Landing just one day before the Inauguration of Barack Obama, the nation's first African American president, Martin Luther King Jr. Day holds even more siginificance in 2009.
Honor the momentous event as well as the civil rights leader by spending Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Weekend in Philadelphia — the city where he first learned about peaceful resistanc.e
Special Events
America I Am: The African American Imprint
The blockbuster exhibition makes its debut at the National Constituion Center and honors 400+ years of African American history. Presented by media personality Tavis Smiley, America I Am features more than 150 items including the bench where Dr. King penned his famous "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." More...
Happenings at The African American Museum
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is featuring special programming in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the weekend, including musical and dance performances, a discuss with a famous author, a scavenger hunt and film screenings. More...
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Weekend at The Franklin
Feel the power of the "I Have a Dream" speech, which is being displayed on four giant screens at The Franklin throughout the weekend. Enjoy special presentations, African drumming performances, live gospel music, a scavenger hunt and more. More...
Ongoing Programs
Historic Philadelphia
Historic Philadelphia is full of freedom-ringnig sites like the Liberty Bell Center. Exhibitions and displays explain how the Abolitionist Movement adopted the icon as a symbol of its anti-slavery activities. More...
Quest for Freedom
Follow the footsteps of enslaved freedom seekers and discover the story of Philadelphia's early African- American community with the self-guided Quest for Freedom Tour. The tour goes through Philadelphia's many Underground Railroad sites including the Belmont Mansion and Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. More...