There’s no better place to celebrate the legacy of Black Americans than in the DMV area. From historic monuments to renowned museums, there’s something for everyone to explore and learn.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we hope you’ll make time to visit some of these essential sites throughout the region.
Here are some of our favorite local destinations, providing opportunities to visit well-known museums and landmarks as well as some of the lesser-known places where our region’s stories are gold.
National Museum of African American History & Culture
The National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C., is the only national museum dedicated exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture. You’ll discover a vast collection of artifacts, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that will guide you through the journey of African American struggles and triumphs, including the impact of slavery, the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and much more.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, located in West Potomac Park, was dedicated in 2011 and celebrates the life and legacy of the iconic civil rights leader. The memorial features a 30-foot-tall sculpture of King and several inscriptions with excerpts from his speeches, sermons and writings.
Our favorite?
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center
In Maryland, visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. Located on the Eastern Shore, the center is dedicated to the legacy of Harriet Tubman, who was born in Dorchester County. The center provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the Underground Railroad and the role that Tubman played in leading slaves to freedom. The center features an interactive exhibit, films, and displays, as well as several walking trails, which will take you through the very landscapes where Tubman and other freedom seekers traveled.
Alexandria Black History Museum
The Alexandria Black History Museum, in the Parker-Gray Historic District of Alexandria, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of African Americans in Alexandria. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and programs that document the experiences of African Americans in the city, including their contributions to the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and beyond.
Manassas Museum
The Manassas Museum in Prince William County, VA, features exhibits that document the experiences of African Americans in the area, including the contributions of the many enslaved people who lived and worked in the region before and during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the exhibits, attend programs and events, and learn more about the African American experience in the area.
