Greater Baltimore History Alliance

Become a Member!

Contact Abbi Wicklein-Bayne or visit the contact page.

Benefits of a GBHA Membership

This website:

This website acts as a portal to your site. It provides sample itineraries of members sites, links to citywide event calendars and , students, tourists and area residents. The best part? These services are provided at no extra cost to member sites.

Our brochure:

The GBHA provides sites with a listing in an attractive brochure that is distributed at festivals and outreach events as well as the visitors center at the Inner Harbor. The brochure gives visitors a chance to see what is available for the cultural heritage traveler with a map to guide them. It is also a useful tool for area residents and teachers looking for more information on their city.

Outreach events:

The GBHA attends local outreach events such as local festivals and teacher conferences. The GBHA typically provides the cost of the booth and member sites are responsible for providing volunteers to staff the booth.

Monthly meetings:

The GBHA holds monthly meetings of the Director's Council and of the Marketing and Education Roundtable. Meetings are held at different member sites and are a great way to keep in touch with the rest of the history community. For meeting updates and information, visit the events page.

Continuing education sessions:

The GBHA holds professional development sessions for staff and volunteers throughout the year. GBHA member sites are also kept informed of other opportunities that are available.

Monthly e-newsletter:

The GBHA sends out monthly e-newsletters with information about meeting dates and times, upcoming grant deadlines, marketing initiatives as well as partnership and training opportunities.

Volunteer pass and special events:

The GBHA member sites participate in a Volunteer Pass Program allowing volunteers and staff to receive free admission to other member sites. Beginning in February, special volunteer days will be held at selected GBHA sites that will rotate monthly. These days will allow volunteers and staff from all GBHA member sites a special opportunity to visit their partner institutions.

Group memberships:

The GBHA as a group is a member of the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association as well as the Baltimore Tourism Association. Each organization provides discounts on special promotion events and publications.

2005 Collaboration with the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance:

For the calendar year 2005 GBHA members in good standing will also hold membership in the GBCA. This allows GBHA members access to all GBCA member benefits including the Baltimore Fun Guide, a comprehensive online events calendar.

Authentic Baltimore Pilot Sites:

As possible pilot sites for the Baltimore Authenticity Program (launched in Fall of 2004), GBHA sites may receive discounted membership opportunities.

Partnerships:

The GBHA partnership with the Baltimore City Heritage Area helps give history museums a voice in City Hall.

Greater Baltimore History Alliance Reciprocal Admission Program:

Program Guidelines

Responsibilites of a GBHA Membership

Meeting attendance:

Monthly meeting of the Director's Council and the Marketing and Education Roundtable are held at various GBHA sites. Meeting reminders will be sent in the e-newsletter as well as within a week of the meeting date.

Program volunteers:

Each GBHA site is expected to five hours of volunteer time each year at a festival or other outreach event.

Payment of dues:

Invoices will be sent a month prior to due date.

Cross promotion of GBHA partner sites:

GBHA sites work together to promote special events, staff and volunteer training sessions and to promote partner sites to visitors to their institutions.

Membership Criteria for Core Members

That the institution's mission includes the preservation, interpretation and promotion of history.
That the institution maintains a 501-3 status or equivalent.
That the institution is open to the public at least 100 days annually.
That the institution is loacated in the City of Baltimore or its surrounding counties.
That annual dues be paid according to existing guidelines.

Membership Criteria for Associate Members

That the institution's mission includes the preservation, interpretation and promotion of history.
That the institution is working towards achieving non-for-profit status.
That the institution is not required to be open a specific number of days only if it is in a developing or transitional stage.
Standard dues are not applicable only if the institution is in developing or transitional stage. A $50.00 annual fee will be assessed.
Must be approved by majority of Core Members.