Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland

Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture is the premier experience and best resource for information and inspiration about the lives of African American Marylanders. Their Exhibits explore local African-American heritage through themes of family, community, slavery and art.

The Lewis Museum has over 400 years of history in its permanent collection. Take a journey through Maryland African American history in the areas of industry, politics, leisure activities, sports, media, the arts, education, the military and more.

Reginald F. Lewis was born on December 7, 1942 in an East Baltimore neighborhood he once described as “semi-tough.” Lewis was strongly influenced by his family. His parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts always encouraged Lewis to “be the best that you can be.”

Reginald F. Lewis was a business pioneer, philanthropist and titan. He was a Harvard Law School graduate, who rose to prominence as a lawyer, venture capitalist, and leader of the global food company TLC Beatrice International.

Lewis was the first American ever to close an overseas billion dollar leveraged buyout deal. He acquired an unprecedented global conglomerate of 64 companies in 31 countries, and paved the way for future entrepreneurs and black leaders through his life’s work.