The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry (NMD) has been designated an "Authentic Baltimore Site" by the Baltimore City Heritage Area. Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley made the official announcement recently at a ceremony attended by Baltimore city leaders and representatives from the recognized organizations.
NMD was one of 33 sites, services and events recognized in the Authentic Baltimore's inaugural class. The designation is part of the Heritage Area's new program that recognizes locations and services that authentically convey the heritage of Baltimore. Other new designees in the program's pilot class include the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, Ft. McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Café Hon and the Jewish Museum of Baltimore. The selection committee included representatives from the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association (BACVA), The Baltimore Cultural Alliance and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA).
During the ceremony, O'Malley presented each newly designated site with signage and decals to display prominently in their locations. He also offered praise for the program's mission to promote the city to tourists who come to Baltimore seeking cultural experiences.
"We are protecting our cultural heritage," O'Malley said. "Through the Authentic Baltimore program, we are celebrating the unique places that tell the stories of the people in this city."
Abbi Wicklen-Baine, Heritage Education and Outreach Administrator for the Baltimore City Heritage Area, states, "We hope to encourage tourists and local Baltimore residents to make informed choices about what is available to experience in town."
NMD Executive Director Rosemary Fetter states, "We are very pleased to be among the first sites to be recognized in this new local initiative. Baltimore is home to the world's first dental school so it is fitting that the museum is here to share the history of the profession with visitors from around the world."
Located on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore, NMD is a lively center where visitors learn the importance of oral health in an overall healthy lifestyle. Through interactive exhibitions, visitors discover the history of dentistry by learning about dental practices throughout the world and seeing how dentists have been portrayed in popular culture. Dental-themed objects belonging to some of history's most vibrant personalities, including Queen Victoria's gilded instruments and George Washington's dentures, are on exhibit in 32 Terrific Teeth, the Museum's permanent exhibition.
Objects in the museum's collection with a Baltimore connection include portraits of Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (BCDS) founders Dr. Chapin A. Harris and Dr. Horace A. Hayden; the first diploma awarded at BCDS, presented to Dr. Robert Arthur in 1840; and a number of dental instruments created by Baltimore craftsmen.
The Authentic Baltimore designation is the latest accolade for the National Museum of Dentistry, which kicks off its 10th Anniversary celebration in June 2005. NMD is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and was designated the "official museum of dentistry" by the 108th Congress in 2003.
