Heirloom to Haute Gala will celebrate Maryland Historical Society Fashion Collection

On Saturday, March 25, 2017 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Lord Baltimore Hotel, the Maryland Historical Society will host its Heirloom to Haute Gala to celebrate its dazzling fashion collection. Local contemporary designers will showcase their couture creations alongside the Maryland Historical Society’s world-class collection. Highlights will feature fashion-forward Marylanders of the past and present.

Gala
Guests at the 2016 Victory Bash

Beginning with a fashionable cocktail hour in the French Kitchen at Lord Baltimore Hotel at 6:30 PM, guests will be dazzled by works from local designers and stunners from the fashion collection at MdHS.

Dinner will be served in the Calvert Ballroom beginning at 7:30 PM, accompanied by live music by the acclaimed Baltimore/DC band Nightsong. An impressive display of vintage and modern fashions will be on view throughout the evening, featuring items from the world-class collection at MdHS and vintage-inspired designs from Baltimore’s fashion community.

The Maryland Historical Society recognizes its fabulous fashion partners and designers: Ella Pritsker, Christopher Schafer Clothier, Elsa Fitzgerald, Guermantes Vintage, Sally DiMarco, Stevenson University – Fashion Design Program, Venus Khosravani, Nicole Myrick, and Lisa Simeone.

The After Party, beginning at 9 pm and hosted by the Young Defenders of the Maryland Historical Society, will give guests exclusive access to the rooftop bar and spectacular views of Baltimore.

About The Fashion Collection

The fashion, or costume, collection at the Maryland Historical Society is one of the museum’s greatest treasure troves. Composed of more than 10,000 garments dating from the early eighteenth century to the 1960s, the collection includes women’s and men’s clothing, infant and children’s clothing, uniforms and accessories of all kinds. Most of the collection has well-documented provenance linking it to early Maryland families, Revolutionary War heroes, George Washington and more. Many of the garments and accessories relate to events and fashions of the 20th Century, as well.

In 2015, the Maryland Historical Society embarked upon a multi-year effort to move and rehouse its impressive costume collection.

Wallis Simpson
Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, in Givenchy’s ‘Monkey Dress,’ 1954, collection of the Maryland Historical Society

Under the leadership of Director of Collections and Interpretation, Alexandra Deutsch, graduate fellows and college interns are moving the costume collection from spaces in the museum’s historic Pratt House to a newly designated textile storage area. They have also started a blog detailing their discoveries. In addition, Deutsch and noteworthy fashion historians have hosted public lectures at the Maryland Historical Society. The Society has also hosted popular Pop Up Trunk Shows showcasing vintage clothing wares to eager young buyers.

“Through this project, we are uncovering treasures in the collection each day, and we have received an enormous amount of interest from the public,” says Deutsch.

About The Lord Baltimore Hotel

The Lord Baltimore Hotel recently completed a year-long, million dollar restoration. According to WBAL-TV, every facet of the 440-room hotel has been updated and now reflects its original, Art Deco grandeur.

“It’s an historic hotel and the fitting place to honor our unparalleled fashion collection,” says Maryland Historical Society President and CEO Mark B. Letzer.

Proceeds from the Heirloom to Haute Gala will support the stewardship and interpretation of Lady Baltimore at the Maryland Historical Society.

Bonaparte Ball 2013
Guests at the Bonaparte Ball,
courtesy Ken Stanek Photography

Opulent Evenings With
The Maryland Historical Society

It’s an annual tradition here at The Maryland Historical Society to hold a gala benefiting the museum. In keeping with the theme, this year’s event is vintage evening wear or black tie attire.

Complimentary valet parking will be available at 20 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. To order tickets, click here.


Heirloom to Haute Gala Details:

Date and Time: Saturday, March 25 from 6:30 PM until midnight

Location: The Lord Baltimore Hotel (20 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201). Complimentary valet parking is available.

Gala Ticket Prices: $250 per person (includes dinner and after-party)

After Party Tickets: $60 (Party takes place from 9 pm until midnight)

To order Gala tickets securely online, click here. After Party tickets may be purchased by clicking here. You may also order tickets by calling 410-685-3750 Ext. 399.

This event is sponsored by lead sponsor PNC and After Party lead sponsor Lord Baltimore Uniform Rental. Supporting sponsors include Marquette Associates, the McGann Real Estate Group of RE/MAX First Choice, Miles & Stockbridge and Patricia King Jackson Associates.

About The Maryland Historical Society

Founded in 1844, The Maryland Historical Society Museum and Library occupies an entire city block in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore. The society’s mission is to “collect, preserve, and interpret the objects and materials that reflect Maryland’s diverse cultural heritage.” The Society is home to the original manuscript of the Star-Spangled Banner and publishes a quarterly titled “Maryland Historical Magazine.” Visit www.mdhs.org.

For more details, contact Marketing Director Laura Rodini at lrodini@mdhs.org or by phone: 410-685-3750 ext. 322.


Founded in 1844, The Maryland Historical Society Museum and Library occupies an entire city block in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore. The society’s mission is to “collect, preserve, and interpret the objects and materials that reflect Maryland’s diverse cultural heritage.” The Society is home to the original manuscript of the Star-Spangled Banner and publishes a quarterly titled “Maryland Historical Magazine.” The Society is located at 201 W. Monument Street and open to the public Wednesday-Saturday from 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday (museum only) 12 pm-5pm.