Baltimore, MD

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Exhibit Design: Proun Design, LLC
Exhibit Fabrication: Bluebird Graphic Solutions, Inc
Illustration: Kim Holt, Keisha Morris
Community Engagement: Mountain Top Vision
Early Childhood Education Consultant: Ariel Moon
Photography: Tevin D Washington
Budget: $450k
Size: 620sf
Opened: 2026

Did you know that Matthew Henson, an African American from Maryland, was the first person to reach the North Pole alongside Robert Peary? Or that Harriet Tubman—not only a freedom fighter who liberated more than 70 enslaved people—also served as a spy for the Union Army? Or that Marylander Ta-Nehisi Coates authored several Black Panther graphic novels?

The new Kid Zone exhibit at The Lewis Museum celebrates Maryland’s rich African American history through colorful, hands-on experiences designed to engage, inspire, and build pride. Children can explore a playfully illustrated map of Maryland populated with artifacts from The Lewis collection, dance at the Express Yourself! station, or learn how to be an Upstander in their community. Other displays highlight African American athletes, artists, and cultural leaders past and present, while a tented area provides an opportunity to relax with a book.

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