The Greater Baltimore History Alliance always welcomes new members.
>> Download a membership form now.
>> Purchase a museum or non-profit GBHA membership online
Membership Criteria
• The institution’s mission includes the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of history
• The institution maintains a 501(c)(3) status or equivalent
• The institution is located in Baltimore City or its surrounding counties
• Annual dues are paid according to existing guidelines
Benefits of Membership
Advocacy
Add your voice to the other 40 members of the Alliance and help us promote the importance of heritage, history, and preservation in Annapolis and DC. GBHA monitors local, state, and federal legislation pertaining to our members and keeps you up-to-date with relevant developments. When appropriate, we team with other activist groups such as the Maryland Heritage Coordinating Council and the American Association of Museums to communicate and build relationships with elected officials.
Publicity
GBHA brochure – Your organization’s name, address, phone number, and website URL will be included in the GBHA brochure, which is distributed widely throughout the city at tourist centers, member museums and organizations, and events.
GBHA website – Your organization will have a profile page that features your organization’s name, address, phone number, mission, and one photograph. (To also have a link on your profile page to your own website, consider adding on the “marketing package,” detailed below.)
Membership Directory – Your contact information will be included in an information directory of GBHA members. These directories will be supplied to visitor information centers, hotels, and member museums. This directory will also be used by Visit Baltimore (formerly BACVA), the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, and the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation for staff training and visitor information.
Reciprocal Membership Program – Museum members of the Greater Baltimore History Alliance can choose to participate in a Reciprocal Admission Program that allows them to offer their members a pass to visit the other participating museums for free.
Outreach Events – The GBHA attends local outreach events such as local festivals and teachers conferences. The GBHA typically provides the cost of the booth and distributes its brochures, along with other brochures from organizations purchasing the add-on marketing package. Members have the opportunity to help staff the booths to promote their own organizations.
Marketing Package $40 add-on to your membership
Organizations looking for additional ways to promote their events can benefit from the GBHA Marketing Package,
which costs an additional $40. Members purchasing the marketing package will receive the following:
• A link to your organization’s website on your GBHA website profile page.
• Promotion of your events on the GBHA website calendar.
• Promotion of your events in monthly GBHA events email.
• Placement of your own brochures at GBHA booth for events like MSTA, AIMS, etc.
Professional Development
Continuing Education Sessions – The GBHA holds professional development sessions for staff and volunteers throughout the year at minimal cost to members. GBHA member sites are also kept informed of opportunities that are available through other organizations.
Networking
Monthly Meetings – The GBHA holds monthly meetings of the Director’s Council and the Marketing and Education Roundtable, as well as quarterly meetings of the Curator’s Roundtable. Meetings are held at different member sites and are a great way to keep in touch with the rest of the history community, share tips, and find collaborators.
Group Memberships – The GBHA as a group is a member of Visit Baltimore (formerly BACVA) as well as the Baltimore Tourism Association. Each organization provides discounts on special promotional events and publications.
Information and Resources
Email Listserv – The GBHA sends out emails to members with information about meeting dates and times, upcoming grant deadlines, marketing initiatives as well as partnership and training opportunities.
Coordination of War of 1812 and Civil War Commemorations – The GBHA is in close communication with the state and city agencies responsible for planning the War of 1812 and Civil War commemorations. Information about both anniversaries will be shared with all members, and promotional and collaborative opportunities will be pursued.
Collaborations – We are always looking for new partners to help promote our members. You can benefit from these partnerships as they develop.
Volunteer Pass & Special Events – The GBHA member sites participate in a Volunteer Pass Program that allows volunteers/staff to receive free admission to other member sites. Members can also participate in a reciprocal membership program.
Career Listings – Members can post job/internship/volunteer opportunities on the GBHA listserv for free, allowing you to recruit from a wider applicant pool.
Financial Benefits
Discounts – GBHA members can benefit from special discounts on goods and services offered by the corporate members of GBHA.
Grant Alerts – The GBHA email listserv includes notification of upcoming local and national grant deadlines.
Grant Opportunities – GBHA members are eligible to apply for grants when the GBHA has programming funds to disperse.
Voting Privileges
All organizational members of GBHA have voting privileges for GBHA management decisions in accordance with the by-laws. Each organization’s executive director has one vote.
