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RG 21 Municipal Museum
History
Baltimore established the Municipal Museum (commonly referred
to as the Peale Museum) in 1931 following a public protest against the
sale and possible demolition of the old museum building. Constructed
in 1814 as the first museum building in the United States, the owner
(and artist) Rembrandt Peale originally christened the building the
"Baltimore Museum and Gallery of Paintings." The museum survived
until 1833 when lack of funds caused the sale and dispersal of its
contents. Soon afterward, the municipality acquired the building and
used it as a city hall (until 1875), a public school (1876-87), and
offices of the water board (1887-1915). In 1915, the facility
reverted to private control and was used for business purposes until
the city purchased it in 1931. The federal government declared the
building a National Historical Landmark in 1966.
Since 1931 the museum has collected paintings, prints,
photographs, furniture, and decorative arts related to Baltimore, and
sponsored lectures, publications, exhibitions, and other educational
programs on the city's history. Starting in the mid-1950s and lasting
through the 1960s, the museum was a driving force in the beginning of
a historic preservation movement in Baltimore. The museum also
operates the Carroll Mansion, the Washington Monument, and the Old
Town Meeting House.
Records Summary
With the exception of a small portion of original construction
records, the materials in this record group date from the city's
establishment of the museum in 1931. Most of the documentation
consists of administrative files relating to the daily operation of
the facility. Subjects covered are exhibits, acquisitions,
publications, historic preservation efforts, public relations, and
other administrative activities.
Series
1. Board of Trustees minutes. 1931-present. 0.45 cu. ft.
(1 box).
Arranged chronologically.
2. Gifts to the Municipal Museum. 1967-78. 2 reels of
microfilm. Restricted.
Arranged by subject.
3. Loans to and from the Municipal Museum. 1969-79. 1 reel
of microfilm. Restricted.
Arranged by subject.
4. Administrative Files. 1931-81. 9.45 cu. ft. (21 boxes).
File folder listing.
Arranged alphabetically by subject title.
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