The Port of Baltimore named its cranes after famous Maryland women

The Port of Baltimore may not be the biggest port in North America, but it wins an award for creativity. At the port, its cranes have been named after famous women of Maryland. Each crane honors a woman who has made a difference in the state — including politicians, government officials and entrepreneurs.

Check out the list below to meet these women who have been honored by the port.

1. Helen Delich Bentley: Entrepreneur, reporter, FMC chairman, U.S. representative

Bentley, who died in August 2016, flaunted a long and colorful career in the maritime industry. She reported on maritime news for The Baltimore Sun and a local Baltimore TV station for more than 20 years before serving as the Federal Maritime Commission chair 1969-1975, and then U.S. representative for Maryland's 2nd congressional district 1985-1995.

After her time in office, Bentley founded Helen Bentley & Associates Inc., an international trade consulting firm. She also provided consultancy work for the Maryland Port Administration and the Port of Baltimore. Her impressive resume — riddled with service to the maritime industry — is why she's remembered by a port crane.

Helen Bentley, the crane, at the Port of Baltimore — Port of Baltimore

2. Barbara A. Mikulski: U.S. Senator from Maryland, U.S. representative

Mikulski bears the distinct honor of being the first Maryland woman elected to the U.S. Senate, the longest-serving woman in the history of the U.S. Congress and the longest-serving senator in Maryland history.

Before assuming the office of senator in 1987, Mikulski served as U.S. representative from Maryland's 3rd congressional district, from 1977 to 1987. She recently announced that she will retire from the Senate at the end of this year, marking 30 consecutive years in political office.

Barbara Mikulski, the crane, at the Port of Baltimore — Port of Baltimore

3. M. Kathleen Broadwater: Deputy Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration

Broadwater has been the Maryland Port Administration's deputy executive director for the past 16 years, has served as the American Association of Port Authorities chair, and boasts more than 30 years of experience in the maritime industry. Her dedication to the industry's advancement earned her a crane in her name.

M. Kathleen Broadwater, the crane, at the Port of Baltimore — Port of Baltimore

4. Lucille Maurer: first woman treasurer for the state of Maryland

Before becoming the first woman treasurer for the state of Maryland in 1987, Maurer served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1969 to 1987.

Although she didn't have a specific expertise in the maritime industry, her political and economic accomplishments are deserving of recognition. She died in 1996 after serving nine years as state treasurer.

Lucille Maurer, the crane, at the Port of Baltimore — Port of Baltimore

5. Hilda Mae Snoops: "First Lady" to Maryland Gov. Donald Schaefer

Snoops never married Schaefer, but she lived with him in the governor's residence during his term and served as the state of Maryland's honorary "first lady."

As his friend since childhood, Snoops assumed all entertaining and renovating of the governor's residence, and was known as Schaefer's chief friend and confidante during his term.