
📜 Black History is American History! Dive in this February, with a month of exciting events by Historic Germantown. Updated for 2025
Ever notice how a lot of the history we’re taught in school sounds like chapters from the same patriotic novel? Indeed, some of our country’s favorite founding stories are complete myths – the ride of Paul Revere, for instance, and George Washington’s cherry tree that he never chopped down. We’re not even sure Betsy Ross sewed the first flag! She never claimed it, no one at the time ever said it. Wasn’t until her ancestors shopped her story to Harper’s New Monthly Magazine almost a hundred years after the Revolutionary War that the tale took hold. 🤔📰💰💰💰
We’re not saying that the guides at Independence National Historic Park are lying to millions of tourists every year, but they’re definitely only telling one part of the story. SPOILER ALERT: it’s the rich white male version, which leaves out so much!
That’s why it’s really important to set time aside as a nation, and make an effort to validate other truths, events, and lived experiences in our country’s history, apart from the dominant narrative. Black History Month encourages all of us to find a better understanding of our multi-racial, multi-cultural society.
🌳🏠 Historic Germantown is a great place to start! ⭐📌
Northwest Philadelphia has long been a cornerstone of Black history in America. From Germantown’s 1688 Quaker Petition Against Slavery—the first documented anti-slavery protest in the colonies—to its role as a vital stop on the Underground Railroad, NW Philly has been shaping the course of African American history for centuries.
Meanwhile we hope you’ll be inspired to explore the rich history running deep in our northwest corner of Philadelphia. Best wishes for an enriching Black History Month!
✊🏾🖤❤️BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH HISTORIC GERMANTOWN 💛💚✊🏾

COMPOSITIONS OF BLACK JOY: A Visual Chronicle of the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival
SAT FEB 8th | 2PM – 4PM
5501 Germantown Ave
The launch party for the release of Compositions of Black Joy, a limited-edition hardback book celebrating the stories, culture, and community behind the city’s oldest Juneteenth festival. View the exhibit that inspired artist and photographer Tieshka K. Smith to publish her book. (FREE) historicgermantownpa.org | RSVP |
EBENEZER MAXWELL MANSION: Deep Rivers Tour
SAT FEB 8th | 3PM – 4:30PM
Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion
200 W. Tulpehocken Street
A journey into the lives of African American Philadelphians in the dynamic days following Emancipation, when new opportunities dawned in business, academics, the arts, and many other fields where Black excellence shined. Compelling narratives come alive in a guided tour through the rooms of a Victorian “middle class” dwelling, lovingly furnished with period decor. TIX $7.55 – $54, register here | Ebenezermaxwellmansion.org
📜 For more information, please see Historic Germantown’s calendar at historicgermantownpa.org 📅
BLACK HISTORY MONTH MURAL TOUR with Historic Fair Hill
SAT FEB 15th | 1PM – 2:30PM
2901 Germantown Ave
Local historian and educator Carolyn Singleton leads this fascinating tour of murals around the Fair Hill Burial Ground. With true tales from the Underground Railroad, its leaders and its supporters. You’ll also learn about neighbors now living in the area, driving the charge for social justice today. With unforgettable art and lots of community pride! Historicfairhill.com
LIBERATING THE ARCHIVE: Stories of Enslavement + Incarceration (ZOOM)
TUERS FEB 18th | 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Virtual event from Stenton Plantation
Mapping the intertwined stories of enslavement and mass incarceration, including Philadelphia’s and the Quakers’ involvement in it. With historical documents and oral histories, this enlightening presentation highlights the humanity of a people, not data or talking points. FREE, rsvp for link. Stenton.org
AWBURY ARBORETUM: The Black Cowboy Experience
SAT FEB 20th | 6PM – 8PM
One Awbury Road
Come out for a fun and fascinating evening with author, artist, and photograph Ron Tarver as he presents his renown work, The Long Ride Home, which documents and celebrates the Black American Cowboy through incredible stories, profiles, and images. In the Cope House Galleries at Awbury.org
ℹ️ Historic Germantown offers a wide variety of tours, events, and special exhibitions throughout the year, in more than a dozen extraordinary houses, museums, and other NW Philly landmarks. Follow @HistoricGermantown on Facebook & Instagram.
BONUS: Two other Germantown museums for great Black history every day of the year.
ACES Museum — A fascinating archive and poignant tribute to Black and Minority veterans serving the US in WWII. Includes war photography and memorabilia, vintage wear, and even an art gallery. The museum is also a Veterans Service Organization providing supportive services to local veteran families. 5801 Germantown Ave, 214-842-3742 | acesveteransmuseum.com
Black Writers Museum — Exhibits classic and contemporary Black literature, highlighting authors and exposing visitors to generations of voices underrepresented in America’s literary canon. Autographed books, rare newspapers, photos, journals, recordings and more bring to life Black culture through the eyes of the many gifted Black writers in history. 5800 Germantown Avenue, 267-297-3078 | blackwritersmuseum.com
Watch this list! 👀 We’ll update with new events from other city organizations as they become available. Please feel free to recommend your own favorite events around NW Philly — and beyond. Chime in below or email editor@nwlocalpaper.com.
For more great ways to celebrate Black History, see our Top Ten List of citywide options in 2025.
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