Special Events in RVA: Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, Richmond area museums, businesses and libraries are hosting special programing to honor Black history in Virginia and the United States.

Here's a guide to the best family-centric events and programs for celebrating Black History Month with kids and your whole family. These special events, activities and programs celebrate our Black heroes and pioneers with kid-centric activities, arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, and performances!

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Special Events & Activities in Honor of Black History Month in Richmond:

1.Participate in The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts's Open Studio on February 2.

On Sunday, February 2, 2025 at noon, The VMFA's Open Studio is working on their annual RVA Community Makers project. RVA Community Makers honors a select group of Black leaders and change makers around Richmond.

Families have the opportunity to work with local artist Hamilton Glass on a community art project that will go on display in the VMFA's Atrium. This special studio event is open to people of all ages, including children. Guests are free to walk in --no tickets or registration required.

Mark your summer calendar: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts also hosts a Family Day celebrating African and African American art each summer. You can access these events virtually all year, and you can also find more museum resources like scavenger hunts, gallery guides, and museum activities here.

2.Attend Virginia Museum of History & Culture's First Fridays on February 7.

Friday, February 7, 2025 is the First Friday of February. The museum is open late for this special, family-friendly event from 5-8pm. During this special event, the museum offers free admission to the galleries, live music, and kid-centered activities. To celebrate Black History Month, families can participate in a kid-friendly scavenger hunt throughout the museum.

In addition to the cafe, food trucks will also be on property for families to purchase food and beverages.

This event is rain or shine, and no registration is needed. For more information about VMHC's First Fridays, check here!

3.Visit The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.

Open to the public since 1991, The Black History Museum preserves and celebrates African Americans in Virginia throughout history. You'll find interactive and informative exhibits that highlight prominent Black leaders in medicine, sports, and business. The museum also tells the stories of "untold and forgotten" African Americans. Some highlights for children are the interpretation of Emancipation-Oak tree, the interactive bank teller, I See Me! A Reflective Look at Black Dolls exhibit, and the larger-than-life statue of Arthur Ashe.

Upcoming special exhibits include: We are the Builders: Honoring the Contributions of Black Workers in Virginia and From Sunup to Sundown – but the Work Never Stops. These exhibits will be on display from January 29, 2025 to April 30, 2025 and February 22, 2025 respectively.

Make sure to check out The Black History Museum on social media - they announce special events and programing on Instagram.

Nearby: The Bill "Bojangles" Robinson Statue is about a block from the  Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia and Abner Clay playground. It will take you between 5 and 10 minutes to walk on sidewalks with kids to these two locations.

*Check here for more information about the Black History Museum & Culture Center of Virginia.

4.Attend The Children's Museum of Richmond's CultureFest on February 7.

Each month The Children's Museum of Richmond celebrates a new culture with special events and activities. February's CultureFest is on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 3:30-4:30. This special event is included in museum admission, and guests of all ages can experience an African cultural event. This event will feature the essence of Africa through arts and crafts, performances, including an African steel drummer, and food. The Children's Museum of Richmond is designed for children 0-8 years old and their grown ups, but all ages will enjoy this special event!

5.Attend The Children's Museum of Richmond's Maggie Walker Community Art Project Installation on February 9.

You and your family can join in the celebration of CMoR's newest art project installation on February 9, 2025 at 1pm. Created by Austin "Auz" Miles, this special community art project honors Maggie Walker. During a short program, Miles will share her creative process and talk about creating this piece on Maggie Walker. The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia will also teach families about the life of Maggie Walker.

After the installation, children and their grown-ups can create their own masterpiece, using a similar process to Miles with tissue paper.

*Check out CMoR's website for their February calendar for more arts and crafts events celebrating Black History Month. The art studio has special activities and projects that connect to Black artist and makers throughout February.

*Check here for more information on The Children's Museum of Richmond, and check here for more videos.

6.Take a stroll through history at Williamsburg's Freedom Park.

Dating back to the 1650s, the 600 acres of land that the park sits on is filled with so much history! It was the cite of a cemetery, it a Revolutionary War Battle was fought on these grounds, and it is home to one of the earliest Free Black Settlements in America. Freedom Park has three historically accurate recreated cabins that are open to the public at no cost. You can visit them between 10am-4pm daily.

