There are many interesting and educational things to do across the state during "Black History Month" Just click on the links below for more information.
GREATER BOSTON
African American Meeting House Tour
46 Joy street
Daily {except Sundays} 11am-3pm hourly
National Park Service Ranger-led tours allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of Frederick Douglas, William Lloyd Garrison, Maria Stewart and all of the abolitionist leaders who helped bring slavery to an end in this country. The meeting house is an Historic Landmark, recently restored to its 1855 appearance. 617-725-0022
Freedom Rising
February thru December 2013
Museum of African American History
Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment. A new exhibition and yearlong programming, including lectures, concerts, educational studies and children’s events in celebration of Boston’s black and white abolitionists in these monumental historic events. 617-725-0022
MLK and Signs of Freedom
Thru February 28
Museum of African American History
This new installation celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King and other heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. Poignant scenes captured by Memphis photographer Ernest Withers include protest signs form the Civil Rights era and broadsides from the Abolitionist Movement recall incredible campaigns for human liberty. These signs are reminders of peaceful resistance, including sit-ins, freedom rides, strikes, boycotts, marches and other actions to acquire citizenship rights. 617-725-0022
Black by Popular Demand
February 1-March 6
Gallery 360 Northeastern University
Black by Popular Demand Exhibit: Generational from Six Boston Artists. In this exhibit diverse artwork collides in a broad, multi-disciplinary show under the organizing thread of Black History Month. 617-373-2814.
Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks
February 15 at 1pm & February 16 at 2pm
Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley Street
Adults $15, Seniors & Students $10
Walk On tells the story of Rosa Parks from her childhood in rural Alabama to her famous decision to “sit down and be counted”. 617-849-6324.
Rosa’s Ride
February 20 at 10:30am
John F. Kennedy Library, Columbia Point
Free with regular admission
This family-friendly musical play tells the story of Rosa Parks, an ordinary woman who became a civil rights heroine. 866-JFK-1960.
African American Patriots Tour
Tales of intrigue and bravery, poetry and defiance by Black Bostonians will unfold during the 90 minute African-American Patriots walking tour offered by the Freedom Trail Foundation. Visit the sites of key important to both the revolution and the Abolitionist movement that led to the Civil War. Led by costumed guides, visitors view history through the eyes of revolutionaries such as Crispus Attucks, Phillis Wheatley, Peter Salem, Prince Hall and others.
The Freedom Trail
Roxbury's Black History trolley tour
Join us on an informative trolley tour through three centuries of Boston's historic Black neighborhoods. Follow the progression of the Black churches, gain an appreciation for the importance of the arts, learn about the struggles during the civil rights movement, and become more familiar with the movers, shakers, and strivers in Roxbury's Black history.
Trolley departs:
12:30pm: Roxbury Heritage State Park/DCR, 183 Roxbury St
12:50pm: Hotel 140, 140 Clarendon St (former YWCA)
Purchase tickets ($25) online or by calling 617-427-1006.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
February 9, 8pm
Sanders Theatre, Cambridge
Three exhibits by African American Artists: John Wilson, Richard Yarde, Meta Fuller
through March 24
Danforth Museum of Art, 123 Union Avenue, Framingham
NORTH OF BOSTON
Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House- (Concord)
Long known for her classic literary works, Louisa May Alcott was also a member of a fiercely abolitionist family. In commemoration of Black History Month, special guided tours throughout the month of February will highlight the Alcott’s commitment to antislavery and social justice, as evidenced by Miss Alcott’s own service as a Civil War nurse, among many other reform activities. The winter hours for guided tours of Alcott’s house are Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Groups of ten or more must call in advance. Tours are available at a cost of $9 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for youths, and free for children under seven. Family packages are available.
Walking Tour: African American Heritage Site North of Boston
Site 1: Hamilton Hall – 9 Chestnut Street
Hamilton Hall was designed by the famous architect Samuel McIntire and built in 1805. In the early nineteenth century, Hamilton Hall was the center of the catering business of John Remond, an immigrant from the Caribbean Island of Curacao.
Site 2: Harmony Grove Cemetery – 30 Grove Street
Harmony Grove Cemetery was consecrated in 1840 and is a beautiful example of “rural garden” cemetery, with landscaped trees and winding paths. This cemetery holds the burial plots of many members of the Remond family. Charles Lenox Remond shares a common marker with many of his family. He was one of the first African Americans to be paid to lecture on the abolitionist circuit.
Site 3: Salem Lyceum – 43 Church Street
The Salem Lyceum opened in 1831, and its rows of banked seats quickly filled with residents of Salem eager to watch demonstrations, lectures, and concerts. Many activists in the abolitionist movement came to the Lyceum. The hall was also used for meetings and lectures by the Salem Female Anti-Slavery Society, whose members included the noted African American abolitionists Charlotte Forten and Sarah Parker Remond.
Site 4: African American Sailors - Pond Street In the 1830s and 40s, Pond Street was home to an ethnically diverse population and included many of Salem’s sailors. Between 1842 and 1846, approximately 46% of African American males with an occupation listed in the Salem City Directories were sailors.
