About
On June 28, 2008, Hubert V. "Bert" Simmons (now deceased), along with his wife Audrey L. Simmons, and good friend, Rayner "Ray" Banks gathered a group of relatives, friends, and acquaintances to meet and discuss plans for the development of a Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The timing was perfect as there was a rise in interest surrounding the Negro Leagues and its ball players. Many of the players who were once considered "the greatest" of their time, had already passed and few remained. As a former Negro Leagues baseball player himself, Bert refused to face the possibility of losing such an important legacy in the history of our nation and thus, plans were underway to establish a museum.
By September 2008, the Museum had incorporated in the State of Maryland and was recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit, charitable, 501(c)(3) corporation. Next on the agenda was to locate a proper site for the Museum, in Baltimore County. Then, bring the idea to fruition with people committed to being founding members. The Simmons' pastor and members of their congregation, the Lochearn Presbyterian Church, blessed them with space in the annex to the church.
There was a soft Grand Opening, September 26, 2009, to announce the existence of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum of Maryland, Inc. (NLBMM) as it became known. Fast forward through years of developing in-kind business partnerships, gaining volunteers, creating an advisory board, increasing number of traveling exhibits, conducting Youth Summer Camp, and two annual fund-raisers. November 20, 2013, the Baltimore County Executive, Kevin Kamenetz, announced the permanent location for the Museum at the new Owings Mills Metro Centre Complex. The space would be appropriately shared with the Owings Mills Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library and the Community College of Baltimore County with the anticipation of having a grand opening in the Spring of 2014.
The museum's name was changed in honor of it's name sake to, Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball, Inc. The SMNLB intends to administer projects designed to educate, advocate, and generate wide-spread interest surrounding the Negro Leagues, and create an awareness of the cultural, social, and economical impact they made. This is being accomplished by collecting, preserving, and displaying collectibles, photos, books, interviews, oral history, artifacts, and memorabilia that tell their story from the 1800's to the 50's. Additionally, our various programs have a high focus on youth to the principles of good sportsmanship & content of character which carried many of the veteran players to the national leagues and beyond. Perhaps they too shall one day leave a legacy that will foster community, conversation, and a "love for the game."
You are encouraged to join the efforts of those who work towards this end.