Throughout February, hear from Field staff, collaborators, and guest speakers about their lived experiences in museums and the sciences. Learn about the contributions of African American scientists, artists, and icons—past and present.
Plus, join in the conversation on social media. We’ll be sharing African American stories and amplifying Black voices through our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts during February and all year long.
Featured Events
Commemorate Black History Month with the following events for students, families, and adults. More details and registration links coming soon!
Keynote Speaker Naomi Davis
On February 1 we kicked off Black History Month with the Armour Seminar Series Presents Black in STEM and keynote Speaker Naromi Davis, Founder & CEO of Blacks in Green. Blacks in Green’s signature Sustainable Square Mile is the gold standard for Black community development. BIG is also planning community-based economies centered on housing and waste management, and is already offering training for jobs in clean energy and agriculture.
Africa Hall 30th Anniversary Celebration
This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Africa Hall opening during the Field Museum’s centennial year on November 13, 1993. On February 20 we discussed why it was revolutionary for its time and how the exhibit still educates the public today.
Still Searching - Chicago's Missing Women and Girls
From the African continent and throughout the Diaspora, people of African heritage have experienced loved one’s going missing for centuries and we’re exploring historical and contemporary community responses. Join us in an effort to raise awareness about the ongoing occurrence of missing Black women and girls and understanding about how families and communities are coping with their losses.
Changing Gateways to Science: Career Panel and Mixer
This event highlighted the work of our late colleague, Lynika Strozier, and the exhibition in her memory: The Changing Face of Science. This panel and mixer were held to allow students and early-career professionals to explore the many gateways to science and make lasting industry connections. Lynika always dreamt of teaching undergraduate students— we learned, connected, and honored her legacy.
Shop featured items online
Celebrate Black History Month with special merchandise, books, and toys. All purchases help support the Field’s work.
Recommended reading at home
Museum staff can participate in a Black History Month book club. In the spirit of group reading, here are recommended reads for adults and kids from our friends at the Chicago Public Library. Purchase select titles from the Field Museum store or find them at your local library.
Learn about Carl Cotton
If you’ve ever walked through our taxidermy halls, there’s a good chance you saw the handiwork of Carl W. Cotton.
Starting in 1947, he created realistic animal figures at the Field for nearly 25 years. Unlike most taxidermists then—and today—Cotton was African American. Exhibitions Developer Tori Lee recalls seeing a photo of Cotton and the journey that led her on in the blog post Finding Carl Cotton. This is part of a series on Black taxidermists that includes Art Ledger, John Edmonstone, and Sinclair Clark.
Then, find Cotton's work throughout the museum.
Visit on a free day
On select weekdays in February, Illinois residents can visit the museum for free.
Acknowledgments
Field Museum Black History Month is sponsored by: Ardmore Roderick, Montenegro, Inc. and Overture Promotions.
Thank you to all the Field Museum staff who helped organize Black History Month programming.