Site 5: Charles A. Benson, Sailor - Rice Street
Charles Benson was an outstanding sailor who lived on both Pond Street and Rice Street. He sailed for twenty years, and because of his skill he earned more than the able bodied seamen in his crew.
Site 6: Cedar Street Like Pond Street, Cedar Street was home to several African American families. During the Civil War, several residents of the street served in the Union Army.
Site 7: Cemetery Howard Street - Howard Street
When the Howard Street Cemetery was established in 1801, a portion was dedicated to Salem’s African American population. Many prominent members of the African American community are buried in the cemetery.
SOUTH OF BOSTON
Frederick Douglass Monument- (New Bedford)
The monument honors Frederick Douglass and his wife Anna. Both escaped from slavery by the Underground Railroad and decided to make New Bedford their home for five years. Located on William Street in New Bedford, the monument was dedicated on October 17, 1996, on the 100th anniversary of Douglass’ death.
Frederick Douglas Read-A-Thon
Sunday, February 3, 2013 2-6 PM
The New Bedford Historical Society invites you tot eh Twelfth Annual Frederick Douglas Community Read-A-Thon of "The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave Written by Himself (1845)".
Friends Meeting House, 83 Spring St., New Bedford
(508) 979-8828
CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS
African American Heritage Trail - Martha's Vineyard
Museum of African American History - Nantucket
CENTRAL MASS
Gallery of African Art - (Clinton)
A unique collection representative of various regions, tribes and traditions of the African continent has been assembled by collector Gordon B. Lankton. Weekly Gallery Tours: Begin Thursday Jan. 3, 4-7PM. The Gallery of African Art is pleased to announce a series of regularly scheduled FREE tours (donations accepted) every Thursday, beginning Thursday, January 3, 2013, 4-7pm. Musician and ethnomusicology expert Zach Combs of Crocodile River Music will offer informal tours of the Gallery collection.
Old Sturbridge Village
Inspiring Stories Highlight Black History Weekend at Old Sturbridge Village Feb. 23-24
WESTERN MASS
"A Cinemataic Salute: America Goes to War"
"The Negro Soldier"
Springfield Armory NHS
Wednesday, February 13, 7pm
guest speaker: Anthony Guillory, American History Professor
The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum has 2 events to celebrate Black History Month:
February 2 Local Author Jana Laiz will have a "Writers' Clinic" followed by a presentation about her book, "A Free Woman On God's Earth, A Story About Elizabeth Freeman". Writers' Clinic is from 12:30 to 2; Presentation is from 2:00 to 3:30. She will be available for book signing.
On Sunday, Feb. 17, the Susan B Anthony Birthplace will celebrate Susan's birthday at the Adams Public Library with 2 special presentations from 1:30 to 4:00. This first is a music presentation by Massachusett's own Diane Taraz. She will present "Silver Dagger", a folk song presentation. We will then have historian, Mary Ann Brown, speak about the "Wild West Anthony's". a presentation about Daniel Read Anthony, born in Adams, and Merrit Anthony, she will give a colorful presentation about their participation in Abolition and the Civil War.
Emancipation Proclamation Party for Children (6 – 12yrs)
Saturday, February 9 1pm
At the Pan African Historical Museum USA
1500 Main Street, Springfield
A Salute to Black Gospel Singers – Gospel Café presented by PAHMUSA & Gospel Beat Magazine
Saturday, February 16 3pm
At the Pan African Historical Museum USA
1500 Main Street, Springfield
Celebrating Black Culture: Fashion Show
presented by Something To Talk About
Thursday, Feb. 21 Noon – 1pm
At the Tower Square Food Court
1500 Main Street, Springfield
Lecture: “Civil Rights Movement: Norman Rockwell’s Perspective.”
Friday, February 8, 2:30 p.m. Free with Museum admission.
Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Road/Route 183, Stockbridge
Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery
February 2 & 9
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and based on her newly released book of the same name, author Barbara Krauthamer will explore the question “what did freedom look like” in this three-part series using a visual narrative of more than 150 historical photographs including the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, abolitionist conventions in upstate N.Y., and Sojourner Truth. 10am with light refreshments. Books will be available for purchase.
Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield
Vocalist Angelique Kidjo
February 23
Grammy Award-winning vocalist Angélique Kidjo on Saturday,Hailed as "one of Africa's most globally successful performers" by Billboard magazine, Kidjo ranks among one of the greatest forces in African music. 8pm. Tickets are $25 to $65, with $15 Mahaiwe ArtSmart tickets available for patrons age 30 and younger.
Mahaiwe Theatre, Great Barrington
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Map of the Regions in Massachusetts
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- Where to Go
- Things to Do
Getting to the shops is easy - you can take the MBTA, rent a Zipcar, or even take the bus from various Boston hotels to Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. Don't miss Boston's world famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Essex's charming antique stores, and Yankee Candle's flagship store in South Deerfield.
- Plan Your Trip
- 50 Under $50
- Getting Around
State and regional resources, including air, land, and water transportation; Boston public transit info; detailed info on travel to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island
