The Great Black In Wax (GBIW) Museum: Seeking Cultural Awareness through Museums

GBIW Founders: Elmer P. Martin, Ph.D., President & Joanne M. Martin, Ph.D., Executive Director

As the founders of The Great Blacks In Wax Museum, Inc. (GBIW), we know the importance of having a dream and the gratification of having one's dream fulfilled. Our dream took form in 1980 when we, with money we had saved to make a down payment on a house, purchased four wax figures.

We carried the figures around to schools, churches, shopping malls, and almost anywhere that people would allow us to set up an exhibit. Little did we know that by 1983 we would have a small storefront museum in downtown Baltimore, 21 wax figures, and the good wishes and support of many loyal friends. The possibility that in 1988 we would be celebrating the grand opening of a 10,000 square foot facility on North Avenue seemed almost unimaginable. But we always knew that a higher power than the two of us was guiding this effort. So we have always dared to dream, to believe that if we just "keep the faith", things would work out.

As we turn our hopes and prayers to an even greater dream, the expansion of The Great Blacks In Wax Museum, Inc. (GBIW) - we ask you to take a moment of your time to get a glimpse of our dream in progress. We ask too that you join us in saying "thank you" to that higher power that grants all dreamers the courage to dream.

Youth Initiatives

The enrichment of the lives of youth was a primary motivation for establishing The Great Blacks In Wax Museum, Inc. Youth begin serving at the Museum at an early age and continue, in various positions, as they grow older. We offer opportunities for youth in the community to take part in volunteer and intern programs, often providing a safe haven for at risk-youths.

• The Youth Advocacy Program provides tutorial educational, cultural, and social development to youth involved in after school and summer intern programs.
  
  
• Seeking Cultural Awareness through Museums is designed to teach adults/parents how to have an enriching museum experience with children, creating future audiences for culture and art institutions. This project consists of "Fun Shop" presentations such as "My Grandmother's Trunk" in which a presenter demonstrates how she discovered and preserved aspects of her family's history through the treasures in her grandmother's attic.
  
  These activities are followed by field trips to related museums such as the District of Columbia's Frederick Douglass House. It is here one discovers Frederick Douglass' history preserved through his personal possessions.

  The Great Blacks In Wax Summer Advocacy Program offers neighborhood at-risk youth tutoring opportunities and field trips to other cultural institutions.

• The Youth Training and Employment Program offers at-risk youth the ability to create a business concept and develop their entrepreneurial skills while earning income.

• Tour Guide Development
• Internships
• Community Service.

Contact Information
The Great Black In Wax Museum is located at1601-03 East North Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland (21213). The telephone numbers are:

• 410-563-3404
• 410-563-6416
• The fax number is 410-675-5040.

Museum Hours

January 15 - October 14 Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday: Noon - 6:00 pm October 15 - January 14 Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: Noon - 5:00 pm

[back to top]