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Ohio History Connection Celebrates Black History Month
COMMUNITY
OHIO HISTORY CONNECTION CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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Robust schedule of family-friendly programming including curator talks, discussions and interactive experiences highlight Ohio’s African American history.
(COLUMBUS)– In celebration of Black History Month, Ohio History Connection invites you to take part in special programming. Presented in partnership with several of the organization’s historic sites, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House and the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, all programming is virtual and free for Ohio History Connection members unless noted. Advanced registration is required. More info: ohiohistory.org/ blackhistory
Ohio History Center Programming
Connecting Cultures: Masks, Identity, and Community, Sat., Feb. 6, 10 a.m.
Join Rosa Rojas, lead curator at National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, as she explores the work of Ohio African American artists Willis “Bing” Davis and Queen Brooks. Viewers will learn about three distinct African cultures and create an African mask. This program is recommended for children 5+ and their families.
Underground Railroad Immersive Experience, Sat., Feb. 13, 10 a.m.
It’s 1859 and the nation is on the brink of Civil War. Participants will observe and talk to residents from Ohio Village to understand the Underground Railroad and identify the secret “conductor.” Through the use of highly researched first-person interpreters, participants are able to experience the moral and social struggles surrounding the anti-slavery movement. This program is recommended for children 11+ and their families.
Evolution of American Cuisine, Thurs., Feb. 18, 7 p.m.
During this discussion we’ll delve into the culinary traditions of three groups of people who have influenced the American cuisine we know today, enslaved people, immigrants and Indigenous peoples.. The discussion will be led by food historian Michael Twitty, the author of The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South, Sarah Lohman, historian and author of the bestselling book Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine, and Masami and Ty Smith from the Native American Indian Center of Ohio. Register HERE. Free/Ohio History Connection premium members. $5/ Ohio History Connection Member. $20/ General Public.
Snapshot: The Power of Protest, Sat., Feb. 20, 10 a.m.
Snapshot! Power of Protest is an interactive program where attendees will be taught to think like historians and analyze historic photographs to learn more about the past. This program focuses on the Civil Rights Movement and encourages students to think deeply on social justice topics both in the past and present.
Programming at Historic Sites:
Harriet Beecher Stowe House After Uncle Tom’s Cabin: The Horrors of Slavery, Told by the Formerly Enslaved, Weds., Feb. 3, 7 p.m.
After the Civil War, Harriet Beecher Stowe became increasingly concerned with women’s issues, and we’ll follow her example by examining questions of both racial and gender justice as well as intersections between the two. In 2021 the Harriet Beecher Stowe House’s monthly discussion series “After Uncle Tom’s Cabin: Black Voices for Justice” will consider some of the essential works by men and women in this tradition from the 19th century to our own time. After abolition, Black authors recognized that the fight for equality had only begun. They made contributions to the rich, diverse tradition of Black voices for justice that continues today. The discussion is led by Dr. John Getz, Professor Emeritus, Xavier University and Dr. Jerry Cline-Bailey, Associate Professor of English, Xavier University.
RSVP for this discussion through this link. A $5.00 donation is requested of non-members. The discussion is free for Harriet Beecher Stowe House members.
Queens of the Queen City: Cincinnati Stories of African American Women Sun., Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
Since the 1800s, Ohio was at the heart of social change led by African American women. Not only was it was the first free state established from the Northwest Territory, it was home to some of the earliest universities for African Americans. Ohio drew Black women from across the country who found there wasn’t space for them in their chosen professions, in education, or in society at large, and so they claimed that space here.
These queens broke barriers, but they are more than a list of firsts. They collaborated and formed collectives, they were friends and teachers, one generation of bricklayers after another. Meet some of these architects of change, like poet and abolitionist Frances Watkins Harper, educator and suffragist Hallie Quinn Brown, author Lucretia Newman Coleman, and civil rights leader Marian Spencer. This program is $7/Free for Harriet Beecher Stowe House members.
