Best Offbeat Museums In Baltimore
Edgar Allan Poe Society Of Baltimore
203 N Amity St
Baltimore, MD 21223
410-396-7932
www.eapoe.org
The famous poet Edgar Allan Poe has had a lasting effect on the city of Baltimore. With statues, taverns and a professional football team named in his honor, Poe's life has become immortalized by the Charm City. On North Amity Street, you can visit Poe's old home which has since been converted into a museum with many of Poe's family household items on display. Close by, you can visit Poe's final resting spot at Westminster Hall. The museum is open between April and November.
National Museum Of Dentistry
31 South Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-706-0600
www.dentalmuseum.org
Did you know the first toothbrush was made with bone and boar's hair? It would have been useful for President George Washington, of which you can see his dentures on display at the National Museum of Dentistry. Children will learn the importance for good oral health, and the same goes to adults who avoid flossing. There are monthly events that cover toothbrushes and dental practices from years past. An Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of Dentistry is filled with innovative exhibits and will leave a smile on your face.
The Star Toys Museum
811 Camp Meade Road
Linthicum, MD 21090
410-859-1261
www.readersadvice.com/museum
It was the movie that started the merchandise craze, and here in Maryland, Thomas Atkinson has created a museum celebrating everything Star Wars. With entire collections of Kenner and Hasbro toys, the Star Toys Museum at Meerkat Meade has over 12,000 Star Wars items. Visitors are welcomed by appointment, and the museum is always open to donations and trades. From a R2-D2 action figure, grew a collection containing everything from cookie boxes to wallpaper and kites. Return to the planet of Coruscant with wall-to-wall memorabilia and as always, "may the force be with you."
The Ward Museum Of Wildfowl Art
909 South Schumaker Drive
Salisbury, Maryland
410-742-4988
www.wardmuseum.org
The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art is based at Salisbury University and has grown from the legacy of Lemuel and Stephen Ward. From early bird carvings of decoy fowl to celebrated works of art, the Ward Museum is the world's largest public collection of decorative wildfowl art. The Ward Museum provides a quality educational experience of the wildlife the art resembles. Hike along three miles of trail that connects the Ward Museum to the Salisbury Zoo and Salisbury Marina. The Ward World Championship is also held annually in Ocean City as over 1,000 artists compete in exhibitions of talent and showcase their work.
The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
1601-03 East North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21213
410-563-3404
www.greatblacksinwax.org
Preserving African American history with life-size wax figures, The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum is one of the most unique cultural and educational museums in the country. With over 100 wax figures and scenes, the museum covers the 400 year history of the Atlantic Slave Trade and highlights today's strong African American role models. President Barak Obama is one of the newest editions to the museum that honors other notable leaders such as General Colin Powell and Nelson Mandela. There is an exhibit honoring Outstanding Marylanders including Dr. Benjamin Carson, Senator Clarence Blount and Mary Carter Smith. Daily tours and school tours are available at America's first and only wax museum of African American history and culture.
