In Freedom’s Name commemorates the contributions of Black Americans to the defense of the United States and the expansion of freedom around the world. The exhibit narrates that national story through the contributions of 75 Marylanders, men and women, from 1634 through today. Displayed on 43 panels, each roughly 7 ft tall by 3 ft wide, the exhibit is highly transportable. The State of Maryland named it Maryland’s Black History Exhibit for 2023; it recently completed a 10-month display at Maryland’s capital, Annapolis.
The display was largely the work of Stevenson University faculty and students who conceptualized, researched, interpreted, curated, and designed the exhibit, with funding from the Baltimore National Heritage Area and private donors. The exhibit is a product of Stevenson University and the Maryland Military Historical Society and was co-curated by Stevenson history professor Glenn T Johnston and African American historian Louis S. Diggs.
Since its debut in 2017, In Freedom’s Name has been exhibited by Morgan State University, the libraries of Frederick, Prince George’s, Howard, Baltimore, and Cecil Counties, as well as the Enoch Pratt Library in the City of Baltimore. In Freedom’s Name has also appeared in Baltimore at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, the 5th Regiment Armory, the Baltimore Convention Center, and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration headquarters in Glen Burnie. Approximately 15,000 people have viewed In Freedom’s Name.
Portions of the In Freedom’s Name exhibit have been chosen for display at two local National Park Service sites as part of their Juneteenth commemoration. Currently, 26 of the exhibit’s 43 panels (60%) are on display at Fort McHenry National Historic Site and Shrine in Baltimore as well as Hampton National Historic Site in Towson. (photos attached) Split between the two sites, the panels were chosen based on their relevance to the history of Fort McHenry and Hampton Mansion. The panels will be on display throughout the month of June.
As keepers of America’s story, the NPS has long been discriminating in terms of the materials they allow to be displayed on their properties. Those materials must display qualities that reflect the highest scholarship, a commitment to public history, and relevance to our national story. Their choice of In Freedom’s Name for display as part of their Juneteenth activities reflects with great honor the work of Stevenson’s students and faculty.
A 33-minute film was made about the exhibit by the Baltimore National Heritage Area. The film debuted on “Defenders Day” at the Enoch Pratt Main Library in Baltimore on September 12, 2023. It is available on YouTube under the title In Freedom’s Name (Veterans Day). The video is introduced by MG Janeen Birckhead, commander of Maryland’s military forces.