Everything Old Is New Again
It’s a puzzlement. How can a museum of history be fresh and current? What actually happened in the past doesn’t change – but at JMM we constantly revisit the way we understand those events, searching for new evidence that enables you to make discoveries.
Sometimes we wait for a special anniversary to celebrate events that are important to us. In 2020, we’ll be not only be marking the centennial of The Associated and the centennial of Women’s Suffrage with special programs, but also, next September, the 175th anniversary of our own Lloyd Street Synagogue. But on other occasions, what makes the past new again is contemporary perspectives on historic issues. This month we introduce our “Current Voices” panel discussion series with a program looking back at the de-segregation of Gwynn Oaks Amusement Park.
Exhibits will continue to be prime drivers for new programs in the new year, but we are always looking for novel angles on the subject matter. For example, when I talk about my family and the scrap business on January 12 I promise to deliver three love stories (yes, there is something romantic amongst rusting steel and rotting rags). In April we will put the accent on recycling with Earth Day programs for families and homeschoolers.
When we switch from earth to sky in May, opening Jews in Space on Memorial Day Weekend, our programming will also reach for the stars. We are currently working on plans for programs celebrating the work of fifteen Jewish cosmonauts/astronauts as well as astronomy and Jewish beliefs and Maryland space scientists and their inspirations. We have even made arrangements for the author of Klingon to come to speak at JMM next October.
But the JMM experience goes well beyond exhibits. This spring will feature a special revival of JMM Live!, the Jewish Folk Festival edition, featuring two programs commemorating the 100th birthday of Pete Seeger. Watch your mail next week for our spring program brochure which will have all the details.
Of course, as Tracie pointed out in last month’s JMM Insights, a lot of important developments are happening “off-stage”. In the last quarter of 2019, the JMM Board adopted a new mission and vision and hired a new architectural firm to help us design a facility that can support this vision. In the coming months, we’ll use these newsletters to allow you to track our progress in making this old museum new again.
Happy New Year,
~Marvin
JANUARY PROGRAMS
Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 1:00pm
Speaker: Marvin Pinkert
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Behind the Scenes of Scrap Yard
Sunday, January 19, 2020 at 1:00pm
Speaker: Zachary Paul Levine
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Coming Together for Justice: 57 Years Ago – and Today
Sunday, January 19, 2020 at 3:00pm
Facilitator: Amy Nathan
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From Trash to Treasure
Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 10:00am
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Museum and Memory: Commemoration and Lost Music from the Holocaust
Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 3:00pm
Presenter: Dr. Alexandra Birch
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Tuesday, January 28 2020 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm
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Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
at 6:30pm
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>>View the full JMM calendar of events here.<<
Stop in at Esther’s Place and pick up a new mug (or two) to celebrate.
Plus, meet our new Shop Manager Chris Sniezek and welcome him to the JMM family.
Remember – JMM Members get a 10% at Esther’s Place every day!