15 Feb Celebrating Black History Month
Visiting Museums While Traveling the U.S.
In the U.S. each February, we take time to honor the contributions of African Americans throughout our history. Black History Month gives us a chance to hear powerful stories and celebrate resilience, and travel gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in this rich history. By doing so, the hope is we have a greater appreciation for culture and diversity in our everyday lives, ultimately reflected in how we treat our neighbor and see the world. Whether you are absorbing culture on your own or sharing it with the next
generation to enhance their education, here are some must-see museums when you’re visiting top US destinations. While we have a particular focus on these museums in February, they are truly appropriate to visit any time of year.
National Museum of African American History and Culture |
Washington, D.C.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture, is the newest Smithsonian museum on D.C.’s National Mall. It opened in 2016 and intends to let its visitors explore African American culture through interactive exhibits, helps tell those stories so important to hear, shares how African American culture embodies the same values as American culture and serves as a place for collaboration.
Photo by Kyle Mills
California African American Museum | Los Angeles
Located in L.A.’s Exposition Park, CAAM focuses on the African American influence within California and the western part of the US. It showcases artists from the legendary James Bladwin to the modern day Kendrick Lamar, prominent figures like Muhammad Ali and several rotating exhibitions. Hopefully after the pandemic, CAAM will revive their famous dance parties for exhibition’s opening night – we are surely all ready to hit the dance floor.
Photo by Steven Pahel
Free People of Color Museum | New Orleans
When discovering Black History, one must foray to the South of course. While there are incredible museums such as the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, Alabama, these are a bit more off the beaten track. However, New Orleans is a destination where culture is celebrated so be sure do not miss the unique Musee de f.p.c. This historic house museum honors the African ancestry who lived outside of slavery before the Civil War. Tours are by appointment only.
Photo by Morgan Petroski
DuSable Museum of African American History | Chicago
When visiting the Windy City, be sure to visit this museum in Hyde Park, near where the Obamas once called home. Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, a Black man of Haitian, French, and African descent became the first resident of Chicago in 1779. The DuSable Museum of African American History is dedicated to conserving African American culture and art, housing more than 15,000 pieces. And of course, don’t miss statue of Chicago’s beloved first Black mayor, Harold Washington.
Photo by Max Bender
Schomburg Center for Research and Black Culture | New York City
Away from the MET and MOMA, the Schomburg is located in Harlem. This museum is a renowned research library of the New York Public Library, which makes it unique. It’s also extra special as it features murals and artwork not often seen on a trip to the Big Apple. Like CAAM, hopefully post-pandemic they will reinstate film screenings and other cultural celebrations.
Photo by Nicole-y-c
While most museums are still closed due to the COVID pandemic, be sure to visit their websites to see how they are celebrating Black History Month and encouraging on-going education through reading lists, virtual exhibits and special events.
No Comments