NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2021
• Programs of Excellence Name: Historical Perspectives of Baltimore
• Hosting Organization: Parkville Senior Center, Maryland
• Parkville Population: 30,000
• Senior Center Members: 1,600

About Historical Perspectives of Baltimore

This virtual history program connected a professional and enthusiastic tour guide with participants for a journey into the colorful traditions and back stories of Baltimore.

The well-versed and engaging guide from the Baltimore Tourism Association helped develop a wide-ranging slate of programs that were fun and translatable to a virtual format and encouraged engagement from the senior center audience.

Participants increased their knowledge about Baltimore's historical figures, events, and landmarks. They also developed connectivity and a sense of community while participating in programs, as many lived during the times of these significant historical events making national headlines.

Key takeaways from Historical Perspectives of Baltimore:

• People love learning about the charm and history of their town. 
• Enthusiasm and love of place from the presenter is infectious and connects with the participants/residents of this city and encouraged interest and engagement.
• People responded to the opportunity to remain connected with their city and region, maybe even more so than usual, in the midst of pandemic lockdowns, perhaps yearning to be out and about more as they could in normal times.
• In an area like the Baltimore region that makes the news more in current times for the struggles in the city, having the opportunity to celebrate the unique history and accomplishments of the region was a draw: served as both a trip down memory lane and a reminder of the many good things in this region.
• There is a love of learning at all ages and for sharing the memories and experiences of one’s generations and those that were handed down to them from their previous generation.

About Parkville Senior Center

"Everything under the sun" is not just a slogan at Parkville Senior Center, where particpation in center activities is open to all Baltimore County residents age 60 and older and their spouses of any age. Offerings include a state-of-the-art fitness center and fitness classes, creative arts from creative writing to jewelry making, weekday lunch, and special events including holiday get-togethers and the August Night Classic Car Show.