Benjamin Banneker Foundation | Colonial Market Fair

Benjamin Banneker was an early and vocal advocate for the equality of people of African descent in our young nation, beliefs which he conveyed in a letter to Thomas Jefferson in 1791 and in his almanacs.

"...it is the indispensible duty of those who maintain for themselves the rights of human nature...to extend their power and influence to the relief of every part of the human race, from whatever burthen or oppression they may unjustly labour under..."

--B. Banneker, August 19, 1791

The BBF remains guided by Mr. Banneker's impactful words and stands in solidarity with those who continue the legacy of speaking out in the name of equality and justice for people of color in the US and beyond.

NEWS

The Benjamin Banneker Foundation thanks the Maryland State Society, Children of the American Revolution for their generous financial and in-kind support of the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum.

COVID-19 Update (July 2020):

Pavilions and picnicking areas have reopened at the park. Programs will begin July 1, with caution. Registration will be limited as social distancing is required. Masks are required. Volunteers are allowed to work outdoors at the park but will have to sign a waiver. If you come back to volunteer on a different day and have already signed a waiver, please initial and date the same waiver. Unfortunately, visitors and volunteers are currently not allowed in the building under any circumstances, not even to use the bathrooms.

For those wishing to volunteer at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum (or any Baltimore County Department of Parks and Recreation facility) please submit a background check. Follow the link below. The access code is bcgrec20.

https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/recreation/jobsvolunteers/volunteernow.html

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Colonial Market Fair has been cancelled. The Benjamin Banneker Foundation is looking forward to hosting the event next year on June 12 & 13, 2021.

The Benjamin Banneker Historical Museum will be closed from Saturday, March 14 until further notice to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. All organized activities are cancelled until further notice. The park and trails remain open from sunrise to sunset. For more information, visit https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/recreation/

"On record now thy name's enrolled, and future ages will be told,

there lived a man called Banneker, an African astronomer."

- Susana Mason

An Address to Benjamin Banneker