Celebrating Black History Month in Philadelphia with Kids

Celebrating Black History Month in Philadelphia

As February unfolds its wings, so does the opportunity to embark on a journey of discovery, celebration, and education in the vibrant city of Philadelphia. Steeped in rich history and a melting pot of cultures, the City of Brotherly Love provides a perfect backdrop for families to come together and honor Black History Month. In the spirit of unity and understanding, let's explore the many ways in which Philadelphia celebrates the present, and embrace a future of inclusivity, while honoring the past.

Join us as we make celebrating Black History Month in Philadelphia with kids an enriching and memorable adventure. 🌆📚✨

Johnson House Historic Site

Photo Credit: Johnson House Historic Site - Jessica Burghaus

The Johnson House Historic Site is an Underground Railroad Station and Center for social advocacy. The historic museum is one of Philadelphia's Underground Railroad attractions. Tours are offered by appointment only.

African American Museum in Philadelphia

The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAIP) is one of our favorite museums to visit, especially during Black History Month. My girls are in elementary school, and while the history of African Americans is something we incorporate into our every day lives and homeschooling, there's so much more we have to learn! AAIP is an intimate museum with so much history within those three levels. 

The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute celebrates Black History Month Saturday, February 3rd with live music by Master Scientist Grand Hank! Live traditional West-African dances by Philly African Dance and Drum Ensemble Troupe Da Da. This event celebrates important STEM contributions by African Americans. 

Leaders and Legends at Smith Memorial Playground

Museum of American Revolution 

Celebrate Black History Month and learn more about African American revolutionaries at the Museum of American Revolution. 

National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center at the Independence Mall celebrates Black History Month all February long with special events like The Four Harriets of History Program and Trading Stories Crafts where children create and collect trading cards of prominent African American figures. Can't make it down town? There's lot's of virtual events happening too!

The President's House Site

NPS photo.  Photograph by Joseph E.B. Elliott.

Located at Sixth and Markets Street, the President's House Site was home to Presidents George Washington and John Adams. While Adams never owned slaves, Washington brought along nine slaves. While terms "We the People" and "Created Equally" were coined here, the irony that slaves were looked at as anything such. This is a great day trip to explore and learn more about America's History and slavery.

The Free Library of Philadelphia

The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts events through February:

• Color Hangout for Teens at Parkway Central Library, with folk stories, music, and more celebrating Black History
• Bucket Drumming: From Africa to America
• Black Hair 101
• Travels to Africa with the Geography Lady
• Black History: Yoga Edition
• Zora Neale Hurston's Typewriters and Works

Black History goat walk, micro greens planting, and Harriet Tubman experience by The Philly Goat Project.

Also in Philly Moms