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February is Black History Month, a time to honor and explore African American contributions to the nation’s history and culture. Visiting museums and historic sites across the country is a meaningful way to learn, reflect and celebrate. -
In Memphis, the National Civil Rights Museum is built around the Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1968 assassination. The museum preserves the motel and surrounding buildings and offers extensive exhibits that tell the broader story of the civil rights movement.
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The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute highlights the obstacles and achievements of the civil rights era, both locally and nationwide. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through engaging interpretive exhibits that explain the movement’s history and legacy.
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The National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C., opened in 2016 and quickly became a major destination. The free museum addresses a wide range of subjects, from cultural achievements to the struggles and resilience of African Americans.
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Also in Washington, D.C., the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, dedicated in 2011, features a striking granite sculpture that honors Dr. King’s leadership and the ongoing pursuit of equality. The memorial provides a reflective space for visitors to consider his impact.
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The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati sits on the Ohio River, once a dividing line between slave and free states. The center chronicles the Underground Railroad’s history and the courageous individuals who aided freedom seekers.
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Fort Mose in St. Augustine, Florida, founded in 1738, was the first free Black settlement in what became the United States. It stands as an early and important symbol of resistance and the quest for freedom.
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In Detroit, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History houses more than 30,000 artifacts and several galleries. Its permanent exhibit, “And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African-American History and Culture,” offers an expansive look at African American history and achievements.
