Discover Historic Jonestown
As we celebrate 175 years of the Lloyd Street Synagogue, we also celebrate the neighborhood the synagogue is located in. Jonestown, or Historic Jonestown, is an area east of the Inner Harbor and north of Fells Point. This area, the oldest neighborhood in Baltimore, is filled with historic sites and stories, originating in 1661 when an English settler, David Jones, made his home here.
Since then, Jonestown is home to a lot of Maryland and Baltimore history, especially Jewish history. We have just a few historic sites and current organizations that we want to highlight as part of this post. To learn more about these places, visit their websites or check out our Discover the Lloyd Street Synagogue digital tour! You can reserve this tour for a group by filling out this online form.
Carroll Mansion
800 E Lombard Street
carrollmuseums.org
Carroll Mansion is named for Charles Carroll, who was the longest-surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a prominent member of the neighborhood. This three-story building has been preserved and now operates as an inn!
Phoenix Shot Tower
801 E Fayette Street
carrollmuseums.org
The Phoenix Shot Tower is a prominent landmark in East Baltimore and is the only surviving shot tower in Baltimore. When it was completed in 1828, at 215 feet tall, it was the highest structure in the US at the time.
Star-Spangled Flag House
844 E Pratt Street
flaghouse.org
Discover the inspiration for the national anthem, and the craftswoman behind the Star-Spangled banner, at the Flag House, a National Historic Landmark.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History & Culture
830 E Pratt Street
lewishmuseum.org
“The Lewis Museum, the largest African American museum in Maryland, has been the authentic voice of Maryland African American history and culture since it opened in 2005. We tell our story through our permanent collection, special exhibitions, educational programs and public events.”
The McKim Center
1120 E Baltimore Street
mckimcenter.org
McKim Center has stood for almost 200 years in Jonestown, serving as a place of worship, for community gatherings, and for youth programming.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Maryland
1 Aisquith Street
rmhcmaryland.org
With the newly renovated Ronald McDonald house, family members who are taking care of their children have a place to stay, helping them to focus on caring for those undergoing treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Helping Up Mission
1029 E Baltimore St
helpingupmission.org
“Helping Up Mission provides hope to people experiencing homelessness, poverty or addiction by meeting their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.”
National Aquarium Animal Care and Rescue Center
901 E Fayette St
aqua.org/support/conservation/animal-rescue
“The Animal Care and Rescue Center, opened in 2018, provides a headquarters for National Aquarium Animal Rescue and houses innovative rehabilitation suites for rescued seals.”
This blog series is shared as part of our year-long 175th Lloyd Street Synagogue anniversary celebrations. Keep an eye out for next month’s addition! Interested in learning more about the Lloyd Street Synagogue? Visit JMM to see our temporary lobby exhibit The Lloyd Street Synagogue at 175.