Baltimore: Destination for African American Family Reunions

Since the emancipation, African American family reunions have long been a part of the community’s culture. After the abolishment of slavery and many slaves freed, families began placing ads in newspapers and searching nearby farms and plantations in search of long-lost relatives separated because of the slave trade. Family reunions became a great way to reconnect with their loved ones and trace their roots and lineage. Up to these days, multi-generational reunions and get-togethers play an important role in African American families and it became a huge sector of African American travel and tourism.

No matter what the size of the get-together your family is planning, Baltimore is a great place to visit for your next family reunion tour. Being a port city and one of the earliest ports where the slave ships from Africa arrived, the city of Baltimore has a strong connection to the African American community. The city is rich in history and has a vibrant African American culture ingrained in its core. Dubbed as America’s Charm City, Baltimore has a diverse selection of sites to visit and activities to experience for all ages that will make your next family reunion extra memorable. 

World Class African American Heritage Museum

Located in 830 E Pratt Street, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum established in honor of Reginald F. Lewis, an African-American lawyer and among the richest men of color in the 1980s, is the premier destination for Maryland's black history and culture. In addition to its great exhibitions, the museum offers a range of appealing activities to its guests. These include workshops for kids, musical productions, and lectures. Researchers can also take advantage of their extensive references to genealogy.

Meet the Greatest Colored People of History

Commemorating the ventures of excellent people of African-American descent, this museum was established by Dr. Elmer and Joanne Martin with probably the world-famous Madame Tussaud's as the inspiration. The institute boasts its collection of more than 150 life-sized and life-like wax figures of people of color who played important parts in the US and world history. In addition to these images, it likewise shows various artifacts on African-American history such as a recreation of a slave ship that as soon as docked the ports of Baltimore. The exhibits likewise provide the visitors a glance at the contribution of African-Americans on different fields from war and politics to civil liberties movements around the world to science and technology and the arts and literature.

Celebrate Jazz Music

Most likely the highlight of any trip on Pennsylvania Avenue is a stop to the Eubie Blake Jazz Museum and Cultural Center. From its founding, the center named after Baltimore's jazz legend has been helping in the promo of the arts to young artists of the city. It constantly influences emerging musicians to follow Eubie Blake's footsteps. Through its extensive library of sheet music and videos, visitors and musicians alike can discover and explore the music produced during the Harlem Renaissance period. Visitors might likewise see up-and-coming artists in the center's performance hall.

Have a Taste of Baltimore

Being a port city, Baltimore has a wide array of flavors to choose from. Several of its neighborhoods and districts are popular for their cafes and restaurants that offer delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. Be immersed in the scents and flavors that Fells Point, Federal Hill, Little Italy, Jonestown, and Mt. Vernon have to offer. Visit the historic public markers in Lexington, Cross Street, and Broadway and have a taste of unique food that has been handed down from generation to generation. The food and dining choices are endless, from traditional Polish restaurants, Jewish cuisine, authentic Italian flavors to local seafood shacks.

African Americans and the History of Railroads

Learn about the contributions of African Americans at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. The museum is housed in the historic Mount Clare Station dubbed as the birthplace of American railroads. Throughout its history, several great men of color were employed in their service for various jobs. The museum also boasts a wide collection of 250 pieces of railroad rolling stock, 15,000 artifacts, and 5,000 cubic feet of archival material. The little ones will not be bored in this museum as they have attractions dedicated to the young and young at heart. Kids can climb and play in its wooden model train for children. The museum hosts an annual Day Out with Thomas event, complete with a non-powered Thomas the Tank Engine replica.

Pirates of Fells Point

One unique way to see Baltimore and a one-of-a-kind experience for your family reunion are sailing the city’s harbor aboard the Fearless, Urban Pirate’s full-sized replica of a pirate ship. If you’re a big family, you can rent out the whole ship for an exclusive tour. The crew will lead you to fun activities that everyone will enjoy. Set out for an adventure and let the kids fire the water cannons to defend the treasure that your ship is carrying. 

Travel Back in Time 

The city of Baltimore is rich in history. Right at the coast of Chesapeake Bay, the pentagonal bastion of Fort McHenry is located. The successful defense of this fort played a significant part in the success of the Battle of Baltimore against invading British forces. The garrison flag raised on this fort during that battle inspired the words that became the lyrics of America’s national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. At the fort, you can witness history with the reenactment of the War of 1812 complete with guards on costumes and accurate recreation of the artillery of the time. Also in the city is the Star-Spangled Banner House and Museum that houses more artifacts related to the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of the words of the anthem, The museum also displays a replica of the garrison flag flown in Fort McHenry. 

Be Close to Nature and Wildlife

Baltimore is home to two great attractions that allow visitors to get up close and personal with nature and wildlife in the middle of a buzzing city. The National Aquarium in 501 East Pratt Street on Pier 3 is recognized as one of the best aquariums to visit in the United States. The aquarium takes pride in its permanent exhibits of diverse marine wildlife and habitats including the Upland Tropical Rain Forest, a multiple-story Atlantic Coral Reef, an open ocean shark tank, and Australia: Wild Extremes. After exploring the depths of the ocean, pay a visit to one of the United States’ oldest zoos, the Maryland Zoo. Nestled in 135-acre land in Druid Hill Park, the zoological garden features an extensive collection of African animals, North American wildlife, and endemic Maryland species. The zoo offers its visitors varied interactive programs including its signature Behind-the-Scenes program, which allows visitors to see a different view on how the zoo operates and lets guests get more up-close with the animals.