Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month 2026 and explore the stories of Revolutionaries of African descent with the Museum this February. Through the Museum’s galleries, special exhibition, and events for all ages, experience a fuller and more inclusive history of the nation’s beginnings and discover that the Revolutionary story is for everyone.
Plan your visit or become a member today!
This Museum was created to tell a diverse, inclusive, ‘warts-and-all’ narrative of the American Revolution, so sharing the often-untold stories—especially of people of color—is a core element of what we do every day. But during Black History Month, we are shining a special spotlight on the Black men and women who played essential roles in establishing our nation.Adrienne Whaley, Director of Education & Community Engagement
Upcoming Black History Month Events
Read the Revolution Speaker Series with Julia Gaffield and Marlene L. Daut
February 25, 2026 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.The Declaration's Journey
The Declaration's Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, explores the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today and showcases how it has become one of the most influential political documents in modern history. The exhibition highlights the influence of people of African descent and their relationship to the Declaration's ideals. It features several artifacts related to the fight for equality, including “The Petition of the People of Colour, Freemen, within the City and Suburbs of Philadelphia” from 1799, a copy of one of Frederick Douglass' most famous speeches, the prison bench Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King sat on while drafting his famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and an advanced distribution copy of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
Black Voices of the Revolution Tour
Explore stories of people of African descent during the Revolutionary era on a highlights tour of the core galleries, available at noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
Gallery Highlights Tour
Join a Museum educator on Saturdays and Sundays for this 60-minute tour of the core exhibit galleries highlighting a diverse set of stories, experiences, and objects related to people of African descent during the American Revolution. Along the way, you’ll see a first edition of Phillis Wheatley’s Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, learn about Elizabeth Freeman’s historic court case, consider what the engraving “No Slavery” on a Continental Army soldier’s musket meant, and discuss William Lee's role on campaign as Washington's enslaved valet. Through it all, you’ll have the opportunity to consider what words like freedom, liberty, and equality meant for different people within the Revolutionary era, and how these ideas continue to influence our lives today.
Daily Programs
These daily talks are included in regular Museum admission to explore the stories and lives of people of African descent in the Revolutionary era.
In-Gallery Talk: From Seeking Freedom to Civil Rights
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.Join a Museum educator to discover the stories of people of African descent from the Revolutionary era through the Civil Rights Movement, as featured in the special exhibition The Declaration’s Journey.
In-Gallery Talk: Phillis Wheatley
12:30 p.m.Join a Museum educator to discuss the life and work of Phillis Wheatley and consider the impact her story has today.
First-Person Performance: Elizabeth Freeman
Saturdays, 1:15 and 3:15 p.m.Watch a 30-minute first-person theatrical performance portraying the life and experiences of Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet, a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won. The performance stars Katelyn E. Appiah-Kubi as Elizabeth Freeman and was written by Teresa Miller.
In-Gallery Talk: Finding Freedom
Weekdays, 1:30 p.mJoin an educator for an in-gallery talk focusing on the stories of people of African descent in the Museum's galleries.
Unpack a Sea Chest
2:30 p.m.Join an Museum educator to explore replica objects and what life was like at sea during the Revolutionary War for the Continental Navy, privateers, and prisoners of war, and learn about the different roles needed to operate a Revolutionary-era ships.
Discovery Cart: Elizabeth Freeman
WeekendsJoin a Museum educator at a hands-on discovery cart to explore the story of Elizabeth Freeman through replica handling objects. Freeman was Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won.
Digital Resources
Dive deeper into the stories of unsung Revolutionaries at the Museum and online all month long.
Finding Freedom
The Museum’s virtual resources are always available, including the new Finding Freedom digital interactive, which examines the stories of enslaved people of African descent in Virginia who followed different paths to freedom during the Revolutionary War. These stories are also available to explore in the Museum’s galleries via a touchscreen kiosk.
Patriots of Color Archive
Nearly 200 rare documents, including original muster rolls, pay vouchers, enlistment papers, and discharge forms, bear the names of Black and Native American soldiers who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War are part of the Museum's Patriots of Color Archive. Documents from the archive are now accessible to everyone at no cost, thanks to a partnership with Ancestry, the global leader in family history, as part of their commitment to preserving history that is at risk of being forgotten.
Black Founders Virtual Tour
Virtual Museum Tour
Explore other personal, often-unfamiliar stories of free and enslaved people of African descent during the Revolutionary era. Learn about Deborah Squash, who ran away from Mount Vernon and sought protection with the British Army; Olaudah Equiano, who purchased his own freedom and published a memoir of his experiences; and Crispus Attucks, a dockworker of African and Native descent who was killed during the Boston Massacre and is considered by many historians to be the first casualty of the American Revolution; among many others.
Ways to Save
See and do more for less with discounted ticket prices, Museum Membership, and special deals.
Online Exclusive Ticket Discounts
Available with online purchase onlyThe Museum is currently offering two ticket discounts available with online purchase only, including a Family Four-Pack (two adult GA tickets and two youth GA tickets) for $64, as well as Adult GA tickets for $25 ($27 if purchased at the Museum).
Become a Member
Join this February!Learn more about becoming a Museum Member at the level that is perfect for you or your family to get unlimited Museum access for a full year, discounted tickets to lectures and special events, invitations to Member-exclusive events, and so much more.