February is Black History Month in the nation and there’s a number of events planned in celebration of the heritage and contribution of African Americans in the region’s history.

Some Boston neighborhoods are celebrating three centuries of historic legacy of artistic and cultural participation to the city. Elsewhere in the state special events are being held on Cape Cod and Islands, Clinton in Central Massachusetts and in Springfield and the Berkshires of Western Mass.

This month is a chance to remember the richness of all cultures in this country and the contribution made by so many, which when combined continually nudge us towards a better world.

Here is a small selection of destinations and events along with links to further resources and details.

Black Heritage Trail – Boston:

The Black Heritage Trail is a 1.6-mile walking tour through the Beacon Hill section and includes the Abiel Smith School with it exhibits and store and the newly restored African Meeting House – both are located on Joy Street.

There is a fee for entrance to some of the buildings on the trail. Guided tours are offered during summer season or by appointment with the parks service.

However, a trail map for a self-guided tour is available online here >>>

Freedom Trail African American Patriots Tour – Boston:

The Boston Freedom Trail is perhaps the most famous of Boston’s visitor destinations and in February it adds the African Patriots Tour to its schedule. It reminds us that Paul Revere and Sam Adams were also joined in the rebellion by Crispus Attucks, Phyllis Wheatley, Prince Hall, Peter Salem, and others from the Boston African Patriots contingency. The tour lasts for 90 minutes and you’ll visit the sites important to both the revolution and the Abolitionist movement that led to the Civil War. More details here >>>

Discover more events in Boston planned for Black History Month here >>>

Artwork Exhibits – Boston and Metrowest Area:

Six diverse Boston artists are showcased in an exhibit called Black by Popular Demand at Gallery 360 at Northeastern University February 1-March 6. Participating artists are: Percy Davis, muralist and painter – Laura Palmer Edwards, mixed media – Rufus Faulk, painter – Ekua Holmes, mixed media collage – Derek Lumpkins, photographer – Destiny Palmer, painter. In the Metrowest area three other artists – John Wilson, Richard Yarde, and Meta Fuller – are on display at the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham through March 24.

Black History Trolley Tour – Roxbury:

Join a trolley tour through three centuries of Boston’s historic Black neighborhoods. Follow the progression of the Black churches, gain an appreciation for the importance of the arts, learn about the struggles during the civil rights movement, and become more familiar with the movers, shakers, and strivers in Roxbury’s Black history. Trolley departs: 12:30pm: Roxbury Heritage State Park/DCR, 183 Roxbury St, 12:50pm: Hotel 140, 140 Clarendon St (former YWCA), and Purchase tickets ($25) online or by calling 617-427-1006. More here >>>

Gallery of African Art – Clinton:

A unique private collection representative of various regions, tribes and traditions of the African continent has been assembled by collector Gordon B. Lankton. Informal gallery tours are available on Thursday’s between 4-7pm. The Gallery encompasses a diverse collection of more than 600 + African tribal masks, figures, sculpture and artifacts crafted in stone, wood, clay and bronze, spanning 32 tribes, including Dogon, Baule, and Bamana art. It is located in Clinton’s buzzing commercial district on High Street. More information here >>>

Special Events in Springfield:

Springfield has a number of special events planned around the city during February to celebrate Black History Month. These include showing of the important 1942 film “The Negro Soldier” at the Armory NHS Theater on February 13 at 7pm, an Emancipation Proclamation Party for children on February 9 at 1pm at the Pan African Historical Museum, and also at the same location on February 16 at 3pm “A Salute to Black Gospel Singers.” For those into clothes then a fashion show to celebrate black culture will be at the Tower Square Food Court on February 21 Noon – 1pm.

Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum – Adams:

Susan B. Anthony birth will be celebrated on February 17^th with two presentations at the Adams Public Library from 1:30pm to 4pm. Diane Taraz will present “Silver Dagger” a folk song presentation, and then historian, Mary Ann Brown will present “Wild West Anthony” a colorful presentation about Daniel Read Anthony and Merrit Anthony and their participation in Abolition and the Civil War. More details here >>>

For more suggestions on things to see and do throughout the year in Massachusetts, check out our special vacation article here >>>

Another New England post by one of our writers is being prepared right now so be sure to visit again or just subscribe to our RSS Feed here and get notified automatically of events and news.

Cliff Calderwood
Publisher
New England Online Magazine

If you enjoyed this article please share with others at your favorite sites below:

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

Related posts:

1. Black History Month in New England
2. February 2009 Events at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Connecticut
3. Western Connecticut Events for February 2011
4. 5 Things to Do On a Winter Weekend in Massachusetts
5. 6 Day History and Museum Tour of Southern New England