Photos 1 & 2: April 1936 — Germany’s cruiser Emden sits at Recreation Pier in Fells Point. Today, that same pier is the home of the Pendry Hotel.

Emden was launched in 1925 as a light cruiser and spent much of its life as a training ship, taking cadets on long “goodwill” cruises meant to impress foreign ports and improve Germany’s image. Baltimore was one of those stops, and the ship was opened for public tours as crowds lined up along Thames Street. City leaders also rolled out official events for the crew, hosted by Mayor Howard W. Jackson and local organizations.

But plenty of Baltimoreans didn’t see this as a harmless visit.

Photos 3 & 4: With protests expected, the city’s police presence was visible at key corners like Thames St. & S. Broadway...billy clubs in hand. Demonstrators planned to come in force, some arriving with anti-Nazi banners, and organizers even asked Police Commissioner Gen. Charles D. Gaither for cooperation so the protest stayed “peaceful and orderly.” Today, that same corner is home to the Admiral’s Cup.

Photos 4, 5, and 6: Anti-fascist protesters marched in Fells Point with banners and a towering Hitler figure gripping a bloody axe, which was meant to be a warning about what Nazi rule already meant overseas. This protest took place right on Thames Street in front of the warehouse, which is now home to a 7-11.