#United States #Baltimore #Maryland Center #WayFinder Wing #Maryland History

Exciting Launch of the New WayFinder Wing

The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is set to celebrate a significant milestone in its mission to educate the public about Maryland's rich history. On March 26, 2026, the Center will unveil its newly renovated WayFinder Wing, a vibrant addition designed to foster interactive learning and community engagement among families.

Located on the first floor of the Thomas Hugg Memorial Building, the WayFinder Wing is the result of a substantial $2 million renovation aimed at enhancing accessibility and modernizing facilities to create a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages. The newly designed space features state-of-the-art installations, including refreshed amenities, and a focus on family-centric educational experiences.

A key highlight of this transformation is the opening of the permanent exhibition titled WayFinders: Making Sense of Our World. This exhibition targets children aged 5 to 11 and encapsulates a hands-on, sensory approach to exploring Maryland’s history. Designed to cater to young visitors and their families, it invites everyone to engage with the narrative of the state in a dynamic and immersive way.

Katie Caljean, the president and CEO of MCHC, expressed her enthusiasm about this new wing. She stated, "The WayFinder Wing represents an exciting evolution for MCHC and the families we serve. By reimagining the first floor as a place for exploration, creativity, and connection, we are creating new ways for visitors to engage with history, making that experience more dynamic for the next generation."

In addition to the exhibition, the WayFinder Wing will house several community-oriented spaces, including a T. Rowe Price Community Gallery, envisioned as a venue for local artists and art interpretation. The gallery will support various workshops and educational programs facilitated by PNC, extending the learning experience through hands-on activities for families and school groups.

Margot Kopera, Director of Learning and Interpretation at MCHC, emphasized the significance of the new spaces in enhancing visitor experiences: "The new WayFinder Wing gives us the space and flexibility to create richer learning experiences for visitors of all ages, especially children and family groups. From the Community Gallery to workshops and hands-on environments, these new spaces support curiosity, creativity, and discovery, helping visitors engage with history in ways that are participatory, memorable, and meaningful."

The official public opening of the WayFinder Wing and the WayFinders exhibit will commence at 12 p.m. on March 26, 2026, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony. To further celebrate, MCHC will host WayFinder Weekend workshops on March 28, offering additional hands-on experiences led by local artists Annie Howe and Laure Drogoul. Families will enjoy free admission to the museum during the experiential workshops from 1 to 4 pm.

For anyone desiring to participate in the WayFinder Weekend workshop, pre-registration is required at www.mdhistory.org/calendar/wayfinder-family-workshop-weekend.

This renovation marks a significant leap towards equipping the Maryland Center for History and Culture with the tools necessary to entice and educate the community. By embracing innovative methods in teaching history, the MCHC is poised to create a lasting impact that resonates with families and encourages a deeper understanding of the past. The museum's resources and programs strive to inspire critical thinking and a connection to Maryland's diverse heritage.

In conclusion, with the addition of the WayFinder Wing, the Maryland Center for History and Culture reinforces its commitment to making history more accessible and engaging. Families, educators, and community members are encouraged to explore this exciting new chapter in Maryland's historical narrative.

For more information on the opening week events, visiting hours, and additional MCHC offerings, please visit mdhistory.org.