This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. To commemorate its namesake, the museum presents TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis, an exhibit that delves into the extraordinary life of the first African American to establish and lead a billion-dollar company. “Through personal artifacts and rare photographs, we aim to showcase the man and his far-reaching impact,” the museum shared. The exhibit paints a detailed portrait of Lewis as a family man, lawyer, and trailblazing businessman, and provides insight into his lasting legacy.
The exhibit explores Lewis’ journey from his childhood to his philanthropic work, featuring immersive elements such as a replica of his high school locker and a showcase of his time at Harvard University. It also highlights his Wall Street career, legal accomplishments, and major business deals. The museum offers an inside look at his personal life, including moments with family and friends, family portraits, and his favorite pastimes.
Artifacts on display include items from Lewis’ personal life, such as his briefcase with its original contents—glasses, a pen, a calculator, gloves, and an afro pick. Additionally, a replica of his private jet fuselage features awards and accolades from his global career.
Lewis’ widow, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, and their daughters, Leslie Lewis and Christina Lewis Halpern, played a pivotal role in bringing the exhibit to life. Mrs. Lewis expressed her emotional connection to the exhibit, noting how it evoked cherished memories of their life together.
Museum curator Robert Parker described curating the exhibit as a monumental task, sharing, “We wanted to celebrate the namesake of our institution… and this was the greatest way to do so.” Despite the complexity, the exhibit was completed in just six months, a significant accomplishment given its scale.
The TITAN exhibit is open at 830 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD, and will be on display through April 2026.
