Inside the Hellenic Heritage Museum of Maryland

Centrally located in Baltimore's Mount Vernon District, the Hellenic Heritage Museum of Maryland occupies a portion of the Theodore George Library of the Annunciation Orthodox Center. Upon entering, you are greeted by two figures in native dress, creating a gateway to the history of Maryland's Greek community. This spectacular collection of costume dolls illustrates the rich variety of the many islands and mainland regions representative of the first immigrants that arrived here from different areas of Greece and Asia Minor. These early immigrants brought prized possessions, creating a vibrant living heritage for their children. They were quick to establish churches to preserve the Orthodox faith for themselves and for future generations. Their homes housed small shrines of cherished icons, often of patron saints, holy lights, and incense burners. They celebrated their music, folklore, and traditions. They plunged into businesses and educated their children, who rose to prominence in education, medicine, law, business, and politics, such as Paul S. Sarbanes, the first Greek American to enter the U.S. Senate. Plan on visiting the Hellenic Heritage Museum of Maryland to witness firsthand our rich heritage.