New Interactive Exhibit 'The WayFinder Wing' Brings Maryland's History to Life

The 5,000-square-foot space at the Maryland Center for History and Culture encourages visitors to explore the state's past through hands-on, sensory experiences.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of a large, wooden tree sculpture with multiple branches, rendered in a high-contrast, pop art style that captures the interactive and immersive nature of the WayFinder Wing exhibit.The interactive 'WayFinder Wing' exhibit at the Maryland Center for History and Culture uses a towering, sculptural tree as the centerpiece to connect visitors with the state's diverse historical figures and narratives.Baltimore Today

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, a new interactive exhibit called 'WayFinders: Making Sense of Our World' has opened at the Maryland Center for History and Culture in Baltimore. The 5,000-square-foot 'WayFinder Wing' takes visitors on a journey through Maryland's history, using sights, sounds, smells, and tactile experiences to bring the past to life in a family-friendly way.

Why it matters

The exhibit aims to make history engaging and accessible for visitors of all ages, moving away from the traditional 'look but don't touch' museum model. By incorporating multisensory elements, the WayFinder Wing encourages active learning and exploration, helping to foster a deeper appreciation for Maryland's rich historical legacy.

The details

The centerpiece of the exhibit is a large tree sculpture that serves as a 'wayfinding' anchor, connecting the stories of five key historical figures from Maryland - including indigenous leaders, scientists, and trailblazing women. Visitors can press buttons to hear cicada sounds, turn clocks, smell historical scents, and even feel the metal used to print the Declaration of Independence. The goal is to immerse guests in the sights, sounds, and textures of Maryland's past.

  • The WayFinder Wing opened on March 31, 2026.
  • The exhibit coincides with the nation's 250th anniversary.

The players

Maryland Center for History and Culture

A museum and cultural institution in Baltimore that explores Maryland's history and heritage.

Margot Kopera

The director of learning and interpretation for the Maryland Center for History and Culture, who helped develop the WayFinder Wing exhibit.

Katie Caljean

The president and CEO of the Maryland Center for History and Culture, who oversaw the creation of the interactive, multisensory exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“Typically, in museums you're told not to touch, but we really wanted to take that and expand on that idea and provide multiple ways of learning through a variety of different types of engagement with all of your senses because that's your built-in toolkit.”

— Katie Caljean, President and CEO of MCHC

“So, this idea of a wayfinding tree started to emerge as a way to connect all of our WayFinders and also as a space that we can gather around and think about the past.”

— Katie Caljean, President and CEO of MCHC

What’s next

The Maryland Center for History and Culture is open Wednesday through Sunday, and visitors can find more information at info@mdhistory.org or by calling 410-685-3750.

The takeaway

The WayFinder Wing represents a innovative approach to museum learning, using multisensory experiences to engage visitors of all ages and foster a deeper appreciation for Maryland's rich history. By moving away from traditional 'hands-off' exhibits, the center is creating a more immersive and memorable experience that brings the past to life in a dynamic and interactive way.