Maryland's Oldest Public Building Transformed into Museum

The 300-year-old Old Treasury Building in Annapolis opens its doors to the public, offering a glimpse into colonial history and security.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:27am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a grid of stylized iron chests in neon shades of blue, green, and pink, conceptually representing the historical significance and modern interpretation of the Old Treasury Building's security measures.The iconic iron chests of the Old Treasury Building, once symbols of colonial wealth and security, now reimagined as vibrant pop art.Annapolis Today

The Old Treasury Building in Annapolis, Maryland, has recently opened as a museum, allowing visitors to explore its rich 300-year history. The building, which was once a symbol of colonial wealth and security, has survived numerous break-in attempts and the American Revolution, showcasing its architectural strength and the sophisticated security measures employed to protect the state's assets.

Why it matters

The transformation of the Old Treasury Building into a museum is a significant achievement in historical preservation, allowing visitors to reflect on the evolution of security measures, the impact of historical events, and the complex relationship between wealth, power, and the exploitation of labor in colonial Maryland.

The details

The Old Treasury Building was funded by taxes on slave importation, a stark reminder of the dark origins of much of Maryland's early wealth. The building's security measures, including a multi-key system for the iron chests, were ahead of their time and showcased a sophisticated understanding of protection in the colonial era. The building's robust architecture, including vaulted ceilings for fire mitigation, also contributed to its resilience against the forces of time and human greed.

  • The Old Treasury Building was constructed in the 1700s.
  • In 1762, there was an attempted break-in by 'audacious villains' that was thwarted by the building's sturdy construction.
  • The building survived the American Revolution.
  • The Old Treasury Building has recently opened as a museum, offering self-guided tours to the public.

The players

Chris Kintzel

Director of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, who observed that the building's construction, funded by taxes on slave importation, stands as a monument to the exploitation of enslaved labor.

Rachel Robinson

Vice president of preservation at Historic Annapolis, who emphasized the importance of historical buildings in maintaining the essence of a city.

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What they’re saying

“The Old Treasury Building, with its self-guided tours, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the past. It allows us to reflect on the evolution of security measures, the impact of historical events, and the complex relationship between wealth, power, and the exploitation of labor.”

— Author

The takeaway

The transformation of the Old Treasury Building into a museum is a testament to the resilience of Annapolis' historical fabric and the value placed on preserving the city's shared past. The museum invites visitors to consider the broader implications of historical preservation and the complex legacies that shape our understanding of colonial Maryland.