Fun Fact: Which Maryland County Boasts the Very First Black Wax Museum in America?

Founded with the mission of promoting cultural and community development, The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore educates visitors on African American history.

The museum highlights often overlooked historical facts and showcases influential leaders as role models for youth, through partnerships with community groups, schools, and other organizations.

Image provided by The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum Inc.

Dr. Joanne Martin and her husband, Elmer Martin, founded The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum to educate the community on African American history. In 1980, they took a bold step toward their dream, using their savings—initially intended for a house down payment—to purchase four wax figures. They showcased these figures in schools, churches, shopping malls, and other public spaces to bring history to life.

Their efforts led to opening a small storefront museum in downtown Baltimore in 1983, featuring 22 wax figures. By 1988, their vision had expanded into a 10,000-square-foot facility on East North Avenue, solidifying the museum as a cornerstone of cultural education and historical preservation.

The exhibit’s vision was to create a dynamic, state-of-the-art space where history comes alive to inspire future generations. Through immersive exhibits, innovative storytelling, and interactive experiences, the museum highlights the rich and often overlooked contributions of people of African descent with unwavering authenticity.

More than just a museum, it is a cornerstone of learning, cultural pride, and community growth. It offers visitors a space to connect deeply with their heritage, see themselves reflected in history, and leave empowered to shape the future. Committed to preserving the past while fostering a brighter tomorrow, the museum stands as a beacon of education and inspiration.

The Museum is now working to open a new facility spanning an entire block of East Baltimore.

For more information on the museum and its founders, visit The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum.

If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Amanda Grosskrueger at agrosskrueger@mdcounties.org.