Secret Lives of Interns: Annapolis Trip

This year we’ve taken the interns a bit further beyond Baltimore than we normally do for fieldtrips. On July 19th, for the first time ever (at least as long as I’ve been here), we invaded Annapolis. (With eight interns it can’t be considered anything less than an invasion.) Our goal was to see the Maryland State Archives. But we ended up seeing much more. Emily Oland Squires, Director of Research and Student Outreach at the archives, invited us to join the MSA interns on their annual tour of the State House and Government House. The tours of both buildings were conducted by Sasha Lourie and Chris Kintzel of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property. The JMM interns had an early start, and some significant walking in the middle of a heat wave (sorry interns!) but as the good interns they are, each one got something out of the experience.


First stop, the Maryland State House


The Maryland State House is the oldest capitol in continuous use in the US and was once used as the nation’s capitol. It was there, in the old Senate Chamber, that George Washington resigned his commission in 1783, a significant move, which showed the world’s governments that the United States would not end up as a military dictatorship or a monarchy.

Since I am not native to Maryland (or even to the East Coast) I learned a bit of Maryland history on our trip to Annapolis. I liked our almost chronological tour through the State House the best. It's a beautiful building and the renovations will make it even better.

The state of the Old Senate Chamber (where George Washington resigned as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army) reminded me of "The Synagogue Speaks." Like the JMM, they found layers of paint and now they are in the process of analyzing them. Their historical investigations are very similar to the process that I hear the JMM went through to understand the history of the Lloyd Street Synagogue. I found it so fascinating that I started looking through the 43 pages of recommendations for the restoration! http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/pdf/final_report_all.pdf



Even though it was ridiculously hot during our trip, it was very exciting to see the State House, Government House, and Maryland State Archives. My favorite part was seeing the work that is being done in the State House to bring a cohesiveness to their exhibits. As a working government building, a historic building, and an educational facility, the staff working on the project have a lot of unique challenges to overcome. Even though they are only in the first stages of construction, I enjoyed hearing about the plans they have to make the building even more usable in all three of its jobs.

My other favorite part of the State House was when we went up to the dome at the very top. The dome is entirely made of wood- there aren't even nails holding it together! It was a little scary as we circled up and up the stairs, but when the door opened and we saw the view, it was amazing!






My favorite part of the Annapolis Filed Trip was climbing to the top of the State House…

And seeing the amazing view from the top…



Intern Brittney and Rachael enjoy the breeze while listening to tour guide, Sasha talk about pipes…

Second stop, Government House


One of the most interesting aspects of the Annapolis trip was going into the Governor’s house and touring some of the rooms. Although I wish we could have seen more rooms in the house, the rooms we were shown were really fascinating in my opinion. The huge dining room was amazing, especially with the bright chandelier and paintings all around the room.

I also thought it was interesting that many of the rooms we saw included portraits of historical figures such as George Washington and other founders of America. In my opinion, the inclusion of these and other historical objects represent the significance of the Governor’s house not just for the current Governor, Governor Martin O’Malley, but also for past and future governors of the state of Maryland.

I enjoyed touring the Governor’s House in Annapolis. Our fieldtrip was the first time I toured the inside the house. I found it interesting that each governor, his family, and administration redecorates and therefore leaves their mark on the interior appearance of the house.

I like the tradition of hanging portraits of the First Ladies of Maryland over the staircase in the Governor’s House. The hanging of the portraits is an important tradition because it is the only place where the First Ladies are recognized. I also enjoyed looking at the portraits because each is very unique and gives a small insight into the personality of each First Lady.

My favorite room in the Governor’s House is the Lady’s Parlor Room. I liked the intricate wallpaper and carpeting. I also like the Victorian era decorations and colors used to decorate the room.




Annapolis is beautiful, especially as seen from the top of the State House or through the windows of the Government House where the governor resides. Impressive paintings line the corridors, antique grandfather clocks chime on the hour, and the wall colors change according to the tastes of the new governor in office. Gorgeous and historic, these buildings are interesting from a museum and state-pride perspective. The space in Annapolis feels removed from the realities of society. How are politicians reminded of the hardships and grime of the rest of the state in an environment so pristine?



Last stop, Maryland State Archives


I most enjoyed seeing a paper conservator at work. She was generous enough to explain exactly what she was doing at the time, and how she intended to mend the rips, tears, and creases in her document. Seeing this in action makes me want to explore conservation as a career path a little more.”


After a late lunch (we had a very long morning) we got in a little more culture by exploring Annapolis’s Main Street. Sara even walked away with a classy souvenir (the hat), one more thing to help her remember our fabulous foray into Maryland’s State Capitol.