**Vote Maryland Nominees in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice – Support Local Favorites**
Several Maryland cultural institutions have made their mark on the national stage, vying for recognition in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. From art museums to museum ships, Maryland is proudly represented in various categories, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultural offerings in the state.
**Maryland Institutions Making Waves**
At the forefront of the competition is the American Visionary Art Museum, aiming to secure the top spot in the Best Art Museum category. Currently holding the fourth position, AVAM stands as a testament to creativity and innovation in the art world.
In the race for Best Free Museum, two Maryland institutions are making their mark. The Baltimore Museum of Art and the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum are both contenders in this category, with BMA in eighth place and Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum in 17th place at the time of this article’s publication.
Representing Baltimore in the Best Museum Ship category is Historic Ships in Baltimore, overseeing four historic vessels that showcase the maritime history of the region. Despite being in 18th place currently, the legacy of these ships continues to captivate audiences.
**Maryland’s Diverse Cultural Landscape**
Venturing outside of Baltimore, Maryland’s cultural institutions in Montgomery and Allegany counties are also leaving their mark on the competition. Glenstone, located in Potomac, is nominated in the Best Sculpture Park category and stands as the nation’s largest private contemporary art museum, currently in 16th place.
In the Small Town Museum category, the Allegany Museum in Cumberland is a standout nominee, holding the sixth position and highlighting the cultural heritage of the region.
**Cast Your Vote Today**
As the competition heats up, readers have the power to make a difference by casting their votes. With one vote per person, per category, per day, every voice counts in supporting these local favorites on a national platform.
**Voting Deadlines and Winner Announcements**
Stay tuned for the following deadlines and winner announcement dates for each category:
– **Best Free Museum**: Voting ends at noon ET on Feb. 10; winners announced Feb. 19
– **Best Small Town Museum**: Voting ends at noon ET on Feb. 10; winners announced Feb. 19
– **Best Museum Ship**: Voting ends at noon ET on Feb. 10; winners announced Feb. 19
– **Best Art Museum**: Voting ends at noon ET on Feb. 17; winners announced Feb. 26
– **Best Sculpture Park**: Voting ends at noon ET on Feb. 17; winners announced Feb. 26
**Remember, your vote can make a difference in showcasing the vibrant cultural landscape of Maryland on a national stage. Support your local favorites and help them shine bright in the spotlight of the USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards!**
**Marcus Dieterle**, the managing editor of Baltimore Fishbowl, shares his passion for the environment and education through his coverage of various topics. His dedication to excellence has earned him accolades, including a Best of Show award for Website of General Excellence. As a storyteller of the community, Marcus continues to uplift voices and celebrate the diverse narratives that shape our world.
