CELEBRATE
BLACK HISTORY!
“Black Women in American History and
Culture”
A Month-Long Celebration of African
American History
FEBRUARY 2012
EVENTS
Update
Black History Month
is the successor to Negro History Week which was initiated on February 12, 1926
by Carter G. Woodson, a pre-eminent historian and founder of the Association
for the Study of Negro Life and History. Woodson was concerned that the
contributions of Black Americans were overlooked or misrepresented and he began
lobbying for Negro History Week as early as 1915. He selected February because
it included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick
Douglass (February 14) whom he believed had dramatically impacted the lives of
Black Americans. In 1976, Woodson's legacy, now renamed the Association for the
Study of Afro-American Life and History, successfully lobbied to extend Negro
History Week into a month-long observance. This year we celebrate the 33rd
Anniversary of Black History Month.
The National Park Service (NPS) proudly
commemorates African American History month throughout February. This year, the
NPS welcomes everyone to help celebrate and learn more about African American
women from the American Revolution to the present who have played a myriad of
critical roles in the making of our Nation. With the theme of "Black
Women in American History and Culture,” the National Park Service presents
a series of exhibits, programs and events that are directly connected to and
that support this theme and concept. This calendar of events presents
highlights of efforts that National Park Service staff at these sites has
produced to enrich and detail the work performed at the many sites listed that
have a direct African-American connection.
Visitors
are invited to visit the websites listed or to call the phone numbers provided
to confirm the event. Enjoy!
Arlington House (unit
of George Washington Memorial Parkway)
Located
within Arlington National Cemetery
703-235-1530
1:30 p.m., Sundays and Saturdays
throughout February
Guided Tours
- Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, will present special guided
tours: “African-Americans at Arlington on the Eve of the Civil War.” In recognition of African American History month, the NPS
announces special guided tours of Arlington House and the newly restored
historic North slaves’ quarters, focusing on the enslaved population living at
the Arlington estate on the eve of the Civil War. Tours will last approximately 45-
minutes.
Antietam
National Battlefield
5831
Dunker Church Road
Sharpsburg,
MD 21782
Visitor
Center 301-432-5124
February
1-29
8:30
a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Join
a Park Ranger for a battlefield talk to include “Freedom at Antietam.” Hear the
most interesting and significant stories of people and events before, during,
and after the Battle of Antietam.
Explore exhibits in the visitor center at Antietam. Take the self-guided
auto tour through the battlefield. The tour has 11 stops and begins at the
Dunker Church.
Catoctin
Mountain Park
14707
Park Central Road
Thurmont,
MD 21788
Visitor
Center: 301-663-9388
February
3-29
Monday-Thursday,
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday,
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitor Center is closed on Wednesdays
The story of our heritage is not complete until we recognize the
contributions of every culture in the American tapestry. Come to the Catoctin
Mountain Park Visitor Center during the month of February to view the special
display, “African-American Influences” in northern Frederick County. This
exhibit provides an overview of African American contributions to the
development of Frederick County, MD.
Clara
Barton National Historic Site (a unit of George Washington Memorial
Parkway)
5801
Oxford Road
Glen
Echo, MD
301-320-1410
February
1-29
10:00
a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Tours on the hour.
In
honor of African American History month Clara Barton National Historic Site
invites you to a special interpretive program shown as part of the house visit
before each tour on the hour focusing on the events of 1893 and 1894.
Interpretive information presented during the tours will highlight the
influences of African Americans in Clara Barton's life and work. For further
information call the site.
February
1-29
Exhibit
- Clara Barton: Equal Justice for All- This exhibit
features objects that highlight Clara Barton’s role in the major social issues
of her time, including civil rights for African Americans and the women’s
suffrage movement. Learn about Barton’s work with the Freedman’s Bureau, the
Office of Missing Soldiers, the International Conference of Women, other
women’s groups, and emergency relief/disaster recovery efforts of the American
Red Cross (including the Sea Islands Hurricane). This exhibit will also examine
her ties to many prominent figures in both the civil rights and women’s
suffrage movements, including Frances Gage, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady
Stanton, and Frederick Douglass.
