Celebrate Black History Month in Annapolis & Anne Arundel County: A Month of Art, Culture, and History

 

This Black History Month, travel into a series of meaningful and engaging events carefully curated to express art, culture, and history in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Maryland. From art exhibitions to thought-provoking speaker series, these events provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community's rich history and honor the contributions of African American culture. Here’s a glimpse at some of the highlights happening throughout the month:

 

Sacred Spaces – An Art & Augmented Reality Exhibition

Saturday, February 8th - December 30, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum | 84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD

 

Artwork with black culture collage, blue and brown watercolors
Knights Templar by Jabari Jefferson. Image courtesy of Micah E. Wood.

 

The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum is proud to debut Sacred Spaces, a groundbreaking exhibition by Maryland-based artist Jabari Jefferson. This art and augmented reality experience explores the spiritual and cultural contributions of the African American community. In honor of Black History Month, the exhibition is presented by the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and will include an artist talk, a guided tour, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with artists, curators, and fellow art lovers. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the intersection of art, culture, and technology!


 

The State of Black Annapolis Speaker Series

Tuesdays in February | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Michael E. Busch Public Library | 1410 West Street, Annapolis, MD

Join the City of Annapolis for the fourth annual State of Black Annapolis speaker series, a four-week exploration of African-American culture and life in Annapolis. Organized by the Mayor’s Office African-American Outreach Team in partnership with the Michael E. Busch Public Library, this series highlights stories and aspects of Annapolis history that aren’t always well-known. Local experts and historians will lead each session, diving into topics such as the role of free Black communities in colonial Annapolis, the creation of a Black Art District, and the impact of Black educators and entrepreneurs.

The series runs every Tuesday in February, with free dinner provided by local Black-owned catering companies. Here’s the lineup:

  • February 4: The Cost of Free Labor in Colonial Annapolis and the Intersection of the Free Black Community
  • February 11: How to Build a Black Art District in Annapolis
  • February 18: The Other Annapolis: A Modern Perspective
  • February 25: The Foundation Builders: Celebrating Black Educators, Elected Officials, Entertainers, and Entrepreneurs

 

Each event is free and open to the public, so bring the whole family!


 

Black History Month at the Museum of Historic Annapolis

Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Museum of Historic Annapolis | 99 Main Street, Annapolis, MD

The Museum of Historic Annapolis is offering a day of fun and educational family activities to honor Black History Month. Stop by to meet a living historian portraying Lucy Smith, a free Black woman who sold baked goods in early 1800s Annapolis, and participate in a scavenger hunt through the museum to learn about the Black history that shaped our city.

From 12 PM to 2 PM, families can also enjoy a special craft station and explore the museum's Community Gallery exhibit: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Annapolis Activism. A curated collection of children’s books will be available for reading in the Anne Arundel County Library Book Nook.

Guided tours of the museum are offered at 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM. Admission is $7 for general visitors (8+) and free for children under 7, HA members, and those using the Museums for All program.

 


 

Shadows of My Labor: Honoring Black History Month Exhibition

Opening Reception: February 20, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hal Gomer Gallery | Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park, MD

 

Shadows of My Labor Honoring Black History Month - Flyer
Image courtesy of Chesapeake Arts Center.

 

This Black History Month exhibition at the Hal Gomer Gallery in the Chesapeake Arts Center, honors Black and African American artists and their vital contributions to social justice, cultural movements, and activism. Shadows of My Labor celebrates the intersections of creativity and the fight for equality, highlighting how art and labor work hand-in-hand to create social change. Enjoy complimentary drinks and light snacks during the opening reception and immerse yourself in the powerful works of art that illustrate these timeless themes.

The exhibition will run from January 23 to March 4, 2025.

 


 

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County are filled with opportunities this February to reflect on and celebrate the enduring legacy of African American history and culture. From art exhibitions to educational lectures and community events, we invite you to join us in honoring the remarkable contributions of Black artists, educators, and community leaders throughout the month.

 

Check back soon for new additions on where to celebrate Black History Month, here in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

Black History 365