February is African American History Month
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.
Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States
Barack Obama became the first black president in the history of the United States on Jan. 20, 2009. The former Illinois senator only served one term in Congress before being elected commander-in-chief.
President Obama takes oath on the Lincoln Bible
National Museum of African American History and Culture
On January 30, 2006, the Smithsonian's Board of Regents selected a five-acre site adjacent to the Washington Monument to serve as the location for the new Museum.
200th Anniversary of the Slave Trade Act of 1808
One of the first steps along the path to Abolition, the Slave Trade Act went into effect on January 1, 1808. It outlawed further slave trade with Africa but did not make the institution of slavery in the United States illegal. The Center for the National Archives Experience held a day-long symposium to commemorate this event.
Veterans History
African Americans serving in the military service throughout U.S. history have often fought on two fronts: fighting the actual enemy and fighting a system of segregation and exclusion.
For Teachers
Put the power of primary sources to work in the classroom. Browse ready-to-use lesson plans, student activities, collection guides and research aids.
Event Hightlights
- February 1-29
Display
A special display of items from the collection of the Library of Congress.
Main Lobby, Madison Building
(Library of Congress)
- February 1-29
Film Program
The Packard Campus of the National Audio-Video Conservation Center will screen several contemporary films as part of its "Celebrating Black History Month" programming.
(Library of Congress)
- February 4
Keynote Address
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) delivers the keynote address kicking off the Library of Congress celebration of African American History Month at 10 a.m. in the Montpelier Room. Contact: 707-2839.
(Library of Congress)
- February 9-22
Lecture
"The Shaw Memorial" by Augustus Saint-Gaudens
West Building Main Floor, Rotunda, 12:00
(National Gallery of Art)
- February 10
Panel Discussion
The children of M. Carl Holman, civil rights leader and former president of the National Urban Coalition, speak at noon in the Montpelier Room, sixth floor, Madison Building. Contact: (202) 707-2839.
(Library of Congress)
- February 25
Reading
Death or Liberty: African Americans and Revolutionary America
Douglas R. Egerton offers a sweeping chronicle of African American history from 1763 to 1800. A book signing will follow the program. Jefferson Room, 12:00
(National Archives)