February is Black History Month, a time to learn about and celebrate African American culture.

Connecticut’s Tributes to Black History

Connecticut is rich with Black history and stories of the trailblazing efforts that African American people have contributed to American History. Explore the state that spawned Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose abolitionist novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin helped change the world, the home of the first boarding school for women of color and the birthplace of a famous abolitionist.

Explore the impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford, CT and engage with collections that belonged to Stowe and her family. Click here to schedule a history tour  at the Center and see additional events taking place.

Greenwich Historical Society Celebrates Black History Month

To honor Black History Month, the Greenwich Historical Society is hosting a variety of events to drive greater understanding and appreciation of the Black American experience and more meaningful engagement in the community.

In partnership with the League of Women Voters and the YWCA of Greenwich, the Greenwich Historical Society welcomes all to participate in the Let’s Do History! Douglas Day Celebration 2025  on February  14. Douglass Day is an annual nationwide event that gathers individuals, schools, and organizations in collectively creating free and available resources for African American History in honor of Frederick Douglass and his lasting legacy.

Visit the Greenwich Historical Society to learn about additional Black History Month events.

Black History Month at the Ferguson Library in Stamford, CT

The Ferguson Library will be hosting a variety of special events during Black History Month. On Tuesday February 11, a month-long art gallery entitled Greatness opens. The exhibit celebrates the power of creativity and the pursuit of excellence. The juried show, featuring works by local and regional artists, will be on view through March 28.

In addition, on Tuesday, February 18, the Ferguson Library is hosting an evening with Laysha Ward, an accomplished C-suite executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience at Target, a Fortune 50 company. Ward will discuss her book Lead like You Mean It: Lessons on Integrity and Purpose from the C-Suite.

To see a full list of Black History Month events taking place at the Ferguson Library and to register for an event click here. 

Black History Month Exhibition at Bethany Arts Community in Ossining, NY

The Bethany Arts Community is hosting its annual Black History Month exhibition curated by Ossining Village Historian Joyce Sharrock Cole.  The fifth installment of this award-winning exhibit entitled “Black History & Culture: Eyes Wide Open” will open with a reception on February 1, 2025 (running through March 14, 2025). The exhibition will utilize oral history accounts and genealogical research to unearth the histories of the Black experience from all facets of life.

For more information on the exhibition or to register for a specific event, click here.

Black History Month at the New Rochelle Public Library

In honor of Black History Month, the New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) holds a number of events for all ages to commemorate the important month. Each year the library hosts a six week African Dance workshop (taking place on Saturday afternoons) where participants learn basic traditional West African dance movements, culminating in a final performance for the public.

On Friday, February 7, as part of the Friday Night Concert Series, the library is hosting a mesmerizing evening of jazz performed by The Ray Blue Ensemble. Ray Blue, a charismatic saxophonist and composer, is a celebrated performer who, along with his ensemble of talented musicians,  captures the hearts of minds of his listeners.

For a full list of events taking place throughout the month, click here.

Black History Month at the Hudson River Museum

In celebration of Black History Month, the Hudson River Museum will be honoring African Americans who have influenced the course of American history and have become inspiring icons for many. On Friday, February 7 the Museum will be hosting a special edition of their Free First Fridays series, with leading jazz trombonist and composer Clifton Anderson & Co performing an unforgettable evening of live music. With a rich history of collaborating with musical legends such as Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, Stevie Wonder, and Paul Simon, Clifton blends a range of styles—from straight-ahead jazz to Caribbean grooves.

In addition, on Saturdays throughout the month the Museum will be hosting Black Pearls of Wisdom Family Art Workshops, an immersive program honoring the wise words of Black icons through collage art.

For more information, or to register for a specific event click here.

Westchester County African American Heritage Trail

Residents of Westchester County can commemorate Black History Month with a self-guided tour of the African American Heritage Trail and explore the African American historical sites and culture that is woven through Westchester’s communities.

Home to 14 historical landmarks on the African American Heritage Trail, dating back to the 17th century, Westchester has a long history as a home to African American culture.

To view a digital version of the guide, click here. Or to request a free copy of the guide, click here.