WYPR’s Aaron Henkin and Wendel Patrick will headline the Maryland Center for History and Culture’s next Core Conversation on November 12 at noon ET. During the third virtual program in the four-part series, Henkin and Patrick, creators of WYPR’s Out of the Blocks, will explore the theme of authenticity.

“This conversation with Aaron and Wendel – who have been able to tell the stories of everyday Baltimoreans in such a compelling manner – will help participants develop an understanding of what we think is one of the primary roles of museums and cultural institutions,” said Mark Letzer, president and CEO, the Maryland Center for History and Culture. “We’ll explore what it means to be authentic, how authenticity plays a role in the way we collect objects as well as in how we and Aaron and Wendel tell stories.”

Aaron and Wendel’s Out of the Blocks series has taken the pair all over Baltimore City, where they go to a block, and make it their mission to meet and interview everyone there. Based on the theory that everyone has a story to share, they have produced countless programs proving exactly that.

“Their mission for storytelling is very translatable to what we do with historic objects and art here at the Maryland Center for History and Culture,” Letzer added. “We want our visitors to take that leap into the story of each painting, garment and object with us.”

The Maryland Center for History and Culture reopened in September with a new brand identity. The Core Conversation Series was created to explore the institution’s core values – Community, Authenticity, Dialogue and Discovery. Previous programs have featured Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden discussing Discovery and Baltimore-based journalist, author and television producer, David Simon exploring Dialogue.

This virtual program is free and open to all audiences, however, registration is required. Those interested in registering can do so through the link here. Once registered for the program, attendees will receive an automated confirmation email with connection instructions.

The Maryland Center for History and Culture’s series will continue with one final conversation in December, to be announced. Visit mdhistory.org for a full list of virtual programming.

The Maryland Center for History and Culture is now open with limited hours and capacity due to COVID-19. Museum and library hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Research visits to the library are currently by appointment only. Entry will be monitored to ensure proper social distancing. Masks will be required.

For more information about the Maryland Center for History and Culture, visit www.mdhistory.org.