Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum, Baltimore

The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum is a must-visit for any baseball fan. The museum is a National Shrine to Babe Ruth and has been open to the public since 1974. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a docent who provides an orientation to the museum and is available throughout the tour to answer any questions.

The museum offers an up-close and personal look at the life and career of baseball's greatest star through rare artifacts, photographs, audio and video highlights. Visitors can also learn about the history of Baltimore baseball as the museum is also the official Museum of the Baltimore Orioles, the archives of the Baltimore Colts and Johnny Unitas.

The museum is located in a Baltimore row house where Babe Ruth was born on February 6, 1895. The property was leased by Babe's maternal grandfather, Pius Schamberger, who made his living as an upholsterer. In the late 1960s, the property and adjoining three row-house structures fell into disrepair and were scheduled for demolition. However, a campaign was launched to save and restore the Birthplace.

The not-for-profit Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation, Inc. was formed to govern the operation of the museum. Exhibits depicting the Historic House and the life and times of Babe Ruth were installed with the help of Babe's widow, Claire, his two daughters, Dorothy and Julia, and his sister, Mamie.

In 1983, the operation expanded to become the official museum of the Baltimore Orioles, the team that signed Ruth to his first professional contract. The Foundation began operating as the Babe Ruth Museum at that time. In 1985, the Mayor of Baltimore designated the Museum as the official archives of the Baltimore Colts, who had departed the previous year for Indianapolis.

The museum's popularity grew significantly after the opening of Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 1992, with attendance reaching over 60,000 annually. The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum is a must-visit for any baseball enthusiast.