipyards, where it helped build Liberty and Victory ships during WWII. The crane kept busy after the war, converting naval vessels to civilian use.

Crane being transported to the BMI on a barge.
When our whirley retired from service in the 1980s, it was donated to the museum, where it's stood sentinel ever since. But years of exposure to the elements have taken their toll. To passers-by on Key Highway, our crane now looks like little more than the rusted relic of a bygone industrial era.

That will change very soon. We are grateful to the many individuals, corporations, foundations, and public funders who are helping to make our crane's on-going transformation possible, and we look forward to the day when-fully restored and dramatically lit-the crane takes its place as a symbol of economic progress and a beacon on Baltimore's skyline.

Sincerely,
Anita
You Can Still Help Save the Crane

It's not too late to participate in our Save the Crane campaign! Your support is essential to take us to the finish line.
Celebrate Independence Day at the BMI!
A young visitor celebrating Independence Day at the BMI.
Family enjoying 2017 fireworks.
Grab the best seat in the city to watch fireworks on July 4 th Bring your own picnic or buy treats from the Miss Twist ice cream truck or Kooper's Chowhound onsite. The Dapper DJ's will provide family-friendly music on vintage equipment. Museum galleries will be open-and air-conditioned! Families will enjoy free hands-on activities for kids.

Your ticket includes parking for one car and museum admission for all passengers. In addition, a limited number of tables are available for advance purchase. This is a sell-out event every year so don't delay in purchasing tickets  here. Gates open at 6pm.

Tickets are $45 members / $55 non-members.

Event will be held rain or shine. For safety reasons, pets, glass bottles, grills, and sparklers are not permitted.

Independence Day Celebration |July 4 | 6 PM - 10 PM

Enjoy the best view of fireworks in the city at this family-friendly event.  Tickets sell out quickly. Buy yours today!
Howard Bank CEO Named  Industrialist of the Year
The Baltimore Museum of Industry will honor Mary Ann Scully as our fifteenth annual William Donald Schaefer Industrialist of the Year at a luncheon on Thursday, June 14, 2018.
 
Scully is the Chief Executive Officer of Howard Bank and chairs the bank's board of directors. With its acquisition of 1 st Mariner Bank in early 2018, Howard Bank became one of the city's marquee community banks, with consolidated assets of approximately $1.1 billion. With headquarters now in Baltimore, Howard Bank serves small and medium-sized businesses with branches throughout the Greater Baltimore region, as well as homebuyers through its mortgage offices.

Named for the city's former mayor and one of the early champions of the museum, the Industrialist of the Year award was introduced in 2004 to recognize and celebrate Maryland's visionary business leaders distinguished by their innovative approaches to industry and dedication to the well-being of their communities. Presented during the annual luncheon at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, the award raises funds in support of the BMI's educational programs. Each year, the museum's hands-on programs serve more than 80,000 school visitors and enhance the state curriculum standards in social studies, language arts, math and science.

Anita Kassof, executive director of the Baltimore Museum of Industry, says, "We are thrilled to be honoring Mary Ann, who is an inspiring leader with a long record of service to the community. Her commitment to helping foster growth in Baltimore's businesses exemplifies the spirit of the award."
 
Please note that the museum will be closed on June 14 except to event ticket holders.

Industrialist of the Year 2018 | June 14 | 11 AM - 2 PM

For information and tickets to this premier business networking event, please click the link .
Upcoming Programs at the BMI
Food Truck Rally Food trucks are back at the BMI! Join Maryland Best Food Trucks   for an exclusive, free Food Truck Rally on the waterfront featuring 16 amazing food trucks, local vendors, family-friendly activities, a bar and Grayson Moon Music  live! Tips and a portion of bar sales will be donated to BARCS Animal Shelter .    
WHEN  Fri, June 22 | 5 PM-9 PM
COST   Free admission; food and drink for sale

Wee Workers graphic
Wee Workers | Preschoolers will love this program just for them. Explore the museum's galleries through stories, songs, crafts, and pint-size tours with a weekly theme.
WHEN  Tuesdays | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
COST  Kids: Free; Adults: $5; BMI Members: Free. 
Advance registration suggested, contact  kedelmann@thebmi.org  or 410.727.4808 x132
UPCOMING THEMES  JUN 12 : Father's Day | JUN 19 : End of Year Party 

Weekend Workers | It's all about fun as you discover how things work. These engaging activities allow children of all ages to investigate the world around them.
WHEN  Saturdays | 11 AM-2 PM unless noted
COST  Free with museum admission
UPCOMING THEMES   JUN 9 : Industrial Jewelry | JUN 16 : Design a Magnet Sculpture | JUN  23: Paper Circuits | JUN 30: Assembling Computers
Baltimore Museum of Industry | www.thebmi.org |410.727.4808

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