The Missouri History Museum’s African American History Initiative (AAHI) will be honoring Black History Month in February with a series of events in celebration of Black History Month at the Missouri History Museum. The African American History Initiative is designed to explore the African American experience throughout our region and support the collection of unique artifacts and materials concerning historically underrepresented communities. The initiative also works to preserve African American resources and history in the greater St. Louis area.

"If we don't tell our history and be protectors of our history, it will literally be erased," said Rochelle Caruthers, Director of the African American Initiative. "These programs are vital to preserving and celebrating the rich contributions of Black Missourians."

Programming Highlights

February 15, 10am-1pm

History Exploration Day: Black Missourians in STEM

Discover the contributions of Black Missourians in STEM through hands-on activities and experiments. Perfect for families with learners from PreK to high school!

February 15, 18, and 21, 10:30am

Storytelling in the Museum Black Scientists

Learn about Black scientists who changed the world! These programs are recommended for children ages 2–5 and their families. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided by DEAF Inc. at the February 15 program.

February 18, 11am

The Music of Black St. Louis with DJ G. Wiz

Join DJ G. Wiz to explore St. Louis’s rich Black musical heritage, from ragtime to blues to jazz to rock ’n’ roll to rap and celebrate the artists who shaped these genres.

February 20, 5-8pm

Black History Month Keynote Event

Join us for a conversation with Black St. Louisans as they share their perspectives and lived experiences regarding Black joy and the arts in the Gateway City. This program is presented by Washington University.

February 22, 1-3pm

African American History

and Genealogy Society Workshop

Join the St. Louis African American History and Genealogy Society for a deep dive into researching your family’s history.

February 27, 5-8pm

Navigating the Intersection of Race and Disability

Come and enjoy an evening featuring disability and racial justice advocates making positive change in the St. Louis community, with historical context showing how Black disabled St. Louisans have worked to achieve social and economic equality.

These events aim to celebrate and explore the rich contributions of Black Missourians to STEM fields, music, arts, and social justice. The programming is designed to engage visitors of all ages, from preschoolers to adults.

These events are part of the African American History Initiative (AAHI), which strives to promote stories that explore various aspects of the African American experience throughout the St. Louis region. The AAHI supports the collection of unique artifacts and materials concerning historically underrepresented communities, the development of future museum professionals, and the preservation of African American resources and history in the greater St. Louis area. The African American History Initiative (AAHI) programming is presented by Wells Fargo. For more details about the programs, visit mohistory.org/black-history-month.

About the Missouri Historical Society

The Missouri Historical Society (MHS) has been active in the St. Louis community since 1866. Today it serves as the confl uence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues. MHS operates the Missouri History Museum, Library & Research Center, and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. MHS is funded by the St. Louis City and County taxpayers through the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District (ZMD) and by private donations. To fi nd out more, visit mohistory.org/society