Frederick
Douglass National Historic Site (a unit of National Capital Parks-East)
1411
W Street S.E,
Washington,
D.C.
Visitor
Center: 202-426-5961
www.nps.gov/frdo/planyourvisit/events
February
1-29
9:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
During
African American History month, tours of the Frederick Douglass Home provide
information about Douglass’ later life and government service. For groups of 10
or more, please call for reservations. Reservations to tour the restored home
can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 or by visiting internet at www.recreation.gov.
For more information call site.
Saturday, February 11
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The
NPS will celebrate the great civil rights leader, Frederick Douglass’194th
birthday at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. There will be music, a reenactment
of the great orator, by actor Fred Morsell, and
discussions on Frederick Douglass, moderated by Enda
Greene Medford, Professor of History, Ph.D. Ambassador Luis CdeBaca, Director, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in
Persons, U.S. Department of State, and Senior Advisory to Secretary of State
Hillary R. Clinton will deliver special remarks to commemorate the
great 19th-century activist. There will also be a live broadcast from Frederick
Douglass’s former home in New Bedford, MA. Student winners of a recent
oratorical contest featuring excerpts from a speech written by Douglass, will
deliver their orations at the ceremony. For more information call the Visitor
Center.
Ford's
Theatre National Historic Site
511
10th Street N.W.
Washington,
D.C.
202-426-6924
www.nps.gov/foth/planyourvisit/events
Sunday,
February 12
8:45
a.m.
Join
the NPS to commemorate the 203rd birthday anniversary of Abraham
Lincoln, America’s 16th President with a wreath laying ceremony on the
historic steps of Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site. To enhance the visitor
experience, park rangers and volunteers will be dressed in Civil War-era period
clothing, throughout the day.
Monday,
February 13
6:00
p.m.
In
honor of African American History month, join the NPS for a program entitled
“Traveling through Music and History.”
With music being the universal language
for African Americans from the Civil War to Civil Rights, step back in
time with four local choirs, Mustard Seed Cooperative Parish Choir of the
United Methodist Church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Choir, Sanctuary Choir of
Unity of Washington, D.C., and the Colston Memorial
Choir of the Sanctuary of Kingdom Square Chronicle. Enjoy a moment in history with narrator Kevin
Hawkins as you travel back in time meet Mary Harris, a plantation worker as
well as Hari Jones, a storyteller; Louis Jones, a
Union Solider; Sandy Wilson, a medical doctor, and Sandra Walia,
who will portray Elizabeth Keckley, Mary Todd
Lincoln’s seamstress. Admission to the theatre is free, however,
seating is limited. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Monday,
February 20
9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
In
celebration of Presidents’ Day, join the NPS for two ranger talk programs as they
educate audiences about Civil War Washington and the events of April 14, 1865.
Harpers
Ferry National Historic Park
Lower
Town District
171
Shoreline Drive
Harpers
Ferry, WV 25425
Visitor
Center: 304-535-6029
There
is a $6 fee per vehicle for 3 days or $4 per person on foot or bicycle.
February
5-29
8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In
honor of African American History month, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
invites the public to attend a viewing of a Black History exhibit on the second
floor of the John Brown Museum on Shenandoah Street entitled: “Running to
Freedom: Fighting for Freedom.” This special exhibit highlights Harpers Ferry's role in this story as one of many Union garrison towns where
runaway slaves, or "contraband," sought refuge. Find out about
African Americans who served in the military, including West Virginia's Martin
Delany, the only black officer to receive the rank of major during the Civil
War. For additional information, please call the Park Visitor
Center.
