CREDIT: @JADEPHOTOGRAPHS ON INSTAGRAM

Museums, attractions, and cultural institutions across New York State are commemorating Black History Month this February with special programs and events honoring and celebrating the great contributions and achievements of African Americans. From art workshops to live performances to moving exhibits, find unique and meaningful ways to celebrate and understand Black history, culture, and heritage with these family-friendly events.

Originally published 02/03/2023 | Updated 01/30/2025

February 13

Photo courtesy of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Join the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture for an amazing evening celebrating Black music and Black History Month with the Harlem Chamber Players. The event is not to be missed, hosted by multi-disciplinary artist Terrace McKnight, who will kick the night off with a performance of “Big Timer’s Blues,” featuring poetry by Langston Hughes with a traditional spirit. Catch the celebration’s featured artists including Candice Hoyes, performing “Zora’s Moon” for soprano with members of the Harlem Chamber Players, and cellist-composer Akua Dixon, making her Harlem premier of “We The People” for string quartet. The event is free and open to all, but registration is required.

February 1-28

Credit: @gerri.gjones on Instagram

Throughout the month of February, join the Buffalo and Erie County Botanic Garden in a celebration honoring several Black horticulturists, botanists, and agriculturists. “Roots & Blooms: Celebrating Black Horticultural heritage,” offers visitors a chance to learn about important figures like Dr. George Washington Carver, Edmond Albius, and Dr. Marie Clark Taylor and their contributions to the plant world. The exhibit is included in regular museum admission.

February 8

Join the Strong Museum in honoring the rich heritage, remarkable achievements, and enduring contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Don’t miss out on a variety of activities centered around the profound impact of Black culture on the world. Play with toys and games created or redesigned by Black inventors like the View-Master and Phase 10, learn about Super Soaker inventor, Dr. Lonnie Johnson’s impact on play, or be just like track star Jesse Owens and try your hand at clearing mini hurdles in record time! Event is included with admission.

February 15

Join the Clermont State Historic Site for a tour diving into the history of the hundreds of people who worked at Clermont. For nearly a century, the mansion was run by enslaved staff and by the 1830s the staff was completely replaced by paid labor. Follow along to learn the real stories of those who served at Clermont and delve into the realities of enslavement, immigration, and employment across three centuries. The tour is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and children under 12 are free. 

Ongoing

 Credit: @oeprophoto on Instagram

From the Apollo Theater to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture to influential restaurants like Sylvia’s and Melba’s, Harlem is rich in Black culture, history, and heritage. The New York State Museum celebrates this community with an ongoing exhibit that takes a look back to the 1920s and 1930s when Harlem became a symbol of the African American struggle for civil and economic equality while emerging as a mecca for Black culture, art, and music with unique artifacts, rare photos, and more.

Ongoing

CREDIT: @JADEPHOTOGRAPHS ON INSTAGRAM

New York State played an important role in the Underground Railroad, the secret network that helped tens of thousands of freedom seekers escape enslavement. Experience the stories of Harriet Tubman and Niagara Falls heroes at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. The exhibit “One More River to Cross” explores the crucial role Niagara Falls’ geography played and the heroic actions of its Black residents. “Freedom Crossing,” a permanent exhibition at the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center, also tells the story of the Underground Railroad in the Greater Niagara region with historic photographs, artifacts, and real life stories.

February 8

Every month, the Long Island Children’s Museum hosts a series teaching kids what it means to be an advocate for themselves and others while educating adults on how they can support their child’s self-advocacy efforts. This February, “AdvoKids” turns its attention to Black History Month, focusing on its beginnings and the importance of why it is celebrated. As part of the program, visitors will learn about Civil Rights leader A. Philip Randolph, known for his leadership of the groundbreaking Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Union.  Afterward, children can make their own replica of the iconic car porters hat, a symbol of the union’s strength and solidarity. Event is free with admission.

February 16-22

CREDIT: @BCMKIDS ON INSTAGRAM

Join the Brooklyn Children’s Museum for a week’s worth of reflection and future-forward fun at the Black Future Festival. This year the festival is inspired by the national celebration of the African Diaspora and Black History Month. Experience powerful dance performances, workshops, and storytelling with guest curator Kendra J. Bostock and STooPS. Tickets are required for entry. 

February 17-21

CREDIT: @WANDERGENIC ON INSTAGRAM

Seventy-eight years ago this spring, Jackie Robinson made history when he broke the color barrier and debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers to become the first Black player in Major League Baseball history. Conveniently timed with school’s winter break, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate No. 42’s heroic journey in honor of Black History Month with daily programs designed for kids of all ages. Families can also experience unique exhibits and see select artifacts at an interactive pop-up at the museum’s Learning Center.

February 12

Step into this grand Victorian home, now the site of the Chapman Museum, for a special Black History Month Storytime reading of “Hidden Figures: The True Stories of Four Black Women and the Space Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling. The inspiring story shines a light on the remarkable achievements of four Black women whose work at NASA transformed the space race and history forever.  After storytime, children are invited to get creative by coloring images of these trailblazing women. This program is intended for children ages 5-9 but open to all.

Various dates through February

Various Long Island State Parks are celebrating Black History Month with a series of programs highlighting the contributions and achievements of Black and African Americans artists, scientists, and environmentalists. Learn the history of the Black men and women astronomers and astronauts who shaped our understanding of the cosmos  at the Connetquot River State Park Preserve, see the experiments of Black scientists and how they paved the way for modern science at Nissequogue River State Park, and more.

February 1-23

Photo courtesy of the Hudson River Museum

Throughout the month, celebrate the wise words of well-known Black icons using the art of collage with the Hudson River Museum. Kids can get their creativity flowing through mixed-media art, and the help of glitter glue, cardboard, and print-outs. This family event will be held weekends throughout the month as well as February 17, 19, and 21. Best suited for ages four and up.

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