Contact: Lisa Simmons, MOTT
617-973-8508
Vicki Cimino, Connelly Partners
617-521-5428
For Immediate Release
BOSTON, February 1, 2012 - February is Black History Month and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism encourages visitors and residents alike to visit the sites and communities that reflect the Commonwealth’s African American heritage.
“Massachusetts proudly celebrates the contributions African Americans have made to our country,” said Betsy Wall, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, “there are a variety of events and attractions that showcase these important contributions not only in February, but all year long.”
On December 6, 2011, Boston’s African Meeting House reopened after a multi-million dollar fully historic renovation that included a new elevator and stair tower for handicap accessibility to the antislavery church. Initially built and opened in 1806, the African Meeting House is the oldest African American church building in the nation, serving as a Baptist church, school, and meeting place throughout the 19th Century.
"The historic restoration has made the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill accessible for all and returned the National Historic Landmark to its 1855 appearance,” said Beverly Morgan-Welch, executive director of the Museum of African American History in Boston and Nantucket. “The Museum hosts special programs in February and throughout the year, offering tours that allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Maria Stewart, and the brave men, women, and children who helped bring an end to slavery in this country."
There is no shortage of events taking place in Massachusetts to commemorate Black History Month. For a complete list and daily updates visit massvacation.com, “Like” us on Facebook at VisitMassachusetts, “Follow” us on Twitter at @VisitMA, and find us on Google+ by searching “Visit Massachusetts” within the Google+ search bar.
Trails & Tours:
Black Heritage Trail (Boston)
The Black Heritage Trail explores the history of the 19th century free Black community of Boston. The trail consists of 14 sites and begins at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on Beacon Street. Self-guided tours can be conducted at any time. Maps and site brochures can be obtained at the Abiel Smith School during site hours. Winter Season (Labor Day - Memorial Day): Monday-Saturday; 2:00 p.m. tours are open to the public. Please call 24 hours in advance to schedule a tour.
The African American Heritage Trail (Martha’s Vineyard)
This trail is comprised of 16 sites and is dedicated to the formerly unrecognized contributions made by people of African descent to the history of the island. A significant landmark on the trail is the Shearer Cottage; an inn established in 1912 by Charles Shearer, the son of a slave and slave owner. Tours of the Heritage Trail are available for $42.00 per adult, and $28 for children and seniors.
Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House (Concord)
Long known for her classic literary works, Louisa May Alcott was also a member of a fiercely abolitionist family. In commemoration of Black History Month, special guided tours throughout the month of February will highlight the Alcott’s commitment to antislavery and social justice, as evidenced by Miss Alcott’s own service as a Civil War nurse, among many other reform activities. The winter hours for guided tours of Alcott’s house are Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Groups of ten or more must call in advance. Tours are available at a cost of $9 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for youths, and free for children under seven. Family packages are available.
Roxbury’s Black History Trolley Tour (Roxbury)
An informative trolley tour through three centuries of Boston's historic black neighborhoods; learn about the struggles during the civil rights movement and become more familiar with the movers, shakers, and strivers in Roxbury. The tour is available for $25 on February 11, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.
African American Patriots Tour of the Freedom Trail (Boston)
Friday and Saturdays throughout February, history lovers can join a 90-minute guided walking tour of Revolutionary events and contributions of African Americans who played a significant role in the country’s formation, including Crispus Attucks, Phyllis Wheatley, Prince Hall, Peter Salem, and others. Tours leave from the Visitor Information Center on Boston Common. Tickets can be purchased online and at the Visitor Information Center. The guided tour is available for $11/adult, $9 for students and seniors, and $5.50 for children, ages 6-12 years old. Tours are conducted at 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. every day, unless there is an extreme weather condition.
Exhibits:
Museum of African American History: Portraits of Purpose: A tribute to Leadership Boston 1980-2012 (Boston)
A collection of life-sized photographs pays tribute to the Black Bostonians who were leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, authors, activists, and elected officials within the community. The exhibition gives us an understanding of the many people of Boston and beyond who have made a difference in the African American community. This exhibit ensures their history will not be forgotten. The exhibit is open Monday- Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at a cost of $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors and students, and free for children under twelve years old. Tickets available at the Museum.
Frederick Douglass Monument (New Bedford)
The monument honors Frederick Douglass and his wife Anna. Both escaped from slavery by the Underground Railroad and decided to make New Bedford their home for five years. Located on William Street in New Bedford, the monument was dedicated on October 17, 1996, on the 100th anniversary of Douglass’ death.
MASS MoCA: Sanford Biggers – The Cartographer’s Conundrum (North Adams)
The Cartographer's Conundrum is a major multi-disciplinary installation by New York-based artist Sanford Biggers, and inspired by Texas based artist, scholar and Afro-futurist John Biggers (1924-2001). A cousin of his subject, Sanford Biggers' goal is to both study and expand the emerging genre of Afro-futurism, which engages science-fiction, cosmology and technology to create a new folklore of the African Diaspora while simultaneously illuminating the underrepresented career of master painter and muralist John Biggers. Open daily 11a.m. - 5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.
Williams College Museum of Art: African Americans and the American Scene, 1929-1945 (Williamstown)
African Americans and the American Scene, 1929-1945 explores the role of African Americans in the visual and performing arts during the Great Depression.
Lectures & Films:
Worcester State University: “Abraham Lincoln” A One-Man Play (Worcester)
Abraham Lincoln successfully led the country through a Civil war, preserved the Union, and ended slavery. James A. Getty will portray Abraham Lincoln at Worcester State University. The portrayal is free and open to the public on February 2, at 10:00 a.m.
Boston Public Library: Black and Beautiful - Celebrating African American Actresses (Boston)
Throughout the month of February, the Boston Public Library will show films that honor African American actresses. Films include Lady Sings the Blues, What’s Love Got To Do With It, and Lackawanna Blues. The films are being shown at the Central Library at Copley Square and shown every Monday in February starting at 6:00 p.m. The films are open to the public for no charge.
Triplex Cinema: Documentary Film – Race: The Power of Illusion (Great Barrington)
In honor of WEB DuBois and Black History Month, the documentary: Race, The Power of Illusion will be shown at 11:00 a.m. followed by discussions led by Multicultural BRIDGE Race Task Forces. Admission is free; several showings available.
Norman Rockwell Museum: Rockwell’s Vision on Civil Rights (Stockbridge)
Curator of Education Tom Daly will present a lecture exploring Norman Rockwell’s powerful visual commentary on the subject of civil rights; the event is free with Museum admission, free for members, and will take place on February 10, 2012.
Dance & Music:
Berklee College of Music: Modern Impressionism: da Silva, Mahdi, and Savage (Boston)
The concert, which takes place on February 7 at 8:15 p.m., will focus on impressionistic jazz, featuring original music that combines elements of African diaspora, including gospel, Brazilian, African, bebop, and R&B. Tickets available in advance for $8 and will be available at the door for $12.
John F. Kennedy Library Museum (Boston)
Celebrate Black History Month with African Dance by Djembe dell'Arte, accompanied by drumming ensemble Troupe Komee Djosee. Everyone in the family will enjoy this dynamic program, with authentic African masks and costumes. The show begins at 10:30 a.m. on February 22, free of charge.
About MOTT
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. An integral part of the state’s economy, tourism generates more than $915 million in state and local taxes and $14.4 billion in travel related expenditures and supports 121,500 in-state jobs. Web site: http://www.massvacation.com/
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