February is Black History Month, and Black history and culture are essential parts of Montgomery County, Maryland’s heritage. Reverend Josiah Henson escaped slavery in the county and founded a freedman settlement in neighboring Canada. Visit a schoolhouse where Black children learned, and see how 19th-century plantation life was depicted. Take the opportunity to honor and learn more about Montgomery County’s Black heritage through these events happening all month long.
Take a Black History Road Trip
All month long throughout Montgomery County
Stories of the Underground Railroad are rich and rooted deep in Montgomery County. The multitude of historic sites and experiences make for an interesting self-guided road trip throughout the county to help understand the trials, tribulations, and heroism of the freedom seekers.
Kid Museum Black History Month Celebration
January 19 – February 25 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Kid Museum
Join the Kid Museum to honor and celebrate Black cultures and the contributions of Black artists, makers, scientists, engineers, and innovators with hands-on activities and activations at their Black History Month Community Celebration every Sunday from January 19 to February 25 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Black History Month Drop in Activity
February 1-28 from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
Gaithersburg Community Museum
Head to the Gaithersburg Community Museum throughout the month of February and participate in a variety of engaging activities. Children can see a special poster exhibit celebrating Black heroes from Maryland. This is free to the community.
Black History Month at Glen Echo Park
February 7 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Glen Echo Park
Learn about who led the Civil Rights protests to desegregate Glen Echo Park in the 1960s with a free walking tour. Then, head to the Ballroom Back Room for a showing of the film Ain’t No Back to a Merry Go-Round. This film tells the story of five Howard University students who sat on the whites-only horses of the Dentzel Carousel. Registration is required for the showings.
Howard University Gospel Choir
February 13 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Join the Howard University Gospel Choir at BlackRock Center for the Arts for a Gospel performance. This choir has performed nationally and internationally at various venues.
Black History Month Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
February 14, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
Families can drop-in to Black History Month Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. Participate in hands-on activities including compass making, share what freedom means to you, map your own family tree, and more. Families can also listen in on storytime at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. The cost is free.
Afro Blue and Cyrus Chestnut: Together Again
February 14 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
BlackRock Center for the Arts
Listen to the smooth sounds of Jazz from Howard University’s vocal jazz ensemble, Afro Blue. The inspiration comes from the singing styles of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, The Manhattan Transfer, and Take 6.
Jubilee Voices Black History Month Concert
February 15 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Josiah Henson Museum & Park
Celebrate Black History Month at Josiah Henson Museum & Park for a concert by the Jubilee Voices. They are part of the Washington Revels, founded in 2010. Their goal is to preserve African American history and traditions through unique programs infusing history with a cappella music, drama, spoken word, and dance. Admission is $15.
Black History Month Family Day at Josiah Henson Museum & Park
February 28 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Josiah Henson Museum & Park
Visit the Josiah Henson Museum & Park for educational, hands-on activities that demonstrate what a child’s life was like in Dawn, the settlement he created after taking his family to Canada via the Underground Railroad. The family-friendly event is appropriate for all ages. The cost is free with paid admission, $4 for children and seniors, and $5 for adults. Tickets available onsite.
