Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum | Baltimore, MD

The Banneker Historical Park & Museum, established on the very land purchased by Robert and Mary Banneker in 1734, serves as an educational institution to preserve the history of Benjamin Banneker, as well as the cultural and natural history of early American times. The Museum offers an array of special events in history, visual and performing arts, science and the environment. exhibition and firm screenings are regular on-going programs of the Museum.

The Museum’s Collection is extensive and diverse, from archaeological artifacts of the Bannekers’ era (including pieces of lens, lead pencils, and instruments most likely used by Benjamin Banneker himself), to artifacts formerly held by the Ellicott family — best friends of Banneker (including his work table, candle molds, candlesticks), to books and other publications donated to the Museum, especially on African-American history.

Most of the 142-acre Banneker Park is stream valley woodland, dedicated to the conservation of wildlife habitat and the preservation of the natural history of our land. This historic park features panoramic nature trails, archaeological sites, and living history areas which recreate the colonial farm and life of the Bannekers.

Find out more about Maryland’s black heritage sites and attractions in the Maryland African American Heritage Guide.

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Banneker Historical Park & Museum
300 Oella Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21228
Phone: 410-887-1081
Website: N/A
Map & Driving Directions

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Who Was Benjamin Banneker?

Benjamin Banneker was a self-educated scientist at a time when most African Americans were slaves. Born a free black man in the British Colony of Maryland in 1731, he received some formal education, but he mostly borrowed books and taught himself science and mathematics. At 22, he borrowed a pocket watch, and without any training, figured out how to carve a working wooden clock that chimed each hour. Because of this clock, he became well known and people would visit him just to see his creation.

Banneker ran his family farm for many years, but when he was in his late 50s, a neighbor’s son lent him a telescope. He became interested in astronomy, the study of the planets and stars, and again taught himself a new science. He made calculations of tides, sunrises and sunsets, and even predicted an eclipse. For several years he published an almanac of these calculations. Today, he is best known for publishing six almanacs, called “Benjamin Banneker’s Almanac,” between 1792 and 1797.

In the 1790s, Banneker also helped survey and lay out the land for Washington, D.C., which became the nation’s capital.