Today we highlight Maryland native and Banneker-Douglass Museum’s namesake, Benjamin Banneker. Banneker was born on November 9, 1731. and was a largely self-educated, free African-American scientist. He is most famous for his widely published almanacs (1792-1797) for which he calculated the daily locations of stars and planets and accurately forecast lunar and solar eclipses. His almanacs also included opinion pieces, literature, and medical and tidal information.
His other achievements include constructing a wooden clock despite having seen only one other timepiece in his life, and assisting Major Andrew Ellicott in surveying the borders of the original federal capital of the District of Columbia.
To learn more, come to the museum and see our permanent exhibit, “Deep Roots, Rising Waters: A Celebration of African Americans in Maryland” which features Benjamin Banneker and other notables who shaped Maryland’s history.
Banneker-Douglass Museum Tours
Come visit our permanent exhibit, “Deep Roots, Rising Waters” which chronicles African American history in Maryland from 1633 through present day.
Click here for more information or to schedule your tour.
Banneker-Douglass MuseumSpace Rentals
Have an upcoming special event or meeting? Banneker-Douglass Museum is the perfect venue for gatherings, weddings, meetings, and legislative events. Book space for your special occasion today!
Click here for more information on space rentals.
The Banneker-Douglass Museum is supported by the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, which is a unit of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives.