Here's Where to Celebrate and Explore Black History Across the Country
Visit any number of these sites during Black History Month — and beyond — to learn more about the outstanding contributions and legacies of Africans and African Americans throughout history.
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NEW YORK CITY
The Paley Center for Media | 25W 52nd St. | www.paleycenter.org
The Paley Center for Media is a cultural institution dedicated to supporting the significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms. Throughout Black History Month 2020, the center will host "A Salute to Black Achievements in Television," with exhibits, events, screenings, and family activities. A few highlights will include the live event "Running the Show with Lena Waithe" (February 10) and a spotlight on the 40th anniversary of BET.
Jamaica Performing Arts Center | 153-10 Jamaica Ave. | jcal.org
For Black History Month 2020, the center is putting on a performance of The Meeting, which depicts a fictional account of a secret meeting between Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. following the bombing of Malcolm X's home. The show tackles modern and relevant issues surrounding Black empowerment and equality. The performance takes place on February 1.
Apollo Theater: Open House 2020 | 253 W. 125th St. | apollotheater.org
The iconic theater will host a series of programs throughout February that center and celebrate Black talent. The month will kick off on February 1 with the "Apollo Open House 2020: Celebration of Cool." This event that will spotlight the rich history of the theater and its place in African-American performance. The event will also include an advance showing of the documentary American Masters—Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool.
African Burial Ground National Monument | 290 Broadway | nps.gov
The African Burial Ground is the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in America for both free and enslaved Africans. The site provides a thorough history of enslavement in New York and honors our ancestors that helped build this nation.
Weeksville Heritage Center | 158 Buffalo Ave. | weeksvillesociety.org
Visit the Weeksville Heritage Center to explore the history of the 19th century African-American community of Weeksville, Brooklyn — one of America’s first free Black communities. In addition to gaining a better understanding of its history, the center will also host several cultural programs and exhibitions throughout the month. Currently on display is Damien Davis' "COLLAPSE: Black Wall Street Study," which will run until March 1. The center will also host the program "B Scene's Black TV Matters: Reclaiming the Narrative" on February 22.
Brooklyn Historical Society | 128 Pierrepont St. | brooklynhistory.org
The Brooklyn Historical Society is putting on several events during Black History Month that aim to educate and spark conversation. A few of the programs include a screening of "A Modern Day Lynching? Screening of Always in Season" (February 18), the annual "Martha Rubin Conversation on Racial Equality" (February 19), and a talk on implicit bias in the workplace (February 26).
NYC Parks | Various locations | nycgovparks.org
NYC Parks has no shortage of events throughout Black History Month. Pick a park. Pick a borough (or two). Learn about the trials and triumphs of the Black experience in the United States.
DETROIT
The Henry Ford | 20900 Oakwood Blvd | thehenryford.org
The Henry Ford will explore Black history through a series of programs, activities, and musical performances all month long. Events will include an exploration of the Green Book, a spotlight on African-American farm families' experiences between the 1860s and 1960s, plus several musical and dramatic performances.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African America History | 315 E. Warren St. | thewright.org
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is dedicated to exploring and celebrating Black history and culture all year long. To kick off the month, scholar and writer Dr. Daryl Michael Scott will lecture on the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History Month. Other standout events will include "The Vincent Chandler Experience" (February 15), "The Potential Power in the Conscious Black Vote" (February 16), and a showing of the documentary Gone to the Village (February 22).
Motown Museum | 2648 W. Grand Blvd | motownmuseum.org
Motown was (and is) a musical movement! Dig deeper into the history of Hitsville, U.S.A. by visiting the site that birthed the careers of The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Temptations and many others. While the museum is open all year long, there’s no better time than Black History Month to celebrate Motown’s lasting legacy.
CHICAGO
The DuSable Museum of African-American History | 740 E. 56th Pl. | dusablemuseum.org
The DuSable Museum aims to highlight the achievements and contributions of African-Americans throughout history, all year long. For Black History Month, the museum will invite visitors to experience a groundbreaking VR exhibit that will recreate the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The event will take place on February 28.
The Museum of Science and Industry | 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. | msichicago.org
Since 1970, the Museum of Science and Industry has hosted the Juried Art Exhibition, which features the work of prominent African-Americans who are making their mark on Chicago and the world. The museum is also hosting the Black Creativity Innovation Studio to explore the contributions of African-Americans in the STEM fields. Both events will run through March 1.
Chicago Black Restaurant Week | Various locations | chiblackrestaurantweek.com
As Chicago Restaurant Week comes to a close, Chicago Black Restaurant Week will just be getting underway (February 9-16). The event encourages participants to dine at Black-owned restaurants around the city and surrounding suburbs. Last year, the event featured 37 restaurants that, collectively, brought in more than $24,000.
DMV (DC, MARYLAND, VIRGINIA)
National Museum of African American History and Culture | 1400 Constitution Ave. NW | nmaahc.si.edu
The NMAAHC stands as the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African-American life, history, and culture.
Brentwood Arts Exchange | 3901 Rhode Island Ave. | arts.pgparks.com
Throughout February, the Brentwood Arts Exchange will host a curated group exhibition titled "Cold Hands, Warm Heart: Myths of Black Womanhood." The exhibition will examine the multi-layered dichotomy of the African-American woman as it relates to womanhood and identity through the fabric of the American landscape.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture | 830 E. Pratt St. | lewismuseum.org
The Lewis Museum centers the experiences of African-American Marylanders with exhibits that explore their heritage through themes of family, community, slavery, and art. The center will host a number of events throughout Black History Month, including a screening of Wax Print (February 9), a talk on the Black male vote, Smithsonian Channel's world premiere of Black in Space: Breaking the Color Barrier (February 19), and more.
Virginia Commonwealth University’s 17th Annual Black History Month Lecture | 901 Park Ave. | library.vcu.edu
On February 11, the VCU Libraries are hosting their annual Black History Month lecture. This year's talk, given by award-winning cartoonist Keith Knight, will be titled "Red, White, Black and Blue: Documenting America's Racial Illiteracy."
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia | 122 W. Leigh Street | blackhistorymuseum.org
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia highlights the complex experiences of African-Americans by collecting, preserving, and interpreting cultural artifacts. The museum is currently featuring an exhibition titled "Paradox of Liberty: Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello," which gives voice to the many enslaved families who built and maintained Monticel. It will run through April 18.
PHILADELPHIA
African American Museum in Philadelphia | 701 Arch St. | aampmuseum.org
The AAMP will kick off the month with a Family Fun Day (February 8) that will include Black history trivia, a scavenger hunt, musical performance, and cooking demos. Throughout the month, the museum will also host other events, which will include films, conversations, exhibitions, and more.
National Constitution Center | 525 Arch St. | constitutioncenter.org
On February 3, the center will recognize the 150th anniversary of the 15th amendment, which said the right to vote could not be denied based on race. All month long, there will be special education programs and performances tied to its new "Civil War and Reconstruction" exhibit. On February 14, the center will host "Before the Fifteenth: Presented in Partnership with the Frances Project." The Frances Project is a Philadelphia-based celebration designed to spotlight the life and work of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, an influential African-American writer, abolitionist, and suffragist.
NASHVILLE & MEMPHIS
National Civil Rights Museum | 450 Mulberry St. | civilrightsmuseum.org
The National Civil Rights Museum tells the history behind the movement with compelling events, exhibits, speakers and more. On February 27, the site will host "Book Talk: Overground Railroad with Candacy Taylor." Overground Railroad was released in January 2020 as the first book to explore the historical role and residual impact of the Green Book, a travel guide for Black motorists.
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum | 826 N. 2nd St. | slavehavenmemphis.com
Take a walk through history by visiting this antebellum home that was once part of the Underground Railroad. The site features tunnels, trap doors, and artifacts that provide the secrets and details of the treacherous journey.
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum | 191 Beale St. | memphisrocknsoul.org
Get a history lesson on the birth of rock and soul music, as well as the Black pioneers that led the way. The museum does a deep dive into rural culture and rural music that shaped both genres’ sound, and the societal changes that left a lasting impact.
United Street Tours | 150 4th Ave. N. | unitedstreettours.com
This Black-owned, woman-owned tour company aims to highlight Black history in Nashville that is often overlooked and forgotten. Popular walking tours include "Slavery to Freedom," "Secret Network of Women in Civil Rights," "Nashville Black History," and a "Local Food and History Experience."
The Hermitage | 4580 Rachels Ln. | thehermitage.com
While The Hermitage stands as the historical plantation owned by President Andrew Jackson, it also serves as a site to share the stories of the enslaved African-Americans who lived and worked there. The Hermitage will host several events throughout the month, including a Family History Day (February 8), the "In Their Footsteps" walking tour (February 14 - March 1), and a memorial service (February 29).
CHARLOTTE
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture | 551 S. Tryon St. | ganttcenter.org
The Gantt Center celebrates the contributions of Africans and African-Americans thorough art exhibitions, arts education programs, community outreach, and more. Standout programs for Black History Month will include "Franklin McCain: Flashbacks and Observations From A Civil Rights Trailblazer" (February 5), a screening of Black Girl for the center's Classic Black Cinema Series (February 9), and an Afro-Brazilian dance workshop (February 15).
The Charlotte Museum of History | 3500 Shamrock Dr. | charlottemuseum.org
On Feb. 29, the Charlotte Museum of History will host the African-American Heritage Festival to celebrate more than 250 years of the city's Black history and culture. The event will explore arts, music, dance, fashion, storytelling, and more.
HOUSTON
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum | 3816 Caroline St. | buffalosoldiermuseum.com
Get a detailed history of the legacy of America’s Buffalo Soldiers who defended this country, from the Revolutionary War to present. The site offers educational programs, historic research, art programs, school tours, exhibits, and more.
Houston Museum of African American Culture | 4807 Caroline St. | hmaac.org
On February 16, the HMAAC will wrap up its exhibition "Vicki Meek: 3 Decades of Social Commentary," which contextualizes the broad spectrum of Vicki Meek’s work within the vernacular of Black radical thought. This will also include a panel discussion on Black feminism (February 8) and a conversation about Black history (February 15). On February 8, the museum will hold a gala celebrating ten years of exhibitions focused on African-American culture.
Community Artists’ Collective | 4101 San Jacinto St., Suite 116 | thecollective.org
The Collective supports the work of local Black artists, especially Black female artists. Stop in for unique exhibitions, arts education, community development projects, and more.
NEW ORLEANS
Le Musée de f.p.c. | 2336 Esplanade Ave. | lemuseedefpc.com
Visit this historic house museum that serves to preserve the culture and stories of free people of color (f.p.c.) in New Orleans and beyond. The site provides guided tours that highlight documents, paintings, and decorative art that detail this rich history.
Amistad Research Center | 6823 St. Charles Ave. | amistadresearchcenter.org
The Amistad Research Center is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and providing open access to original materials that reference the social and cultural importance of America's ethnic and racial history. Current exhibits include "Black Arts Movement," "Contours: Reflections on the Life and Work of Hale Smith," "Travel Diaries: African Americans Abroad," and more.
All Bout Dat Tours | Various locations | allboutdat.com
There’s no better time than Black History Month to join All Bout Dat Tours for an exploration of Black heritage and jazz in New Orleans. The tour group visits historic sites such as Congo Square, Armstrong Park, Tremé (one of the oldest neighborhoods in the country that was home to free people of color), and more.
ATLANTA
The King Center | 449 Auburn Ave. NE | thekingcenter.org
The King Center stands as the largest repository of primary source materials on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Learn more about the man and the movement through papers, oral history interviews, artifacts, and more.
Center for Civil and Human Rights | 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW | civilandhumanrights.org
The Center for Civil and Human Rights will be free to the public on February 1 thanks to a donation from FedEx in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the first Woolworth Lunch Counter Sit-ins. Current exhibits include "The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection," "Dignity Museum," "American Civil Rights Movement: Rolls Down Like Water,” and more.
Children's Museum of Atlanta | 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW | childrensmuseumatlanta.org
The Children's Museum of Atlanta will celebrate Black History Month by sharing the experiences and achievements of prominent African Americans in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
LOS ANGELES
California African American Museum | 600 State Dr. | caamuseum.org
The California African American Museum is dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving, and interpreting for public enrichment the history, art, and culture of African Americans with an emphasis on California and the western United States. Current exhibits include the group show "LA Blacksmith" (through February 16), "Making Mammy: A Caricature of Black Womanhood, 1840-1940" (through March 1), and "Timothy Washington: Citizen/Ship" (through March 1).
African American Firefighter Museum | 1401 N. Central Ave. | aaffmuseum.org
The African American Fire Fighter Museum is dedicated to collecting, conserving, and sharing the heritage of African American firefighters. It is the first and, so far, the only free-standing African American firefighter museum in the United States. The museum contains vintage fire apparatus, galleries, artifacts, and other memorabilia of African-American firefighters from around the country.
The 28th Annual Pan African Film + Arts Festival | 4020 Marlton Ave. and 3650 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd | paff.org
This year’s Pan African Film + Arts Festival will be held from February 11 to February 23 and will help to promote Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images. In addition to exclusive film screenings, Q&A sessions, and after-parties, this year’s festival will host the John Singleton Short Film Competition, inspired by the late filmmaker.
