Milestones & Memories
Over the last 40 years, Living Classrooms has had the opportunity to strengthen communities and inspire children, youth, and adults to achieve their full potential through our numerous programs. We are grateful for the milestones achieved and look forward to continuing our work for years to come!
2025
Living Classrooms celebrates its 40th anniversary as an organization and 25 years in Washington DC.
2024
Living Classrooms opens Marina located at our East Harbor Campus!
2022
The USS Constellation Visitor Center opens on Pier 1.
2019
On Juneteenth, Living Classrooms opens the James C. Dent House in Southwest, DC.
2023
Operation Respond, a community safety program, and the Bauer Workforce Opportunity Center begin operations in Baltimore.
2020
Living Classrooms launches virtual programs and distributes STEAM box activities to continue its hands-on environmental education programs. The online programs and activity boxes allowed students to explore at home and supported teachers across Baltimore and DC with online learning.
2016
In partnership with Under Armour, Living Classrooms completely renovates the Youth Development Center and opens the UA House at Fayette.
2009
Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center opens. Masonville Cove is recognized as the country’s first Urban Wildlife Refuge!
2006
Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park opens as the Foundation’s headquarters and site that honors African American maritime history.
1995
Skipjack Minnie V joins the fleet, becoming the fourth shipboard education vessel.
The Education Center at the Maritime Institute breaks ground on our East Harbor Campus.
1989
Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse is relocated to Pier 5, restored by students and volunteers, and becomes the Foundations headquarters. This begins our role in managing Baltimore’s maritime attractions.
1990
The Fresh Start program is launched, providing opportunity in academic and vocational training. Fresh Start was later recognized as a National Demonstration Project by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is regarded as a national model for the U.S. Department of Labor
1988
Chesapeake buy boat Mildred Belle joins the Foundation’s educational fleet, serving Baltimore City and Maryland counties.
1986
Lady Maryland is launched, beginning our education program.
1984
Lady Maryland Foundation is incorporated with city, state, and private support.
Living Classrooms hosts the film premiere for “Bread Upon the Waters,” a documentary on black maritime history.
Living Classrooms launches the COVID-19 Community Needs Fund, to which Oprah Winfrey donated her second $1 million gift to the Foundation.
2014
The Harry & Jeannette Weinberg Early Childhood Center at Commodore John Rodgers School opens.
Living Classroom’s POWER House opens. The POWER House is the first solar powered, community-based resiliency hub in the nation!
2011
Living Classrooms/Friends of Fort McHenry raised the necessary funds to construct the visitor center at Fort McHenry, which was completed in 2011.
2007
2011
2008
The Living Classrooms Youth Development Center, originally funded by Carmelo Anthony, opens in East Baltimore.
2007
The Children’s Target Investment Zone, a comprehensive community development strategy that concentrates programs and services in a defined area of East Baltimore with a goal to facilitate a pipeline of multigenerational services that spans early childhood education all the way to senior citizen programming, is launched.
Living Classrooms, in partnership with the District Department of Energy and Environment, assume operation of Kingman and Heritage Islands in the Anacostia River. Kingman Island was later designated as the district’s only conservation area by Mayor Muriel Bowser. Mayor Bowser invested $4.7 million in ecological restoration and the development of outdoor classroom spaces. Kingman Island also boasts the Kingman Rangers program, providing workforce development and regular island presence.
2002
Living Classrooms partners with Baltimore City Schools to open a public charter middle school, The Crossroads School.
1987
Lady Maryland Live Abroad Program is developed for gifted students in collaboration with the Maryland State Department of Education.
1985
Construction of pungy schooner Lady Maryland begins at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
1998
Living Classrooms begins stewardship of the USS Constellation and the Baltimore Maritime Museum ships.
2000
Living Classrooms begins programming in Washington DC.
1998
The Project SERVE employment training and community revitalization program is launched; due to the participation of many returning citizens, the program became our flagship re-entry program that helps Baltimore’s previously incarcerated adults reintegrate into the workforce and community.
1998
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore visit the Foundation, recognizing our innovative hands-on programs.
1994
The skipjack Sigsbee is launched after being reconstructed by staff and students.
