Black History Month is coming up and it’s a month celebrating and honoring black history, black culture, and the many contributions black people have made to our country and world. Every time I approach the month of February in anticipation of Black History Month, I am full of gratitude as I think of all of the sacrifices and contributions the people before me made so that I could experience some of the freedoms that we have today.
One of the many things I love about living in our area is that there’s never a shortage of things to do to honor this month because there are so many places in the Delaware Valley that you can visit that are a part of black history. Whether you’re hoping to learn more about how the Seventh Ward (Society Hill, Graduate Hospital, etc) was a part of the Underground Railroad or the musicians that got their start here, there’s always something that you can do or learn about in connection to black history in our area.
In today’s post, we’re going to share some of the places you can visit to celebrate Black History.
Visit The President’s House:
Next to the Liberty Bell, there’s another free exhibit where you can step inside the scaffolding of what once was George Washington’s house. While you’re there, you can learn more about the people who were enslaved there and even see into the basement through glass panels. It’s harrowing as it’s a reminder of some of the horrible things they lived through juxtaposed with the message of freedom that rings all throughout our nation’s most sacred documents.
Take A Self-Guided Tour of the 7th Ward:
There used to be a guided tour where you could tour the 7th ward with someone who knew a lot of the history, but unfortunately, it seems that this isn’t available anymore. However, if you’re feeling up to it, you can find maps of the old ward and tour it yourself by making a day of it. It is interesting looking at the map and seeing what once was compared to what some of these areas look like now.
Tour the Kennett Underground Railroad Center:
Tour some of the many sites in the Philadelphia region that were once a part of the Underground Railroad! They even have a bus tour that you can purchase tickets for that’ll take you around to some of the various homes along the route!
Visit Hakim’s Bookstore And Uncle Bobbie’s:
Support local bookstores and cafes by visiting Hakim’s Bookstore, which is the oldest black-owned bookstore in the city, and Uncle Bobbie’s Bookstore which has a cafe where you can purchase goodies while looking for books.
Visit The African American History Museum in Philadelphia:
Although it’s a lot smaller than the one in D.C., The African-American History Museum in Philly is a museum I would recommend checking out, to learn more about black history. It’s located not too far from Independence Hall and other historical sites, so you can add this museum to your itinerary of places to visit for that day.
Celebrate Black Music at the Clef Club:
I found out recently that the Clef Club, during February celebrates Black History Month by highlighting black musicians who have contributed to the genre of jazz that we know and love today. I am not sure if they are hosting any events this year, but if they are, we’ll have to stop by for a date night!
Visit The Colored Girls Museum:
Visit this Germantown museum that’s nestled in a Victorian home and is full of information, art, and other exhibits honoring the work of black individuals.
Visit The Paul Robeson Museum:
Did you know that you can tour Paul Robeson’s house? Be sure to add this museum to your list of places to visit during Black History Month!
Lest We Not Forget Museum of Slavery:
I haven’t visited this museum yet, but it’s one that I remember driving past a few times while driving through Germantown. It’s a museum that I know I will likely visit one day, but I know that whenever I do, I’ll have to mentally prepare for some of the things I’ll see as it has authentic slavery artifacts, which I know will be emotionally difficult for me to see.
Visit the Mariam Anderson Museum:
Although it reopens in March of 2025, which is after Black History Month, if you’re in the city after February, you should definitely check this out!