Manassas
National Battlefield Park
12521
Lee Highway (I-66 West from Washington 28 miles; exit onto Virginia Rte.234)
Manassas, VA 20109
Visitor
Center: 703-361-1339
February
1-29
11:00
a.m. and 2:00
p.m.
During
the month of February join a park ranger for the First Manassas tour, ask about
“Baptism of Fire” and learn about Lucy Griffith. For further information, please call the
Visitor Center.
Mary
McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
(a unit of National Capital Parks-East)
1318
Vermont Ave., N.W.
Washington,
D.C.
202-673-2402
www.nps.gov/mamc/planyourvisit/events
February
1-29
9:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
African American History is celebrated
every day at the Council House! Mary
McLeod Bethune was one of the first African American leaders to recognize the
need to preserve historical records, especially those pertaining to African American
women. Hear interpretive rangers make the story of Mary McLeod Bethune come
alive. For groups of 15 or more, please call for reservations. For further
information on other Black History events call the site or visit
www.nps.gov/mamc/planyourvisit/events
February 14
On-line Virtual Photo Gallery - The NPS will
launch an on-line virtual photo gallery and educational materials on the Mary
McLeod Bethune Council House’s website www.nps.gov/mamc.
Howard University’s Department of History created the photo gallery. The
virtual photo gallery is titled “I Carried the Torch of Leadership: The Legacy of
the National Council of Negro Women” and covers the leadership of the National
Council of Negro Women from 1943 to 1966. Mary McLeod Bethune and the Council’s
involvement in the Civil Rights Movement will be featured in teacher and
student packets available on-line.
February 18
1:00 p.m.
Join the NPS for an interactive advanced art workshop on world-renowned
artist Faith Ringgold. This workshop will be presented by Gina Marie Lewis,
Professor of Art, Bowie State University. Lewis will lead the workshop with youth from
ages 8-11. Learn about African-American female artist Faith Ringgold and create
collages of famous female civil rights leaders. After the workshop,
participants will tour the home and the National Archives of Black Women’s
History and view an original quilt made by Faith Ringgold. The viewing will be
facilitated by NPS site curatorial staff. Reservations
are required.
Monocacy National
Battlefield
5201
Urbana Pike (located three miles south of Frederick on Maryland Rte. 355)
Frederick,
MD 21704
Visitor
Center: 301-662-3515
February
1-29
8:30
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
During
African American History month, visit the Monocacy
National Battlefield Visitor Center and see the temporary exhibit on slavery at
“L’Hermitage,” the home to the second-largest
enslaved population in Frederick County during the 1800’s. See how they sought
freedom. This exhibit is free and open to the public.
National
Mall and Memorial Parks
Washington,
D.C.
202-426-6841
www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/events.htm
Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln
Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War
Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Memorial
February
1-29
10:00
a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
In
honor of African American History month, NPS park rangers will present daily
interpretive talks at various monuments and memorials every hour on the hour
from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Lincoln Memorial
23rd & Constitution Ave.
NW, Washington DC
Sunday,
February 12 (actual birthday)
12
noon
Join
the NPS, the Military District of Washington, and the Lincoln Birthday National
Commemorative Committee to commemorate the 203rd birthday
anniversary of America's 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. A wreath
will be placed for the President of the United States, the Department of
Interior, and the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee after a
dramatic reading of the Gettysburg Address. The observance is free and open to
the public. For further information call 202-619-7222.
Old
Stone House (a unit Rock
Creek Park)
3051
M Street, N.W.
Washington,
D.C.
202-895-6070
or 202-426-6851
www.nps.gov/olst/
Sunday,
February 5, 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11, 12 noon, Sundays February 18 and
26, 10:00 a.m.
Join
NPS rangers on a Black Georgetown hike. Explore stories of sacrifice, adversity
and success on this tour of Herring Hill, a vibrant 19th-century African-American
community in the heart of Georgetown. Visit the Old Stone House and relive life
through a slave eyes.
