In honor of Black History Month, Philadelphia is always filled with tours, performances and exhibits that help educate people about black history. Since 1976, February has been named Black History Month, and every year you can find tons of events going on in the city to celebrate the rich and diverse history of black culture. We put together a list of some events in the city over the next few weeks, so whether you’re looking for a quiet exhibit or a thought-provoking historical tour, we’ve got you covered.
February 7, Art after 5 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Free after admission
This week’s Art after 5 program, Mood Indigo: A Harlem Renaissance Retrospective, brings Dandy Wellington and His Band to the museum for a celebration of everything Harlem Renaissance. Wellington and his band will perform pieces by Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and more.
Through February, African American Museum
$14 admission, $10 students/youth
On permanent display, the AAMP has its Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776-1876 exhibit, that gives visitors an interactive timeline spanning 100 years of history, video projections and a children’s corner where they can see what it was like to live as a kid in the 18th century. Also, on February 22 members of the Tiberino family will give a tour of their work through The Unflinching Eye: Works of the Tiberino Family Circle. The exhibit focuses on the art of Philadelphia artist Ellen Powell Tiberino, her family and a few other artists.
Through February, National Constitution Center
$8-$14.50 admission
At the National Constitution Center, you can see an incredibly rare printing of the Emancipation Proclamation to learn more about it’s history and effects on the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments in their Decoding the Document: Emancipation Proclamation Document Workshop. There is also a self guided tour that highlights important moments throughout African American history, and the interactive Breaking Barriers show, that takes a look at Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson and other inspiring stories throughout African American history.
Through February, Free Library of Philadelphia
Free
At various locations throughout the city the Free Library packed its calendar with events for all ages. The FLP covers everything from movie screenings and workshops with skilled comic book artists from the East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention, to the art of African folktales and history taught through African-American music.
Every weekend in February, Independence National Historical Park
Free
Every Saturday and Sunday the park holds 30-minute, ranger-led programs on The Underground Railroad in Philadelphia that visitors can explore in the Second Bank’s Portrait Gallery. This goes along with ongoing programs held at The Presidents House, as well as tours of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
