CREDIT: @JADEPHOTOGRAPHS ON INSTAGRAM
Museums, attractions, and cultural institutions across New York State are commemorating Black History Month this February with special programs and events honoring and celebrating the great contributions and achievements of African Americans. From art workshops to live performances to moving exhibits, find unique and meaningful ways to celebrate and understand Black history, culture, and heritage with these family-friendly events.
Masks are encouraged, but optional in most settings per New York State guidelines. Individual businesses or attractions may require mask wearing. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available.
Originally published 02/03/2023
February 1–July 8, 2024
Photo courtesy of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Join the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture for the opening of their new exhibition dedicated to Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes. Learn how Hughes forged connections between creative professionals, encouraged the work of others, and helped build a larger network of Black creatives and intellectuals to respond to the current events of the time. The exhibit features photographs from photojournalist Griff Davis, exploring the relationship between Langston Hughes and the students, writers, visual artists, and performers he worked with. The grand opening exhibit event is from 6pm-8pm on February 1 and free and open to the public.
February 7
Credit: @gerri.gjones on Instagram
From 5pm-8pm on February 7, join the Buffalo and Erie County Botanic Garden for a night of celebrating Buffalo’s Black heritage. Throughout the evening, you’ll listen to stories from the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and the Colored Musicians Club and Jazz Museum and get to explore the vibrant collection of horticulture treasures from around the world, all for free.
February 3
This February at the Clermont State Historic Site, children and their families are invited to honor Black History Month with stories about the Black men and women who played an important role in history. The event is free and takes place at 1pm. Reservations are required.
Ongoing
Credit: @oeprophoto on Instagram
From the Apollo Theater to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture to influential restaurants like Sylvia’s and Melba’s, Harlem is rich in Black culture, history, and heritage. The New York State Museum celebrates this community with an ongoing exhibit that takes a look back to the 1920s and 1930s when Harlem became a symbol of the African American struggle for civil and economic equality while emerging as a mecca for Black culture, art, and music with unique artifacts, rare photos, and more.
Ongoing
CREDIT: @JADEPHOTOGRAPHS ON INSTAGRAM
New York State played an important role in the Underground Railroad, the secret network that helped tens of thousands of freedom seekers escape enslavement. Experience the stories of Harriet Tubman and Niagara Falls heroes at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. The exhibit “One More River to Cross” explores the crucial role Niagara Falls’ geography played and the heroic actions of its Black residents. “Freedom Crossing,” a permanent exhibition at the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center, also tells the story of the Underground Railroad in the Greater Niagara region with historic photographs, artifacts, and real life stories.
February 4
Every month, the Long Island Children’s Museum hosts a series teaching kids what it means to be an advocate for themselves and others while educating adults on how they can support their child’s self-advocacy efforts. This February, “AdvoKids” turns its attention to Black History Month, focusing on its beginnings and the importance of why it is celebrated. As part of the program, visitors will learn about sculptor Edmonia Lewis and then create a mini sculpture of their own.
February 18-25
CREDIT: @BCMKIDS ON INSTAGRAM
Join the Brooklyn Children’s Museum for a week’s worth of reflection and future-forward fun at the Black Future Festival. This year the festival is inspired by the African Diaspora and Black History Month. Experience powerful dance performances, workshops, and storytelling with guest curator Kendra J. Bostock and STooPS.
February 19-23
CREDIT: @WANDERGENIC ON INSTAGRAM
Seventy-seven years ago this spring, Jackie Robinson made history when he broke the color barrier and debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers to become the first Black player in Major League Baseball history. Conveniently timed with school’s winter break, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate No. 42’s heroic journey in honor of Black History Month with daily programs designed for kids of all ages. Families can also experience unique exhibits and see select artifacts at an interactive pop-up at the museum’s Learning Center.
9. Storytime at the Museum: “The ABCs of Black History at the Chapman Historical Museum (Adirondacks)
February 20
Step into this grand Victorian home, now the site of the Chapman Museum, for a special Black History Month Storytime reading of “The ABCs of Black History” by Rio Cortez.The picture book celebrates the story of Black history and culture, letter by letter. The story highlights big ideas – “P” for Power and “S” for Science and Soul, significant moments – “G” for Great Migration, and iconic figures – “X” for Malcom X and “H” for Zora Neale Hurston. After storytime, children will color pictures of famous Black and African American figures. The book is good for ages 5-9.
February 3-23
Various Long Island State Parks are celebrating Black History Month with a series of programs highlighting the contributions and achievements of Black and African Americans artists, scientists, and environmentalists. Explore the abstract art of Alma Thomas at the Connetquot River State Park Preserve and create your own painting of unique colors and shapes, see the experiments of Black scientists and how they paved the way for modern science at Nissequogue River State Park, , take a self-guided hike at Sunken Meadow State Park and explore the contributions of Black environmentalists, and more.
February 3-25
Photo courtesy of the Hudson River Museum
Throughout the month, celebrate the wise words of well-known Black icons using the art of collage with the Hudson River Museum. Kids can get their creativity flowing through mixed-media art, and the help of glitter glue, cardboard, and print-outs. This family event will be held on various dates throughout the month and is best suited for those four and up. The museum is also offering a month-long calendar of additional Black History events.
February 3 and 24
Celebrate Black History Month with a family storytime at the Westchester Square Library in the Bronx. Part of the New York Public Library, Westchester Square invites children and their adults to listen to stories, sing songs, and learn valuable lessons about the history and art surrounding Black History Month. Art and STEAM activities will also be available. For ages 5 and under with an adult. Open to children up to 8.
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