February is Black History Month. African American history and culture are an essential part of Montgomery County’s heritage. Take the opportunity to honor and learn more about African American heritage through these virtual events happening all month long.
History Hour: Myths & Legends of the Underground Railroad
February 3 | 7 PM | Free Virtual Event with Registration
Our popular lecture series goes virtual! Join Montgomery Parks County Wide Museum Manager Shirl Spicer for “Myths & Legends of the Underground Railroad.” There are many myths and legends about the Underground Railroad and the pathway to freedom. Join us as we delve into history separating fact from fiction.
Montgomery County Council Black History Month Commemoration
February 9 | 9 AM | Free Virtual Streaming
During Black History Month we recognize and remember the people and events in the African Diaspora and the struggles and sacrifices made by African Americans to shape the U.S. We also celebrate and honor the achievements and leadership of African Americans across our community and the world. Mark your calendar to tune in on County Cable Montgomery, Facebook or YouTube as we honor African American changemakers in Montgomery County.
Yarrow Mamout and His Family
February 9 | 2 PM | Free Virtual Event with Registration
Yarrow Mamout’s is one of the most remarkable success stories in American history. Brought to Maryland on a slave ship in 1752 and enslaved for the next forty years, Yarrow (his last name) didn’t become a free man until he was 60 years old. He then acquired a house in Georgetown and enough money to retire on the interest from loans to white merchants and on stock dividends. Join us as Jim Johnston, the author of From Slave Ship to Harvard: Yarrow Mamout and the History of an African American Family, tells the story of this remarkable man.
“Redeeming Uncle Tom: The Josiah Henson Story” Documentary Screening
February 10 | 7 PM | Free Virtual Event
Maryland Public Television, in partnership with Montgomery Parks, hosts a free screening of “Redeeming Uncle Tom: The Josiah Henson Story. The documentary retells the extraordinary life of Josiah Henson, a dynamic man with unyielding principles, who overcame incredible odds to escape from slavery with his wife and children. His life inspired the lead character of ‘Uncle Tom’ in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1852 classic novel which has been recognized as one of the sparks that ignited the Civil War. Following the screening, a live Q&A with Montgomery Parks staff will provide more details on Josiah Henson, and the Josiah Henson Museum & Park which is set to open this year.
The Archaeology of Josiah Henson Park
February 11 | 7 PM | Free Virtual Even with Registration
Join Peerless Rockville for our Glenview Mansion Speaker Series with Montgomery Parks Senior Archaeologist Cassandra Michaud for this illustrated presentation on archaeology at Josiah Henson Park. This new museum is located on the site of the Riley plantation, where Henson and many others were enslaved in the early 19th century. It highlights Henson’s story, his relationship to the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and slavery in Montgomery County.
The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity | Genealogy Workshop
February 18 | 6:30 PM | Free Virtual Event with Registration
In celebration of Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park’s 25th anniversary, join family historian, Jennifer Halsey as she leads this introductory workshop on genealogy to better understand your identity and family history. All workshop materials will be emailed to participants prior to the workshop.
Josiah Henson Museum & Park Black History Month Panel Discussion & Musical Performance
February 25 | 2 PM | Free Virtual Event with Registration
Howard University’s Debbie Jarvis emcees an afternoon of events celebrating Josiah Henson and the future Josiah Henson Museum & Park. A musical performance by the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices and remarks by Dr. Mary Elliott set the stage for a panel discussion with leading experts on Henson’s legacy.
Forging Freedom: Endurance, Escape, and Rockville’s Underground Railroad
February 25 | 7 PM | Free Virtual Event with Registration
Forging Freedom: Endurance, Escape, and Rockville’s Underground Railroad is an exhibit on the story of Rockville in the era of the Underground Railroad, when slavery cast a shadow over life in this farming town, and separatist tensions steadily propelled the nation towards war. Come learn about the brave fugitives who fled slavery in Rockville, the abolitionist network that helped, and the endurance of the enslaved community.
