UMB Staff
Ever wanted to see the gravesite of famed writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe? Learn about the teeth of President George Washington? Or see nursing uniforms from the 1800s? You can do all of this on the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) campus.
Founded in 1807, UMB has many historical treasures. Below we break down some of the museums and other historical sites you can visit at UMB.
WESTMINSTER HALL AND BURYING GROUND
University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
519 W. Fayette St., Baltimore, MD 21201
Guests can explore one of Baltimore’s oldest cemeteries, which contains tombs of prominent political, military, and business leaders; four of the city’s earliest mayors; and a number of generals from the American Revolution and War of 1812. Most notable is the grave of Edgar Allan Poe, with a monument dedicated to the famed writer prominent at the entrance of the cemetery.
More information: westminsterhall.org/tours
JOSEPH U. DORSCH SR., BSP ’39, PHARMACY MUSEUM
University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
20 N. Pine St., Baltimore, MD 21201
Named in memory of an alumnus and beloved Baltimore community pharmacist, this beautiful space contains historical items of importance to the pharmacy profession and the school, such as unique glass bottles, jars, prescriptions, and other artifacts donated by alumni. Among the items on display are the diplomas of School of Pharmacy graduates Alpheus Sharp (Class of 1842) and Louis Dohme (Class of 1857), who co-founded the company Merck, Sharp, and Dohme.
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
University of Maryland School of Nursing
655 W. Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201
The state of Maryland’s only museum dedicated to nursing honors the critical role of nurses and chronicles the continuing story of the profession. Historic objects and exhibits in the museum interpret the evolution of nursing education, practice, and research, centering on the School of Nursing and its alumni.
More information: nursing.umaryland.edu/museum
DR. SAMUEL D. HARRIS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DENTISTRY
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
31 S. Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201
This museum celebrates the past, present, and future of dentistry while sharing the importance of a healthy mouth in a healthy life. Its extensive collection of 50,000-plus objects — dental instruments and equipment, pop culture and personal oral care items, artwork, and everything in between — is one of the largest and oldest collections in the world related to dentistry.
More information: dentalmuseum.com
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS DEPARTMENT
Health Sciences and Human Services Library
601 W. Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201
This area on the library’s fifth floor serves as an archival repository for UMB, documenting the history and accomplishments of the Graduate School and the schools of dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and social work. The collection includes school publications, manuscript collections, and selected primary source documents dating back to the University’s 19th-century origins.
More information: www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu/hshsl/resources/historical
DAVIDGE HALL
522 W. Lombard St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Building currently closed during renovations
Davidge Hall, formerly known as the College of Medicine of Maryland, opened in Baltimore in November 1812 and survives as the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere continuously used for medical education. Davidge Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, houses offices, museum artifacts, a conference room, and two superimposed round amphitheaters (Chemical Hall and Anatomical Hall) with surrounding galleries. It is the founding building of the University of Maryland, Baltimore and the University System of Maryland.
More information: umaryland.edu/about-umb/davidge-hall
