February marks the annual celebration of Black History Month in the United States. It was enacted by Carter G. Woodson in 1976 and has been observed every year since. Each year has its own theme, and in 2018, the theme is “African Americans in Times of War.”
In a city as diverse as Philadelphia, your only problem trying to find a way to honor Black History Month is going to be deciding which of these great locations to take your child to! Whether you’re a parent, babysitter, or nanny, one of these places is sure to provide education and fun for you and your little ones.
National Constitution Center
Address: 525 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.
Phone: 215-409-6600
Fees: Online sale prices through March 31: Adults, $10 | Kids ages 6-18, $7.50 | Check here for more deals & promotions.
Visit the National Constitution Center this month and explore a variety of programs set up to honor Black History Month. The “Story of We the People” exhibit celebrates key milestones in African-American history. Afterward, you can play on the Giant Game Board and see how much you learned. While you’re there, you can view the original printing of the Supreme Court’s Dread Scott Decision. It’s said to be one of the worst decisions ever made by the Supreme Court. It’s also rumored to be one of the catalysts that pushed the U.S. into its Civil War.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia
Address: 701 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.
Phone: 215-574-0380
Fees: Adults, $14 | Kids ages 4-12, Seniors, & Students w/ ID, $10 | Access/EBT card holders, $2 (must show card to receive $2 pricing for up to 4 adults) | AARP members, free
All month long, the African American Museum of Philadelphia will be hosting events to celebrate Black History Month. While most of these exhibits will continue to run long after February, the one you’ll want to catch before it’s gone is “Black Pulp,” a look at black art in print media. The collection ranges from historical works to comic books, which is perfect for your little graphic novel fans. Not all of the images will be appropriate for all ages, so if you’re looking for something to do with younger kids, I suggest the “Audacious Freedom” installment, which is on permanent display and has a children’s corner that is appropriate for kids as young as 3.
Meet Harriet Tubman at the Independence Visitor Center
Address: 599 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19139
Hours: Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Phone: 800-537-7676
Fees: Free
Most Philadelphians hear Independence Visitor Center and think “tourist trap,” but it’s so much more than that. While it’s quite the resource for people traveling to our fair city, it’s also home to it’s very own events, like this one for Black History Month. Millicent Sparks will be giving a spoken word performance on the inspiring life of Harriet Tubman on Saturday, Feb, 24. The performance will take place just past the security entrance in Congress Hall, and like all great things in life, it’s completely free. Also, clocking in at about 45 minutes, it’s probably short enough that even younger children can remain engaged. And due to it’s informal presentation (it’s a standing-room only event), if your kids lose focus, you can easily sneak away.
Philadelphia City Institute Presents a Screening of ‘Akeelah and the Bee’
Address: 1905 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
Hours: Saturday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m.
Phone: 215-662-0379
Fees: Free
The Philadelphia Free Library strikes again! This time, it’s with a screening of the Oscar-winning film “Akeelah and the Bee.” The 2006 film follows the story of Akeelah and her path to the National Spelling Bee. I don’t want to give anything away for those who haven’t seen it, but Angela Bassett is flawless, as per usual. The film is rated PG, which Common Sense Media says is perfect for kids 8 and up. A little pro tip: The screening takes place in the library’s lower level, which doesn’t have an elevator, so unfortunately this event may not be accessible to all.
South Philadelphia Public Library Presents Family Cooking for Black History Month
Address: 1700 South Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19145
Hours: Tuesday, Feb. 27, 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 215-685-1866
Fees: Free
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, there are few better resources for fun than Philadelphia’s Free Library system. Join Chef Chris Paul at the South Philadelphia Library and learn how to make healthy versions of your favorite soul food recipes. You and your school-aged children are sure to learn something new, and even if you don’t, who can resist an opportunity to get your hands dirty with your kids in a kitchen that isn’t yours?!
Did we miss any great Black History Month exhibits or performances? Let us know in the comments below!
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