Bolton Hill Bulletin – Bolton Hill

The Bolton Hill Bulletin

October 2026 Volume 54 • Number 8

69th festival success generates funds for ongoing neighborhood activities

Festival on the Hill version 2026 was, of course, a great success. After 69 years, how could it not be, once good weather overtook morning drizzle?

Preliminary tallies suggest that BHCA will clear around $11,000 from food sales and sponsored activities, plus another $10,000 in contributions directed to the event. Co-chair Louie Wilder said the festival was financially the most successful ever: “Books alone made $6000.” Those funds mostly will go to underwrite 2027 Arts in the Parks concerts, greening and other activities of the association.

Proposed city council bill poses familiar questions for Bolton Hill

Baltimore’s City Council is again considering legislation that could change the way residential properties are developed and used in Bolton Hill. The proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) legislation, Bill 26-0195, would allow additional residential units on property throughout the city, including the rowhouses that make up much of our neighborhood.

Baltimore Museum of Art celebrates MICA 200, Bolton Hill artist

The Baltimore Museum of Art’s exhibition, BMA Celebrates MICA 200, celebrates the Maryland Institute College of Art’s (MICA) 200th anniversary. It draws from BMA’s collection to highlight the “breadth and depth of MICA’s programs across all media.” The exhibition runs through Jan. 3, 2027, and features 17 artists affiliated with MICA, including Grace Turnbull (1880-1976) who was raised in Bolton Hill. At the entrance, prominently displayed, is Turnbull’s sculpture “Figure Design,” a single nude figure created in 1937, a period when the Baltimore Sun declared she had achieved her best work (Sept. 21, 1980).

Christy Fricks and Julie Marx: what are you reading?

Welcome to the Second edition of the “What are you Reading?” Series.

Christy Fricks discusses Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls and Julie Marx gives her take on The Infinity Machine by Sebastian Malaby.

Remembering... Lottie Shivers, Colin Clark, Matthew-Daniel Stremba, Noell Damron, Christopher Kilmartin

We reflect on the lives of five cherished Bolton Hill neighbors whose diverse contributions shaped our community through hospitality, education, the arts, and dedicated civic service. Read the full memorials to learn more about their remarkable journeys, lasting impact, and service details.

New neighbors from Texas land on Bolton Street

This summer husband and wife Aaron Pratt and Jessica Kampahaus, and their dog Phil, moved from Austin, Texas, to the 1200 block of Bolton Street. Pratt accepted the position of Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Early Books and Prints at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., prompting their move to the East Coast. Rather than live in D.C., the couple chose Baltimore because both Pratt and Kampahaus previously visited friends in the area, and, according to Pratt, “Baltimore is rad.”

Bolton Hill Notes

Make plans to vote – beginning Oct. 22, or on Nov 3
WNADA fires director; earlier awarded grant to BHCA
BGE review of Lanvale Street fires continues
Memorial Players returns next month with “Annie”
Celebrating the Park Avenue Medians: Past, Present & Future, on Nov. 13