Black history is American history and shouldn’t only be remember only in the month of February. Our goal is to share these sites and events with you so you’re learning alongside us. In our previous article on visiting Black history museums, we shared some sites that we can’t wait to visit. Here are some more Black history sites that shouldn’t be missed.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway
Up for a road trip? Head to the eastern shores of Maryland. This 125 mile self-guided driving tour explores the life of Harriet Tubman. Born enslaved, Tubman is famous for escaping slavery and returning to Maryland many times to help about 300 people escape slavery. The Byway takes you through Maryland and Delaware before ending in Pennsylvania. There are 45 sites on the byway that explore and celebrate Harriet Tubman’s life. Download a map of the Byway along with an audio tour to get you started.
Road River African American Museum
A look at African American life in the rural parishes near Donaldsonville, Louisiana, The Road River African American Museum teaches through exhibits, collections and historic buildings. RRAM also explores the Louisiana Underground Railroad, which made it’s way through the swamps to New Orleans, where the escaped former enslaved could pose as free people of color or take ships to points northward.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Part of the New York Public Library system, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is located in Harlem. Dedicated to the history of people of African descent, the library began as a special collection in 1927. A fixture in the community, the Schomburg is home to original manuscripts, art and early recordings of prominent African Americans such as Marcus Garvey. In addition to being a research library, the center also hosts Black history events. When you enter the building, be sure to look down. The lobby floor houses the ashes of Harlem Renaissance poet and activist Langston Hughes.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Everyone knows Martin Luther King, Jr’s role in the American Civil Rights Movement. To find out how his journey began and continues, visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. There are seven stops to visit, all in the “Sweet Auburn” section of Atlanta, Georgia. Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the site and sign up for a tour of the home Dr. King was born in. In addition to several other stops, the park also consists of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Dr King’s home church. The final stop is The King Center, final resting place for Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, who funded the center after her husband’s assassination.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
A Black history site for sports lovers of all ages, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is in Kansas City, Missouri. The only museum in the world showcasing Negro League baseball, it’s located in Kansas City, Missouri. With photos, film and artifacts, the NLBM shows how African American players such as Hank Aaron, Josh Gibson and Satchel Page played an amazing game, even with the limits of segregation. An extra bonus? NLBM is a neighbor of the American Jazz Museum!
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Located in Detroit, Michigan, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is home to extensive collections of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman and Detroit’s labor history. This Black history site offers exhibits on art, the Black experience, voting and Detroit’s performing arts industry. The Wright Museum fulfills its mission to “open minds and (change) lives” through the education of Black history.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C, is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Because of rave reviews and a thirst for knowledge about Black history, a ticket to this museum was a hard to get item the first year. The museum begins its story with the African American journey in Africa, where kings and queens ruled a literate society. From there, the floors of the museum go through The Middle Passage up through present times. Don’t miss the music room which allows you to play digital clips from thousands of musical pieces.Plan to spend an entire day here. It’s nearly impossible to see everything in one visit. Also don’t miss the Sweet Home Cafe, which offers menu items based on different parts of the United States.
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