Philadelphia celebrates Black history year-round, but things really get going in February when the region’s museums, arts and cultural organizations and historic sites pull out all the stops for Black History Month.
Special Exhibitions and Programs
America I Am: The African American Imprint — Through May 3, 2009
The blockbuster exhibition makes its debut at the National Constitution 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...
Quest for Freedom's Live and Learn Weekend — February 6-7, 2009
Enjoy a lively discussion and living history program centered around two of the country's greatest agents of change: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. The weekend continues with a half-priced tour of the America I Am exhibition and free admission to the multimedia production, Freedom Rising. More...
Events at the African American Museum in Philadelphia — Throughout February
The African American Museum is hosting a vast array of programs throughout Black History Month. The museum touches every aspect of Black history with events like the Black History Trivia Bowl, a live jazz and poetry concert, film screenings and round-table discussions. And that's just the beginning. More...
Happenings at Belmont Mansion — Throughout February
Belmont Mansion, home of abolitionist John Peters, is hosting several great events for children and adults alike. Explore the Diaspora through an African film screening, attend a lecture on President Obama and take part in a special Underground Railroad tour. More...
And Don't Forget...
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 Belmont Mansion and Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. More...
Historic Philadelphia
Historic Philadelphia is full of freedom-ringing 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.