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Reginald F. Lewis Museum reports rising visitorship, new exhibits and branding support amid steady state grant
Summary
The Maryland African American Museum Corporation said attendance and membership have grown, announced a Lynching in Maryland installation and a children's zone, and reported donors and pro bono branding work while asking for continued state grant support.
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s leadership told the Appropriations Education and Economic Development Subcommittee that visitor numbers and membership are rising after expanded programming and outreach, while state support is budgeted at a level funded grant.
Natalie Freeman, the museum’s executive director, said fiscal 2024 ended with a strong Juneteenth celebration and that fiscal 2025 visitor counts rose substantially in the first six months; the museum reported nearly 700 guests for its recent free MLK Day program. Freeman said the governor’s fiscal 2026 allowance for the Maryland African American Museum Corporation (MAAMC) is level funded at $2.7 million and that total operating revenue is projected at roughly $6.32 million.
DLS analyst presented the agency’s budget details, which show personnel at about 53% of the budget and small increases in technical and special fees. Exhibit data in the written analysis show charitable contributions decreased modestly in 2024 to about $1.01 million compared with 2023.
Freeman described program and exhibit plans: a new permanent‑exhibit installation called Lynching in Maryland opened in October (funded by a federal appropriation) and the museum will open a children’s zone in late 2025/early 2026. She said professional volunteers and donated branding and communications services—valued at about $350,000—are supporting outreach and a planned brand refresh.
Freeman acknowledged fundraising remains a challenge and noted capital expenses for an aging facility. The museum seeks to increase docent numbers and is formalizing docent training to ensure accurate public interpretation. There were no formal votes at the conclusion of the hearing.
