About
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Museum is to create and maintain space that preserves and perpetuates the legacies made by African American baseball players as they pursued their rightful place in the realm of sports despite social barriers. And to highlight their contributions to Major League Baseball as it is today.
To enhance interest in African American history through opportunities for research, education, and advocacy. To encourage a sense of fair play and good sportsmanship for generations to come through youth programs and activities.
VISION STATEMENT
To educate the population-at-large of the richness of African American History through examples set by its Negro League baseball players. To instill a sense of self-discipline, high moral standards and appreciation for the sport of baseball for generations to come.
THE SMNLB FOUNDERS
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 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. Here is the first opening at the basement meeting hall of the Lochearn Presbyterian Church.

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 was appropriately shared with the Owings Mills Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library and the Community College of Baltimore County. There was a grand opening in the Spring of 2014.






