Black History Month in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is known for its rich African-American history, but the city shines a special spotlight on history, tradition and culture during Black History Month.

Making the 28-day celebration even more special in Philly this year: the recent opening of The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation, which tells the story of Presidents George Washington and John Adams and nine enslaved Africans held by Washington in the first executive mansion, and the debut of a new Mural Arts Program tour highlighting themes important to the city’s rich African-American community.

With so many authentic experiences awaiting multi-generational visitors all month long, folks will want to make it a night or two. One popular deal is the two-night Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, complete with free hotel parking and available at more than 30 hotels throughout the region. Throughout the month of February, package buyers receive even more added-value goodies: two admissions to the Blue Cross RiverRink, the Betsy Ross House and Liberty 360 3-D show.

Here are some of the many reasons to celebrate Black History Month in Philadelphia:

New Black History Month Happenings

The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation

The newest addition to Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation shows off structural fragments of the home where Presidents Washington and Adams lived during their terms and where nine enslaved people served the first president as he led the country in pursuit of freedom and equality.

On February 5 and 19, the National Park Service, Independence Visitor Center and philly360.com team up to present a program led by historian Joe Becton. The day starts with a video and performance at the Independence Visitor Center and then moves to the open-air President’s House, located just steps from the Liberty Bell Center, for a National Park Service Ranger-led tour.

Details: 6th & Market Streets | (215) 597-0060

Albert M. Greenfield African American Iconic Images Collection

On February 24, the city’s acclaimed Mural Arts Program, in partnership with The African American Museum in Philadelphia, debuts The Albert M. Greenfield African American Iconic Images Collection, including about 50 murals throughout the city honoring many themes and figures of significance to Philadelphia’s African-American history: Jackie Robinson, Patti LaBelle, Malcom X and many others. Art lovers and history buffs can download a free audio tour, or hop on a guided group or public tour.

Details: (215) 685-0754

Museums & History

The African American Museum

Every Saturday throughout the month of February, The African American Museum in Philadelphia offers special learning workshops that are free with admission. Visitors experience history through the words of a historic re-enactor, musician and storyteller, learn historic African bookbinding technique, explore traditional African-American quilting methods and more. They can also admire the works in Patience to Raise the Sun, an exhibition of artisan quilts designed and created by Haitian women, on view January 26-March 27.

Details: 701 Arch Street | (215) 574-0380

The National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center celebrates Black History Month daily with a self-guided tour of The Story of We the People that highlights 10 exhibition elements featuring African-American contributions to history. Also taking place daily: Breaking Barriers, an inspirational storytelling program that examines the lives of Thurgood Marshall, Bessie Coleman, Jackie Robinson and others; and Decoding the Document: Emancipation Proclamation, a program that reveals the many secrets of a nearly 150-year-old artifact.

Details: 525 Arch Street | (215) 409-6700

The Franklin Institute

Science is always the name of the game at The Franklin Institute, and it’s exactly the focus of a special Black History Month event entitled The Color of Science, offering a rare opportunity to meet some of today’s most intriguing African-American scientists. Taking place on February 11, the evening includes one-on-one interviews, followed by a panel discussion moderated by The Franklin Institute’s chief astronomer Derrick Pitts.

Details: 222 N. 20th Street | (215) 448-1200

Mercer Museum

At Bucks County’s Mercer Museum, speaker and award-winning storyteller Linda Goss takes the stage on February 13 for Can’t Tell a Lie, Peach Cobbler Pie, complete with oral histories, family narratives, folktales and songs from the African-American tradition.

Details: 84 S. Pine Street, Doylestown | (215) 345-0210

Independence Seaport Museum

On February 19, it’s Seafarin’ Saturday at the Independence Seaport Museum on Penn’s Landing. Kids hear about the life of Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist movement leader, and learn how to caulk a ship just like the one-time ship caulker himself did.

Details: 211 S. Columbus Boulevard | (215) 413-8655

Arts Of All Sorts

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

February is filled with not-to-be-missed performances presented by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Festivities kick off on February 4 (and the first Friday of every month) with the Global Soul Lounge, featuring artist showcases, indie soul music and more. On February 12, there’s a free family-friendly program of fairytales and songs by master storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston, followed by tap dancer Savion Glover, creator of Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk, and his explosive SoLo in TiME performance.

Details: Broad & Spruce Streets | (215) 893-1999

Merriam Theater

From February 15 through 20, Stomp returns to the Merriam Theater with its nontraditional sounds made with the help of wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans and hubcaps. And on February 22, American Theater Arts for Youth’s musical production of Black Journey celebrates African-American heritage and tradition.

Details: 250 S. Broad Street | (215) 893-1999

The Sound of Philadelphia

It’s all about the music on February 12, when Philadelphia International Records’ (PIR) Dexter Wansel entertains crowds with stories and a video about The Sound of Philadelphia and its 40-year musical legacy. Of course, no PIR event would be complete without a performance.

Details: 6th & Market Streets | (215) 597-0060

Warmdaddy’s

On February 20, Warmdaddy’s celebrate food, culture and music with Life Creative’s fifth installment of Inside the Studio, a series that spotlights Philadelphia artists. While dining, music fans enjoy an intimate conversation between featured guests Kindered The Family Soul and hostess Laiya St. Clair, followed by a tribute music set by Philly’s own DJ Afrodjiak. Those interested in attending must RSVP at itsthelifecreative.com.

Details: 1400 S. Columbus Boulevard | (215) 462-2000

The Moonstone Arts Center

The Moonstone Arts Center commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of African-American poet and activist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper with a full week of events, February 20-27. Panel discussions, presentations and poetry readings take place at venues throughout the city.

Details: 110 S. 13th St. | (215) 735-9600