A couple of weeks ago I got to attend a deputy directors roundtable discussion in Baltimore. It was held at the Engineer’s Club which is located in the old Garrett-Jacobs Mansion, just off Mount Vernon Square, location of Baltimore’s own Washington Monument. I have to say that while I like to occasionally visit big cities, I usually don’t like them. Baltimore changed all that.
Inner Harbor, Baltimore
I want to say thank you to the residents there who readily shook my hand with a smile and said, “Welcome to Baltimore!” I’m talking about total strangers on the street. I was on foot a good deal of the time and had to ask directions. I was flabbergasted at the genuine friendliness I encountered there. Hats off to you guys for being the friendliest big city around. Particular thanks to the gang at Mick O’Shea’s Irish Pub who provided relief for parched throats and some great Shepherd’s Pie! I stopped in there twice during my two and a half day stay.
Staircase at the Engineer’s Club
Mount Vernon Square with the Washington Monument
That said, I really made it a point to run down to the Inner Harbor and see the maritime museum and the USS Constellation. It is always great to see what others are doing to preserve our nation’s maritime history. If you get to Baltimore, don’t miss these vessels and leave big tips to help them with their preservation efforts.
Gun Deck of the USS Constellation. You can see the whole ship in the opening of this blog
Stern of this beautiful sailing ship. We need one of these at our lighthouse!
Lightship Chesapeake in front of the aquarium
WWII Submarine USS Torsk
One of the rear torpedo tubes aboard the Torsk
Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, screwpile type that was moved in off the bay and restored
The great thing is that you can go aboard all of these vessels and the lighthouse, and really get a feel for what it was like to be one of the crew. The staff were all friendly and ready to answer questions as well. As we continue to move forward in St. Augustine with documenting the history of the nation’s oldest port, I am most proud to stand in the company of so many others who care about our historic ties to the sea. Well done Baltimore. I’ll be back!