The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) celebrates Black History Month with a series of public programs and immersive events that share the stories, contributions and triumphs that have shaped the African American experience.
The museum will honor the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s Black History Month theme for 2025, “African Americans and Labor,” and continue its yearlong digital campaign of celebrating the Black woman by showing the heroism and bravery behind the African American Army Nurses who served in World War II through a special collections story on the nmaahc.si.edu/blackhistorymonth website.
NMAAHC’s digital channels will focus on the following themes each week: Feb. 3: Before and During the Civil War; Feb. 10: The Era of Jim Crow; Feb. 17: Post-Civil Rights Era; and Feb. 24: Today.
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, visitors can join New York Times best-selling author and founder of The Nap Ministry, Tricia Hersey, for an interactive Historically Speaking: Tricia Hersey—We Will Rest! program streaming online and in the Oprah Winfrey Theater. The program features Hersey’s readings from her new book, “We Will Rest! The Art of Escape,” accompanied by meditations, poetry and music.
The museum’s 2025 Black History Month website and toolkit feature resources for learning about Black history all year round. Additional videos, images and more Black History Month resources can be found at nmaahc.si.edu/blackhistorymonth.
February Events
NMAAHC Kids Story Time: Stacey’s Extraordinary Words
Saturday, Feb. 1; 10:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Second-floor classrooms
Visitors will learn about history-maker Stacey Abrams, read an interactive story about the power of words, play word games and create affirmation word art. This program is designed for ages 4–8 and their adult caregivers. It is free, but registration is required.
Program schedule:
10:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.: Ongoing Create and Explore Time
10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.: Read Alouds
11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.: Children’s Gallery Tours, featuring Stacey Abram’s 2018 election-night dress
Vigilance: The Life of William Still, Father of the Underground Railroad with Andrew K. Diemer
Saturday, Feb. 8; noon–1:30 p.m.
Oprah Winfrey Theater
Join Professor Andrew K. Diemer for a lecture based on his book, Vigilance: The Life of William Still, Father of the Underground Railroad. Diemer’s compelling narrative offers an in-depth look at the life of William Still, a New Jersey-born abolitionist who worked with the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery Society. Still assisted nearly 1,000 individuals in their quest for freedom and authored one of the most significant works on the Eastern network of the Underground Railroad. This lecture is in conjunction with the Robert F. Smith Center’s exhibit, “The Still Family: Forging Pathways to Freedom.” A book signing will follow the lecture, courtesy of Smithsonian Enterprises. This event is free; however, registration is required.
Culinary Cousins: Dining with Baldwin: A Culinary Homage with Jessica Harris
Saturday, Feb. 8; 6:45 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Heritage Hall
Extending NMAAHC’s celebration of James Baldwin’s centennial, this program explores Baldwin’s life and legacy through his dining experiences with culinary historian Jessica Harris. The conversation and the meal will offer insights into Baldwin’s tastes, shared meals and broader cultural significance. This program is limited in capacity and costs $30. Registration is required.
NMAAHC Kids Story Time: The Way Champs Play
Saturday, Feb. 15; 10:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Second-floor classrooms
Participants will learn about history-making Olympians; enjoy an interactive story, “The Way Champs Play” by tennis champion Naomi Osaka; play sport-inspired games; and celebrate their accomplishments with a gold-medal craft. Designed for ages 4–8 and their adult caregivers. This program is free, but registration is required.
Program Schedule:
10:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.: Ongoing Create and Explore Time
10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.: Read Alouds
11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.: Children’s Gallery Tours featuring athlete statues and objects like Althea Gibson’s racket, Tommie Smith’s Olympic uniform and LeBron James’ shoes
Historically Speaking: Tricia Hersey: We Will Rest!
Tuesday, Feb. 18; 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Oprah Winfrey Theater
Tricia Hersey, New York Times bestselling author and The Nap Ministry founder, will give an immersive reading from her new book, We Will Rest! The Art of Escape. Inspired by vintage hymnals, prayer books and abolitionist pamphlets, We Will Rest! is a thoughtful collection of meditations and poetry with storytelling and powerful original art. Hersey and musician ArinMaya will guide the audience in a collective daydreaming activation that taps into community care techniques as a radical form of rest. Signed books will be available courtesy of Smithsonian Enterprises. This event is free; however, registration is required.
At the Sweet Home Café
The Sweet Home Café will celebrate Black History Month with a special series of Chef’s Tables, showcasing a menu from award-winning chefs every Friday. In addition, the Sweet Home Café’s Market Table will showcase products from local African American community partners throughout the month. For more details, visit the Sweet Home Café’s website.
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