The peale center for baltimore history and architecture will implement a paid apprenticeship program designed to increase equity and inclusion in the museum field and preservation trades

The Peale Center for Baltimore History and Architecture will implement a paid apprenticeship program utilizing $500,700 in funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services' Museums for America federal grant program (CFDA 45.301). The 10-month program seeks to recruit up to 36 young people from low-income Baltimore families to receive essential life and professional skills training to pursue careers in museum exhibition installation, art handling, historic preservation, and related trades. An evaluator will assess immediate apprentice learning as well as develop tools to collect longitudinal data on the program's long-term impact. The apprenticeship program aims to increase equity and inclusion in the museum and preservation fields, benefiting both participants and the Peale Center through community engagement. The award period is from September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2025.

The program seeks to recruit up to 36 young people from low-income families in baltimore who demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit. Museum staff and other experts will provide each cohort with essential life and professional skills during a 10-month apprenticeship program that will provide a foundation for careers in exhibition installation, art handling, historic preservation, and related trades. An evaluator will assess the immediate learnings of successes of the apprentices as well as develop tools to collect longitudinal data on the program's longer-term impact on the participants. The project will benefit both the participants as well as the center by reimagining the role of the museum in its community.