Hartford, CT Celebrates Black History Month

Hartford, CT has played a significant role in shaping African American lives throughout history. It plays host to many events to celebrate February's Black History month. It's a poignant time with Barack Obama being inaugurated as our 44^th President and first African-American President. We can all take a reflective journey to see from where African Americans have come. Here are some places in Hartford to visit, learn and enjoy.

The Hartford Public Library

http://www.hplct.org/

The Hartford Public Library has programs commemorating Black History during February. Various branches are offering some festive and creative events. Here are some of the highlights. Please check their events calendar on their website for details. Some programs do need pre-registration.

Event: BLACK HISTORY IN HARTFORD: DID YOU KNOW?

Where: Hartford Public Library, Albany Branch

When: February 2 through February 6

For: All Ages

Cost: Free!

This event has you and your family and friends solve a local history quiz and place a pin on the world map to show your family's origin. Go on this insightful journey and borrow materials that reflect your cultural heritage. Ready, set, go!

Event: FAMILY SOUL FOOD PARTY

Where: Hartford Public Library, Downtown

When: February 23, 2009: 5-6:00 pm.

For: Ages 5 and up

Cost: Free!

You are sure to have a family fun time at this celebration. Wrap up Black History month with food music, songs, stories and games. Bring your dancing shoes, bring your appetite, and bring your Grandma!

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

http://www.harrietbeecherstowecenter.org/visit/

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

77 Forest Street

Hartford, CT 06105

860-522-9258

Event: THE CHILD'S TOUR

Where: The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

When: Available Saturday and Sunday and every public holiday at 2 PM, or by advance reservation.

For: All Ages- geared towards children

Cost: Children (5-12): $5.00, Adults (13+, accompanying children): $4.00

Step back in time and visit the home of the anti-slavery author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Stowe lived in Hartford until she died in 1873. You'll take an interactive hands-on tour from a child's point of view of the Stowe's family home. This family-friendly tour will give you a true sense of the past. There's a free "Make It and Take It" craft at the visitor center. During your tour, stay on the lookout for the items on the "I Spy" scavenger hunt list. If you locate all the objects you'll win a prize. Good luck.

The Amistad Center for Art & Culture

http://amistadartandculture.org/home/index.html

At the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

600 Main Street

Hartford, CT 06103

(860) 838-4133

The Amistad Center is part of Hartford's Wadsworth Atheneum. The Wadsworth is proud to be our nation's first public museum. The Amistad Center has over 7,000 objects honoring our African American past. The collection consists of paintings, actual slave contracts, newspapers and many historical artifacts.

The center's featured event is Lincoln: Man, Myth and Memory. It will highlight Lincoln's role in the Civil War and show his place in the African American memory.

February is a time to reflect, honor and celebrate Black History.