The many Black History Month events happening in Philadelphia this February offer us a chance to celebrate the Black Americans who were a crucial part of our city and country’s history, and who continue to play important roles in our present and future. The Free Library of Philadelphia and Betsy Ross House offer programming all month, while museums like the Barnes Foundation, Franklin Institute, and Philadelphia Museum of Art have special one-day events. Looking to learn about Black history through art? Take a Mural Arts trolley tour to view murals around the city that feature Black social justice leaders. Got a kid who’s into comics? The National Liberty Museum is hosting a celebration of Black comic creators and superheroes. Learn about all of the wide variety of family-friendly activities available to Philadelphians this month below.

Black History Month at the Free Library

The Free Library of Philadelphia has a wide array of family-friendly offerings all month at many branches. Kick it off with Black History Month Bingo and Black History Month Road Trip Activity at the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library. The Fumo Family Library will be holding a Freedom Quilt workshop for young artists to learn about the importance of textile art for African Americans. At the end of the month, Parkway Central Library will be hosting Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate Telicia Darius for a reading and Black History Month workshop for young people ages 12-18.

Black History Month Storytime

February 4, 10 am

kith + kin, 3060 West Jefferson Street

 

kith + kin will be hosting Thembi Parker of Imagine More Story Adventures to share stories about Black astronauts, scientists, and more.

Black History Month at the Betsy Ross House

Saturdays and Sundays in February

Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street

 

The Betsy Ross House is offering multiple ways to celebrate Black Americans every weekend this February. On Saturdays, visitors can meet Black residents of Colonial Philadelphia during Meet the History Makers events. Every Sunday, storytellers from Once Upon a Nation will share little-known tales about Black Americans.

Open Day Hooray of “Leaders and Legends of Philadelphia”

February 4, 12-1 pm

Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, 3500 Reservoir Drive East

 

Kick off Black History Month at Smith Memorial Playground with their third annual exhibition “Leaders and Legends of Philadelphia.” The family-friendly event honors local African American leaders.

Black History Month Civic Heroes Trolley Tours

February 5 & 25, 10-11:30 am

 

Join Mural Arts for two special trolley tours featuring Philadelphia murals that represent iconic Black figures and social justice issues. Guests will learn about the stories behind the works of art and the mural-making process. The tours will depart from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Collaborative Sounds

February 5, 10 am-5 pm

Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

The Barnes Foundation is celebrating Black History Month during their first free Sunday of the month. There will be percussion performances by Sistahs Laying Down Hands Collective, including a tribute to Nina Simone, and family fun activities.

Opening Weekend of “Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia” Special Exhibit

February 11-12, 11 am-5 pm

Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S 3rd Street

 

Join the Museum of the American Revolution for the opening weekend of their exhibit about James Forten, an African American abolitionist who lived in Philadelphia. The weekend includes theatrical performances about his life.

Celebration of African Americans in Science

February 11, 12-4 pm

Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street

 

The Franklin Institute will be holding a day of celebration and exploration to celebrate Black History Month, which will include performances by the Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble.

The 31st Annual African American Children’s Book Fair

February 11, 1-4 pm

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street

 

The African American Children’s Book Project is hosting their 31st annual African American Children’s Book Fair at the Convention Center, featuring readings and signings from award-winning authors and illustrators, a wide array of books available for purchase, games, and giveaways.

Black History Month Celebration at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

February 25, 10 am-5 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Kutest Kids Parents as Teachers will offer an African family fitness class, musical performances, family discussions, and play opportunities to celebrate Black History Month.