Baltimore Heritage

We Dig Hampstead Hill! Searching for the War of 1812 in Patterson Park

Patterson Park, known as Hampstead Hill in the early 1800s, was the site of Baltimore’s major defensive position against a British land invasion in the War of 1812. With funding from the Maryland Heritage Area Authority and the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program, Baltimore Heritage is undertaking an archaeological investigation of Patterson Park in spring 2014. Learn more about this project or about archeology in Baltimore.

Documentation and Designation in West Baltimore

We are working to connect historic preservation and community revitalization in historic West Baltimore neighborhoods, focused around the US 40 corridor, proposed for the development of the Red Line light rail route. One of our major initiatives is the documentation and designation of historic landmarks in Midtown Edmondson and Greater Rosemont. Learn more about preservation in West Baltimore or take a look at our digital publications for the Landmarks on the Red Line.

Advocating for Preservation on Downtown’s West Side

From the late 1700s through the 1940s, the West Side grew as a vital center of transportation, commerce, and cultural life. Unfortunately, in the late 20th century retail shopping and investment drifted out to Baltimore’s suburbs, many of these businesses closed, and their buildings began to decay from neglect. Baltimore Heritage and our partners are continuing to advocate for the preservation-based revitalization of this historic downtown Baltimore neighborhood. Learn more about this issue.

Organizing the Friends of West Baltimore Squares

The Friends of West Baltimore Squares is a new initiative started in partnership with the Parks & People Foundation and neighborhood organizations in West and Southwest Baltimore to organize support for Franklin Square, Harlem Park, Lafayette Square, Perkins Square and Union Square, through events, outreach and advocacy. Visit the Friends of West Baltimore Squares or our project page to learn more about this project.

Building Support for Baltimore’s Hebrew Orphan Asylum

Baltimore Heritage is currently working in partnership with the Coppin Heights CDC and Coppin State University to preserve and plan the rehabilitation of the Hebrew Orphan Asylum building. Built in 1876, the Hebrew Orphan Asylum the oldest purpose-built Jewish orphanage in the nation. Learn more about this issue.

Restoring Clifton Mansion with CivicWorks

Baltimore Heritage is working closely with the Friends of Clifton Mansion, Civic Works, the youth training program that occupies the Mansion, and the Henry Thompson of Clifton Society, to promote the historic importance of the Mansion and its role in Baltimore’s future. Learn more about this campaign.