Oxon
Cove Park (a unit of
National Capital Parks-East)
6411
Oxon Hill Road
Oxon
Hill, Maryland 20745
Visitor
Center: 301-839-1176 or 301-763-1062
Saturdays
and Sunday, during February
1:00
p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join
NPS rangers on a tour, of the Mount Welby Plantation
Home. Learn stories of the 17 enslaved people who lived and worked at the
plantation during the 19th century.
For further information, call the site Visitor Center.
President's
Park
White
House Visitor Center
1450
Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington,
D.C.
202-208-1631
Tuesdays
through Saturdays during February
7:30
a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
African
American History month is a remembrance of important people and events. Rangers
at President’s Park are honored to present interpretive talks on the historical
events that shaped history through past Presidents’ accomplishments. Learn how the stories of African-Americans
are woven throughout the history of President’s Park and the White House. Meet the ranger in the White House Visitor
Center. Ask a Park Ranger about “A
Traveling Trunk or Not.” For additional information, please call the Visitor
Center.
Women in Military Service for America
Memorial
Gateway
to Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington,
VA
1-800-222-2294or
703-533-1155
The
Women's Memorial is a unique, living memorial honoring all military women--
past, present and future -and is the only major national memorial honoring
women who have served in our nation's defense during all eras and in all
services. American
women have participated in defense of this nation in war and in peacetime. The
Memorial houses an Exhibit Gallery, Hall of Honor,
Gift Shop,
Theater,
Upper Terrace,
Court of Valor and,
the heart of the Memorial, a computerized Register containing 250,000 women's stories.
Admission to the Memorial is free.
Programs
and events are subject to change. Every
effort is made to maintain the schedule.
Please contact the park or visit the park's website to confirm program,
dates, and times.
UNITS AND LANDMARKS
OF THE
NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
COMMEMORATING AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY
Booker T.
Washington NM, Hardy,
VA,
Boston
African-American NHS Boston,
MA
Brown v.
Board of Education NHS
Cane River
National Heritage Area Natchitoches,
LA
Carter G.
Woodson NHS Wash.,
DC
Dayton
Aviation Heritage NHP Dayton,
OH
Frederick
Douglass NHS Wash.,
DC
George
Washington Carver NM Diamond,
MO
Gulf
Islands National Seashore Florida
& Mississippi
Harpers
Ferry NHP Harpers
Ferry, WV
Little
Rock Central High School Little
Rock, AR
Lincoln
Park Wash.,
DC
Maggie
Walker NHS Richmond,
VA
Martin
Luther King, Jr. NHS
Mary
McLeod Bethune Council House NHS
Mary
McLeod Bethune Memorial Wash.,
DC
Natchez
National Historical Park Natchez,
MS
Nicodemus
National Historic Site
Selma to
Montgomery National Historic Trail Hayneville,
Alabama
Tuskegee
Airmen National Historic Site Tuskegee,
AL
For information on
African American sites outside of the metropolitan area contact National Park
Service WASO- Public Inquiries 202-208-4747.
The National Park Service has
developed a web site to help plan visits to National Park Service sites that
preserve African American Heritage.
Visit our Celebrate African American Heritage in
Visit the National
Register of Historic Places: African American History Month www.cr.nps.gov/nr/feature/afam/
For information on
our brochures the WASHINGTON D.C. BLACK HISTORY NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL
and the UNDERGROUND RAILROAD please contact the National Capital Region
Office of Education and Interpretation at 202-619-7077.
Please contact the
Smithsonian Institution on all Smithsonian programs related to African American
issues and resources at 202-633-1000.
***
Please verify information before attending any programs by calling the park or
Toni Braxton at 202-619-7222. All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Please watch for updates.
This
Calendar of Events was compiled as a courtesy of the
National
Capital Region Office of Communications
-NPS-
Filename: wpshare: BHMONTH1 Calendar
Last updated:2/4/12