Reginald F Lewis Museum

This Smithsonian Affiliate offers a special emphasis on Maryland’s African American history.

Reginald F. Lewis was a Baltimore native who was the first African American to head a billion-dollar business – one that he built. Before his untimely death, he wanted to give back to his hometown and build a museum that would celebrate African American history and culture. The idea took hold in the state legislature and with the support of numerous people – civic leaders, philanthropists, citizens, and multitudes of supporters – the museum opened its doors in 2005.