Our Neighborhood, Jonestown

The Jewish Museum of Maryland is located in the heart of Jonestown, one of Baltimore’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods. Jonestown offers a rich tapestry of historic landmarks, vibrant eateries, and mission-driven institutions that reflect the city’s depth and diversity.

This neighborhood is home to several standout museums, including the Phoenix Shot Tower, the Carroll Mansion, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture. It’s also a hub for impactful organizations like Helping Up Mission, the Ronald McDonald House, the McKim Center, and the National Aquarium’s Animal Care and Rescue Center.

And then there’s the food. Jonestown is home to the legendary Attman’s Deli: The Official Deli of the Jewish Museum of Maryland, a cornerstone of historic Corned Beef Row. A visit to Attman’s is a visit to Baltimore’s Jewish culinary history. Weiss Deli, another local favorite, also carries forward this tradition. The neighborhood is also home to delicious local spots like Patisserie Poupon, Asian Harbor, and Silver Moon II. While there are no kosher restaurants nearby, Pikesville—just a short drive away—offers dozens of kosher dining options.

Just beyond Jonestown, you’ll find Historic Little Italy and the scenic Inner Harbor, both less than a mile from the Museum. After your visit, grab a bite in Little Italy at Isabella’s Brick Oven, Vaccaro’s, or Ovenbird Bakery, and explore iconic attractions like the National Aquarium and the Historic Ships in Baltimore.

The History of Jonestown

Jonestown was once home to prominent early Americans—including Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence—before becoming a hub for immigrant communities. By the mid-19th century, the neighborhood had developed a strong Jewish character, with many synagogues and Jewish institutions anchoring daily life in the area.

In addition to the Lloyd Street Synagogue and what is now B’nai Israel, Jonestown was home to several other synagogues, including those at 15–21 Eden Street and 16–18 Exeter Street. Known locally as the Eden Street and Exeter Street Shuls, these buildings housed congregations such as Oheb Israel, Aitz Chaim, Anshe Neisen Nusach Ari, and Chizuk Amuno. Chizuk Amuno temporarily worshipped at the Exeter Street Shul—now a parking lot next to the post office—while its synagogue was being built on Lloyd Street between 1871 and 1876.

Jewish communal life also extended beyond places of worship. In 1919, the Jewish Educational Alliance opened its first building at 1216 East Baltimore Street, offering social, educational, and recreational programming. The Alliance would later evolve into the Jewish Community Center, a vital institution that continues to serve Jewish Baltimoreans to this day.

Jonestown Map

1. MD CENTER FOR HISTORY & CULTURE
2. THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM
3. LEXINGTON MARKET
4. CFG BANK ARENA
5. CAMDEN YARDS
6. MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER
7. NATIONAL AQUARIUM
8. INNER HARBOR HISTORIC SHIPS
9. BALTIMORE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL
10. PORT DISCOVERY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
11. THE PEALE MUSEUM
12. REGINALD F. LEWIS MUSEUM
13. STAR SPANGLED BANNER FLAG HOUSE
14. CARROLL MUSEUMS
15. BALTIMORE AMERICAN INDIAN CENTER & HERITAGE MUSEUM
16. PATTERSON PARK
17. AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM
18. CROSS STREET MARKET
19. BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY
20. BALTIMORE PHOENIX SHOT TOWER
21. B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

 

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Visit Attman's

No visit to the Jewish Museum of Maryland is complete without a stop at Attman’s Deli, just steps away on historic Corned Beef Row. As the Official Deli of JMM, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite, soak in tradition, and savor a true taste of Baltimore’s Jewish culinary history.

Visit Attman's >