(410) 417-8206

The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park

300 Oella Ave,
Catonsville, MD 21228
Great for Portraits
and in our standard portraits service area.

Warning: This section of our website is in beta and not all features may work as expected, or at all.

Located in Catonsville, Maryland, the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park is a charming and picturesque destination steeped in history. Named after Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught African American mathematician, astronomer, and almanac author, the park is a testament to his enduring legacy. It offers a perfect setting for portraits, with its rustic buildings, modern visitors center museum, and natural surroundings.

Benjamin Banneker was born on November 9, 1731, in Baltimore County, Maryland. The grandson of enslaved Africans, Banneker was raised in a small, integrated community where his intellect and curiosity flourished. He made remarkable achievements in various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and surveying, earning him widespread recognition and respect.

The park, which spans 142 acres, was established in 1985 to honor Banneker’s contributions to American history. It features a reconstruction of his log cabin, which serves as an excellent example of 18th-century architecture and craftsmanship. The park’s landscape provides a serene and captivating backdrop, highlighting the area’s natural beauty and historical significance.

The rustic buildings within the park offer unique opportunities for portrait photography. The Benjamin Banneker Log Cabin, for instance, transports visitors back in time, providing an authentic 18th-century ambiance. Other structures such as the Colonial Farmstead, which houses a functioning garden, and the Orchard Meadow, filled with fruit trees, add to the park’s distinct charm.

In addition to the historic buildings, the park also boasts a modern visitors center museum. This state-of-the-art facility offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and guided tours that allow visitors to dive deeper into Banneker’s life and achievements. The museum’s contemporary architecture complements the park’s rustic aesthetic, creating a seamless blend of old and new that makes for captivating portraits.

A permit is required for professional photography sessions at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park. However, the permit is free and may not apply to all types of sessions. It is courteous to contact the park’s management in advance to discuss the specific details of your photography plans and secure the necessary permit.

Location Limitations:

Permits and certificate of insurances are required for paid and unpaid photography sessions. In addition, dates of photo and video sessions must be approved by the park office. A signed permit is due two weeks prior to the photo session and a certificate of insurance is due 30 days prior to the photo session. It’s possible that this requirement may be waived for outdoor sessions during off-peak hours.

The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park

300 Oella Ave
Catonsville, MD 21228
(410) 887-1081

Portrait Permits & Costs

Permit Required:
Yes
Permit Cost:
Free
Portraits Service Area:

The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park is in our standard portraits service area.

Events:

Event Bookings:
No
Location Type:
Best from:
April – November

Parking info:

Parking is available in the on site parking lots.

Is something on this page incorrect, or would you like to tell us about a new location? Please let us know.

Share this location

Please be advised that information on this photoshoot location directory may not be up-to-date. Contact the location owner for confirmation. We have no affiliation with the listed location and cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies. Use of this information is at your own risk.

Captured at The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park

Ready to learn more?

If you have questions about setting up a session, or The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park as a shooting location, fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

Heads up! You will be required to obtain a permit to hold a session at The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park. Please contact the venue for help obtaining your permit.

Locations Directory Disclaimer

The information in our shooting locations directory is provided for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information in the directory. Use of the directory is at your own risk. We are not responsible for any decision to use or visit a particular location. Please read our locations directory introduction here.

By using the shooting locations directory, you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses arising from or related to your use of the directory.

By using this directory you are agreeing to these terms.