If you'd like an official tour, Park Rangers offer a private historical tour of the settlement for guests 12 years old and older. Over 45 minutes, you'll learn historical facts about the land, the settlement, and tour the dwellings. Private tours must be scheduled in advance, and there is a $20 fee per group.

Send an email to Sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov or call (757)259-4022 to set up a private tour for your group.

Driving Distance: 1 hour

Cost: free

When to Visit: all year

*Check here for my review. Check here for more information on Freedom Park in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Black History Month Programming at Local Libraries:

Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover and City of Richmond libraries all have special programming in February to honor Black History. These events are free and open to the public, regardless of which county you reside in.

Henrico County Public Library's 2025 Black History Month programing:

Henrico County Public Libraries has a full schedule to celebrate Black History Month. Families, including ones with little kids, elementary age children and teens, can learn about Black history and culture through children's books, special performances, films and more!

1.History Bingo: Henrico Black History Month Edition: Families can learn more about Black Henrico History in this special BINGO event. You will get to learn specifically about Black history and legacies in Henrico County, and how their lasting contributions to our area.

Henrico County Public Library is partnering with Henrico County Recreation and Parks, History Division for this special event. It is for all ages, and you can find more details here.

When: Saturday, February 1 from noon to 2pm

Where: Fairfield Library  (check here for my review of Fairfield Library)

2.Bright Star Theatre Presents - From Anansi to John Henri: Children and their growups can learn about folktales, tall tales and oral traditions from Black History. This event is best for children 3 years and older. Children will learn about memorable characters and valuable lessons.

When: Monday, February 3 from 10:30-11:30AM

Where: Glen Allen Library

3.Bright Star Theatre Presents - From Anansi to John Henri: Children and their grow-ups will meet some of Black History's most inspiring women. Elementary aged children will get to learn about Dorothy Vaughan, Harriet Rubman and the Underground Railroad, and Ella Fitzgerald and jazz. Modern ground breakers will also be included: Michelle Obama, Sojourner Truth, Serena Williams and more! This event is best for children grades 3-8.

When: Monday, February 3 from 4-5pm

Where: North Park Library

4.Black Music Greats Dance Party: Children (ages 2-8) with their grown up can enjoy lights, music and dance! Wear your favorite dance outfit to learn about Black musicians and history! Learn more about the event here.

When: Saturday, February 15 from 11-11:45am

Where: North Park Library

5.Teen Art Studio - Resilience is Black Art: Teens will explore Black innovation and creativity by studying contemporary Black artists. This art studio will include fun, hands-on cultural activities. All skill levels are welcome & encouraged to attend!

When: Saturday, February 22 from 2-4pm

Where: Varina Library (check here for my full review of Varina Library)

Check here for Henrico County Library's full calendar for February 2025.

City of Richmond Public Library's 2025 Black History Month programing:

1.Black History Month - Teen Crossword: Teens (grades 6-12) are invited to learn about Black History through a crossword puzzle. All teens who complete the puzzle will receive a prize!

When: Tuesday, February 4 from 5:30-7:30pm

Where: Hull Street Children's Dept.

2.Black History Month: Poetry Slam/Open Mic: Kids, teens and tweens are invited to learn about how poetry & music inspired change in Black American History. Children can also read their favorite poem or song, or even an original piece in celebration of Black History Month. Snacks will be provided!!

When: Tuesday, February 4 from 5:30-7:30pm

Where: Ginter Park Meeting Room

Ages: This special event is for tweens (grades 4-6), teens (grades 6-12), and young adults (19-24).

3.Black History Month: Paper Quilts: The East End Branch is hosting a craft afternoon with snacks to celebrate Black History Month. People of all ages are welcome to join in to learn about quilting and how it became a power way for African Americans to perserve history and share stories. You'll get to make a paper craft quilt too!

When: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Where: East End Meeting Room

Ages: all ages

Check here for Richmond Public Library's full calendar for February 2025.

Looking for more ways to explore and celebrate Black History? Check out my guide on 5 Monuments that Honor Black History in Richmond.

You can find more things to do with kids on @thewestendmom 's Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok !