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Baltimore Great Blacks In Wax Museum Expanding

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum is expanding. It's the first wax museum of African-American history in our country.

Tracey Leong explains the importance of the $75 million renovation.

Strategically placed in East Baltimore, the goal of the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum is also to highlight that part of town.

A Baltimore landmark built more than 30 years ago is ready to expand ten times its current space, from 15,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet, taking over the entire 1600 block of North Avenue.

"In changing it, we talk about revitalizing a community, we talk about creating and becoming an economic engine," said Dr. Joanne Martin, museum co-founder.

Dr. Martin opened the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum with her late husband, Elmer. The space contains more than 100 wax figures depicting African American history.

Martin hopes the renovations will transform the city and empower Baltimore's youth.

"The promise of life, not the tragedy of life, and not creating that tragedy by killing one another," said Dr. Martin.

A message motivating Martin to see her dream on a larger scale.

"I would not be the person I am today or have the opportunity that I've had if it wasn't for this museum," said William Redmond, museum programs & outreach director.

Redmond, first visiting the museum when he was ten-years-old, knows firsthand the impact of this historical treasure.

Leong: "How will this museum help inspire our city's youth?"

Redmond: "I'm hoping it will inspire the city's youth the same way it did for me almost 20 years ago. Hopefully, it will help them to see the importance of education, see the importance of hard work and perseverance."

The first phase of the museum renovations will be completed by 2018.

If you are interested in learning more about the project or how you can donate, CLICK HERE.

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