Annapolis, Maryland. Blue crab art sculpture at Annapolis Maritime Museum overlooking water at sunset. Annapolis Maritime Museum

New Look at an Old Favorite Just in time to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Annapolis Maritime Museum is revamping its 2,500-square foot space and is slated to reopen with new permanent exhibits in April 2020. The new state-of-the-art, high tech, high touch gallery will remain true to the museum’s mission – focusing on three primary themes: Bay Health, Oyster Economy and Annapolis Waters. The museum is also expected to begin offering heritage tours aboard its recently acquired and refurbished skipjack, the Wilma Lee. It is one of only 22 skipjacks remaining on the Chesapeake Bay. Located in the last remaining oyster packing plant in the area – the McNasby Oyster Packing Plant – Annapolis Maritime Museum was last renovated in 2008, five years after it was severely damaged by Hurricane Isabel. While the museum is closed for renovations, its winter lecture series and Oyster Roast and Sock Burning are continuing as planned.

Saluting Voices of Freedom The Maryland State Archives will be unveiling bronze statues of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass in the Old House of Delegates Chamber of the Maryland State House during a public program on February 15, 2020. The Tubman sculpture stands at 5’2”, and the Douglass sculpture is 6’2” – the actual heights of the two individuals. The Douglass statue depicts him at the moment the Maryland Constitution of 1864 was ratified in the House of Delegates Chamber. The Maryland Constitution freed enslaved individuals in Maryland. The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 only freed slaves in states that had seceded from the Union. Neither Douglass nor Tubman were in the House of Delegates Chamber when the Maryland Constitution was ratified. Until the moment of ratification, they would not have been allowed in the State House. The statues are being placed in the Chamber as silent witnesses to the significant moment in history. Because of the 1864 interpretation, the statue of Tubman depicts a younger version of the abolitionist and political activist than most people are familiar with. It’s modeled after an image of Tubman that was discovered a few years ago. She appears to be in her 40s. Tubman and Douglass were slaves who became abolitionist heroes after fleeing Maryland in search of freedom.

National Electronics Museum

Equipping Young Minds with Tools for Success The National Electronics Museum plans to open a permanent workshop and children’s discovery area by the end of 2020. To make way for the new discovery area, the museum is clearing thousands of books out of its library. Individuals interested in acquiring books about science, the history of electronics, engineering, airplanes, rockets and more can do so for just $1 per book, in most instances.

At the end of January 2020, the museum will launch an education newsletter that will let fourth grade through high school teachers know how new workshops posted on the museum website in December 2019 will tie in with the Anne Arundel County school curriculum.

In 2019, the museum acquired a Sabreliner plane that was used by Westinghouse/Northrop Grumman to develop radar for F16 fighter jets. In February 2020, the museum will open a new temporary exhibit about African American electronics pioneer, Lewis Latimer. The son of freed slaves was a self-taught draftsman who became the head draftsman of a law firm that helped Alexander Graham Bell develop patents for the telephone in the 1800s. He set up lighting systems along the East Coast and worked for six different lighting companies that competed with Thomas Edison. Eventually, He became an expert witness for Thomas Edison in patent battles with Edison’s competitors. The exhibit runs through June 30.

By March 1, 2020, the museum’s newly refurbished Pioneer Hall will have newly installed state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. The museum welcomes business and technical societies to host luncheons, receptions, dinners and meetings in a museum atmosphere in the 4,000 square foot hall that accommodates approximately 160 people seated and approximately 250 in theatre-style fashion. The museum’s conference room seats 14 individuals around its main table, with room for an additional 13 individuals around the perimeter of the room.

The Hall! at Live! Casino & Hotel

Now Performing: The Hall! at Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel Live! Casino & Hotel is welcoming guests to The Hall at Live!, a new 75,000-square-foot, three-story, multi-use concert and event venue that is featuring some of the nation’s best touring acts, comedians, championship boxing and other show-stopping entertainment. The 4,000-seat concert venue includes VIP boxes with plush seating and balcony views of the built-in performance stage that’s equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.

Featuring 40,000-square-feet of customizable space and banquet seating for up to 1,600, The Hall at Live! will be a logical choice for corporate retreats, meetings, weddings and other celebrations. The venue includes a lavish pre-function space and four breakout rooms within the Grand Ballroom. The contemporary and modern design includes reflective mirrored wall sconces, rich wood wall paneling, and life-size wall art.

A grand staircase and chandelier connects the lobby to the main entrance, which is steps away from the casino floor and the AAA Four Diamond-rated luxury accommodations of Live! Hotel. Perfect for corporate retreats and meetings, there are exciting activities for a variety of interests throughout the gaming and entertainment destination. It’s also ideal for bridal parties – since the bride can enjoy pampering in a Live! Spa Suite, while the groomsmen celebrate a pre-‘I Do’ cigar in the Orchid Gaming & Smoking Patio.

Finally, The Hall at Live! will be the host location for Anne Arundel County high school and college graduations, as well as community events, free of charge.