Celebrate Black History Month With These Historic Events Across the Nation

In recognition of Black History Month, historic sites across the nation are offering engaging programs that celebrate the central role African Americans have played in shaping the nation’s past and future. From guided tours and scholarly panels to immersive exhibits and community conversations, these events invite the public to experience history through the voices and stories that have too often gone untold. The Trust encourages people of all ages to explore these meaningful opportunities to learn, reflect and connect with Black history at locations across the United States, including both in-person and virtual offerings throughout the month. 

Throughout February: A Century of Black History Commemorations, Washington, D.C. 
This year marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William D. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson and James E. Stamps institutionalized the teaching, study, dissemination, and commemoration of Black history when they founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in 1926, and the organization will be hosting a series of events throughout the month to commemorate the milestone. Learn more. 

Throughout February: Celebrate Black History & Black Futures, Dearborn, Mich. 
Join the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation during February to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and commit to creating a more just future through our annual recognition of Black History Month. This year's programming is inspired by the national theme A Century of Black History Commemorations, a milestone year that invites you to consider how Black history has been preserved. Learn more. 

February 1: 2026 Black History Month Celebration, Atlanta, Ga. 
Create Dunwoody's Black History Month Celebration is a family-friendly event that fosters awareness and understanding of the diverse cultures that shape our community. Kick off Black History Month with this annual event through performances, exhibits, and vendors. Drop in or enjoy the entire event! Learn more. 

February 3: Black History Month in Orlando, Orlando, Fla. 
The City of Orlando is pleased to celebrate the positive contributions of African American residents by dedicating the month of February 2026 to honoring Orlando's rich and diverse Black culture and heritage. Black history is an integral part of American history because African Americans have played an essential role in building and shaping our country. Learn more. 

February 7: Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust's 2026 “It Begins with Each of Us: Fostering Racial Understanding” Forum,  Philadelphia, Pa. 
With a shared commitment to presenting a more inclusive and thus a more accurate telling of the nation’s history, the Museum and the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust will host the 9th “It Begins with Each of Us: Fostering Racial Understanding” forum, a candid conversation about race in our nation’s history at the Museum on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 1 – 3:30 p.m. Learn more. 

February 7: National Capital Parks – East (NACE): “From Negro History Week to Black History Month”,  Washington, D.C. 
Join National Capital Parks – East (NACE) as a kickoff to our annual Black History Month celebration with an event at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, February 7th at 10:30 am. In addition to this and other hands-on activities, visitors will get to meet and get a selfie with “Dr. Carter G. Woodson” – the creator of the Negro History Week, the forerunner of Black History Month. Learn more. 

February 19 & 21: "Men Without Shoes” Display, Princeton, N.J. 
The Princeton Battlefield Society and Foundation Academies of Trenton will release the results of groundbreaking research into the Black soldiers who fought in the Battle for Princeton, “Men Without Shoes” Project to honor the forgotten rank and file of the battle. The finding will be on display at Morven Museum and Gardens on February 19 and 21. Learn More. 

February 21: Black History Month, Art Narrative, Dynamic Display, Placentia, Calif. 
Black History Month is approaching Placentia with a sincere aim to further develop the Black History Art narrative and provide a platform for the voices, stories, and creativity that merit recognition and celebration. This exhibition unites individuals in a significant manner. It serves as a moment to honor the past, value our present, and look ahead with optimism for the future. Learn more. 

February 22:  A Century of Black History Commemoration With Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, Philadelphia, Pa. 
In 2026, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) celebrates 100 years of Negro History Week and 50 years of Black History Month. Join the Philadelphia Heritage and PhilaMontco branches of ASALH and HSP for a public program to commemorate the history, legacy, and preservation of ASALH and its founder, Carter G. Woodson. Learn more. 

February 25: Read the Revolution Speaker Series with Julia Gaffield and Marlene L. Daut. Online. 
Dr. Julia Gaffield, Associate Professor of History at William & Mary, and Dr. Marlene L. Daut, Professor of French and African Diaspora Studies at Yale University, will join the Museum of the American Revolution on Wednesday, February 25 to present the second public program in the Museum’s 2025-2026 Revolution Speaker Series. The joint lecture and discussion is inspired by their recent biographies on Haitian Revolutionaries and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Learn more. 

February 28: Black History Month Program: The American Revolution and the Fate of the World, Glenn Dale, Md. 
Author, historian and professor, Dr. Richard Bell, will discuss his book, The American Revolution and the Fate of the World which offers a fresh look at the impact of the American Revolution by focusing on disenfranchised people and minorities in the colonies, including free and enslaved Black people. Learn more. 

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at battlefields.org.