Built in 1814, the Peale Museum building in Baltimore, Maryland is often credited as America's first museum building. In the twentieth century, this building housed the Municipal Museum of the City of Baltimore for 60 years. In 1997, the museum closed indefinitely and the historic collections were purchased by an outside institution. A newly-formed Baltimore City Historical Society is attempting to create a History Center within the historic building. This study will investigate the development, growth, and effectiveness of urban historical museums and apply the findings to Baltimore's story of heritage preservation in order to determine whether such an institution should be revived in Charm City. If developed successfully, an institution, commission, or center dedicated to the history of Baltimore's people, neighborhoods, and events, could help create a sense of greater community pride and cohesiveness with its citizens as well as facilitate discussions on social issues.