In two previous blog posts, Preservation Maryland has highlighted the work of the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Salem Town & Gardens, Riversdale House Museum, and others across the country stepping up to support their communities during COVID-19. These cultural sites have done everything from offering space for healthcare workers to test thousands of Maryland to sharing heirloom veggies from their historic gardens. To this growing and inspiring list, we add:
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
As reported by the Southern Maryland News, the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum has opened its doors to a local response group to provide a large safe place for PPE assembly work. Volunteers from the Southern Maryland Agile Response Team pooled together their resources and received donations from major retailers to 3D print Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that is in high-demand across Maryland. The facility space offered by the Museum allows for the assembly and sanitization of the PPE products before being shipped out. The volunteers have created and donated hundreds of ear savers and face shields.
Learn more about the Pax Museum
MIAMI DESIGN PRESERVATION LEAGUE
The Miami Design Preservation League is selling a non-surgical face mask online for personal use – adorned with over 20 iconic Art Deco buildings! As described on their website, “Miami Beach’s building boom came during the second phase of Art Deco known as Streamline Moderne, which began with the stock market crash and ended in most cases with the outbreak of World War II.” The notion that one of the most exuberant and colorful architectural-styles can originate during tumultuous times is the perfect metaphor for the Preservation League’s embrace of adding a bit of whimsey and style to today’s all-essential personal face mask.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Preservation Month. It is also Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 24 million people identify as Asian or Pacific Islander (AAPI) in the United States – and sadly, during the current Covid-19 pandemic many AAPI people are facing increased discrimination. As is often the case, history can provide context to current events. The staff at the Milner Library at Illinois State University has gathered a considerable resource directory of oral histories, primary documents, historic photographs, documentaries, and education activities about of the challenges and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the United States.