If ever there was a place that needed to lighten up, smile and embrace the 20th century, it is the tradition-bound Maryland Historical Society.
A much-needed rush of fresh air and thinking is sweeping through the corridors of 201 W. Monument St., the longtime home of this formidable repository of the state's past.
The place has a new director, Dennis Fiori, who states first and foremost, "We teach people about Maryland history."
Right off the bat, Mr. Fiori wants to expand the place within the Mount Vernon neighborhood. He is negotiating with the city to take over the old Greyhound bus terminal's garage facing Park Avenue at Centre Street, due south of the society's plant. He also foresees major changes within the block of buildings the society now occupies.
He welcomes visitors, people who will learn about their past through the collections housed here. He wants patrons to come and learn about their state through its past.
The decision on the part of the society's trustees to inject some new blood into their institution is welcome.
For a number of reasons, this ever-cautious and conservative hall of history needs to let its light shine more intensely. The place has an excellent library of books, manuscripts, newspapers and other documents. It also publishes a scholarly journal and readable works of local history. And many members of its staff have diligently served visiting school children and researchers delving into family origins.
The society likes to think of itself as the state's collective attic. But if an institution can possess personality traits, the Maryland Historical Society has at times been cranky, condescending and stand-offish. It has also been generous, even-tempered and touched by genius.
Yet in the 25 years that I have been visiting the place, the Maryland Historical Society has not always been a relaxed spot. It seemed tense and uptight. It was more concerned with maintaining a sense of propriety than retaining a sense of humor.
Regular users of the society's library and collections could be subjected to the institutional quirks, some charming, some not.
As one official of the Baltimore County Public Library told me after he'd used a file of historic photos:
"There were so many rules it was like taking communion at the Basilica."
On another occasion I went to the same department to locate some old photos. The curator stood over me and issued orders. At one point I was told to keep the pictures on the table at all times "so you don't lose muscle control and drop them on the floor."
The place also went through periods of too many static displays of quilts, silverware and mahogany furniture. I realize these items have their devoted friends, but the approach was too often predictable and dull. It was more fun to go to a commercial antiques show at the Baltimore Convention Center than to pace the aisles of a static Maryland Historical Society exhibition.
Other institutions have shown that local history does not have to be dull.
As one friend said, "The Maryland Historical Society is so staid it makes the Woman's Industrial Exchange seem like Hammerjack's."
It does not have to be this way. Look at the successes of younger institutions in the same field.
The Jewish Historical Society has created sparkling shows on garment manufacturing and immigration, two topics which could have been less than fascinating.
It has featured excellent fine arts tributes to painter Jacob Glushakow and sculptor Reuben Kramer.
The Baltimore Museum of Industry, on Key Highway, has shown itself to be very family-friendly with a do-it-yourself oyster cannery. The Great Blacks in Wax Museum, North Avenue and Bond Street, gets high marks for its lively and risk-taking displays. If you doubt this, visit its re-creation of a ship engaged in the slave trade.
The 150-year-old Maryland Historical Society has so many resources that it need not be so hesitant and cautious. Let's hope the new director is given a free hand to open the attic's vents.