13 Museums to Visit During Black History Month

Two major events happen in February: we honor Black History and most schools are closed for winter break. If you and your family plan to travel during the break, why not make your vacation both an educational and leisurely experience?

Expand your understanding of Black Americans by visiting these 13 museums dedicated to African American culture.

Birmingham

1. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

520 16^th Street North, 3520352520 16^th Stre520 16th Street North, Birmingham, AL 352030 16th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203

Purpose: The institute tracks the movement of the civil rights movement in Birmingham.

The cost of admission ranges from $5 to $15, free for children under 3. For a listing of current activities, visit the website.

Chicago

1. National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum

10406 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60628

 Purpose: The museum pays tribute to A. Philip Randolph and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) and how their involvement in the labor movement affected African Americans.

General admission is $5.00.

For visiting hours and schedules of events check out their website.

1. DuSable Museum of African American History

740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637 (located in Washington Park)

Purpose: To acknowledge and encourage an appreciation of both Africans’ and African American’s history, culture, and art.

Admission fee: Ticket prices range from $5 to $14.50. It’s free for children under 5 and DuSable members.

Current Exhibits

Fighting Racism in the Trenches: A Colored Woman in WWI portrays Kathryn Magnolia Johnson’s and other Black women’s involvement in World Word I.

South Side Stories—The Art and Influence of Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs focuses on the legacy of Dr. Margret Burroughs.

For visiting hours and other information visit their website.

13 Museums to visit

 Cincinnati

1. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Purpose: Illustrates the objective of the Underground Railroad in addition to honoring the collective efforts to end slavery.

Children 3 and under are admitted in for free. The cost for everyone else is from $10.50 to $15.

For ticket prices and visiting hours go to the website.

Dallas

1. African American Museum

3536 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75210

Purpose: To display the art collections of African-American artists.

Current Exhibit:

The Kinsey Collection which acknowledges the unsung achievements of African Americans through art.

Admissions cost: It’s free for children 3 and younger and for members. Children 4-12 pay $5 and everyone else is charged $10.

There are several programs, events, displays, and discussions occurring daily. For the current schedule of events, refer to the website.

Detroit

1. Charles H Wright Museum of African American History

315 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Purpose: To acclaim African American traditions

Current exhibits:

And Still We Rise is an exploration of Black culture beginning with the Middle Passage through the Civil Rights Movement and including current developments.

Queen portrays the artwork of actress CCH Pounder.

In addition to exhibits, there are live performances and activities for all ages. For dates and times visit their website.

Members and children 2 years and younger are free. Seniors and youth from 3-13 pay $7. Everyone is charged $10.

Greensboro

1. International Civil Rights Center and Museum

134 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401

Purpose: To memorialize the nonviolent practices of the civil rights moments in Greensboro.

Interesting fact: This museum was initially the Woolworth store which made headlines when a group of young students staged a sit-in because Blacks were refused service.

Tickets prices range from $8 to $25 for everyone 5 and older.

Visit the website for more information.

13 Museums to visit

Kansas City

1. Negro leagues Baseball Museum

1616 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108

Purpose: The museum honors the African American baseball players who established their own league due to being denied the opportunity to play with the national league and its impact on society.

Admission is free for ages 6 to 9.  For everyone else, ticket prices range from $6 to $10.

The website provides more information about their traveling exhibits.

1. American Jazz Museum

1616 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108

Purpose: To celebrate the history of jazz through exhibits and live performances.

The admission fee starts at $6. Children 4 and younger get in for free.

For the cost of visiting both museums, check out the website.

13 Museums to visit

New York

1. Sandy Ground Historical Society

1538 Woodrow Road, Staten Island 10308

Purpose: The museum tracks how freed African Americans, the first inhabitants of Staten Island migrated and succeeded as a freed settlement in the 19th century.

For admission cost and hours of operation, call (718) 317-5796.

1. North Star Underground Railroad Museum

1131 Mace Chasm Road, Ausable Chasm, NY 12911

Purpose: To reveal how run-away slaves used the Underground system to escape slavery and gain their freedom in Canada.

Admission is free for everyone however, donations are greatly appreciated.

Their hours vary from season to season so check out their website for current information.

San Francisco

1. Museum of the African Diaspora

685 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Purpose: Explores the movement of Africans from their homeland during the slave trade.

The museum has programs and activities for children and teenagers, films, and live seminars. View the website lists their current schedule of events.

Entrance to the museum is free for anyone 12 and younger and its members. Everyone else will pay $5 or $10.

Washington DC

 The National Museum of African American History and Culture

1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560, (located in the National Mall).

Admission fee: Entrance to the museum is free, however, passes may be required during peak seasons and weekends. Check the website for accurate and current information.

Purpose: To memorialize, educate, and honor the lives of African Americans.

Current Exhibits:

We Return Fighting: The African American Experience in World War I focuses on the lives of Blacks before, during, and after World War I.

Now Showing: Posters from African American Movies features posters from Black filmmakers and movies where Blacks had a key role.