The Maryland Curiosity Bureau

Latest Episodes:

When will we be able to swim in the Inner Harbor? Nov 22, 2021

Show notes

Some are tempted by the idea. Some are repelled. Will it ever be safe to take a dip in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor? How long will it take? And what needs to happen? Goals have been set. Deadlines have been missed. But recent studies show there is reason to hope.

In this episode, we hear from:

Adam Lindquist, Director of Baltimore Waterfront Partnership’s Healthy Harbor Initiative

Alice Volpitta, Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper at Blue Water Baltimore

And here’s where you can find Blue Water Baltimore’s regularly updated data on region's water quality

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the story of Jewish migration & segregation in Baltimore? Nov 15, 2021

Show notes

Starting in the early 1800s, waves of Jewish immigrants started to settle in downtown Baltimore. Since then, the population has slowly but steadily moved northwest to neighborhoods like Pikesville and Owings Mills. How & why did that happen?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scrapple, why? Nov 08, 2021

Show notes

It’s on local breakfast menus next to the bacon & sausage, but what in the world is it? Where did it come from? And why do some folks love it while others fear it? This episode, a skeptical listener asks, “Scrapple, why?” So, we take a deep dive into the cultural (and anatomical) origins of Maryland’s favorite mystery meat.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who is the BDC, and why do they have so much power? Nov 01, 2021

Show notes

Is the Baltimore Development Corporation a branch of city government, an independent company, or somehow both? What’s their agenda? Who are they accountable to? Who’s benefitting from their support? And what’s their vision for Baltimore’s future? We head downtown to 36 Charles Center and try to get some answers from BDC President & CEO Colin Tarbert.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you fall in love in a city park? Oct 25, 2021

Show notes

Hayley Nelson’s grandparents met and fell in love in Patterson Park back in the 1930s. She wants to know if this might be where she’s destined to meet her own Mr. Right. So, we head to the park with Hayley and try to help her meet some guys.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whatever happened to Baltimore's Dollar House program? Oct 18, 2021

Show notes

Back in the 70s and 80s, you could buy a vacant house for a dollar if you promised to fix it up and live there. What happened to that deal? Why did it end? Can the city bring it back? And by the way, are any of those original homesteaders still around?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where are Baltimore's hidden streams? Sep 29, 2021

Show notes

Someone told Ashley that there are a bunch of hidden streams flowing underground below our feet in Baltimore. She asked us about it, so we set out to discover where they are and why they're down there.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trailer Sep 23, 2021

Show notes

What's The Maryland Curiosity Bureau all about? Host Aaron Henkin introduces the show and invites you to put him to work with a question of your own.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.