Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month at the Field Museum with events and stories about Africans’ and African Americans’ contributions to science and museums.

Throughout February, hear from Field staff, collaborators, and guest speakers about their lived experiences in museums and the sciences.

While now a national observance honoring the culture, contributions, and impact of Black Americans, the celebration has roots in Chicago. In 1915, the State of Illinois hosted a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, bringing together Black scholars, civic leaders, and cultural visionaries. On September 9, 1915, a group of Black intellectuals met at the Wabash YMCA and founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), today known as ASALH. In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson along with the ASNLH launched Negro History Week, which evolved into Black History Month, nationally recognized in 1976.

ASALH - The Founders of Black History Month | Black History Themes

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 and Programming

We commemorate Black History Month with conversation about issues at the heart of African American experience and celebration of Black and African culture. This year marks the 100th anniversary of federal recognition of Black History Month in the United States and we hope you all will join us in celebrating!

Sole to Soul: Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence

Join us on February 3rd as we kick off Black History Month’s centennial year with an unforgettable, intergenerational celebration rooted in legacy, style, and Chicago soul.

This dynamic event honors the origins of Black History Month and spotlights African Americans whose impact on science, scholarship, and community continues to shape our world—all while paying homage to Chicago’s iconic footwear culture.

An adult and two children interact with a museum staff member who stands behind a counter in the Science Hub. On the counter are objects and specimens related to the content in the exhibit. A large video screen hangs on the wall behind the counter.

PlayLab Play Dates

Families with 2-6 year olds are invited to free, drop-in Black History Month story time sessions in the Crown Family PlayLab. Join us for these fun-filled PlayDates with stories honoring Black identities, communities, history and culture.

Science is Sweet: Chemistry of Sweets

On February 11th, we will be honoring the legacy of George Washington Carver by infusing science with fun. Featuring Ferrara Candy Company Chemists and Field Museum Botanists, we will be spotlighting how plants and chemistry go into making some of our favorite delicacies and sweets.

Science of the Soil: Healing from the Ground Up

This February 25th, explore the deep history of botany, agriculture, gardening, holistic healing, and environmental stewardship within African American communities.

Details coming soon!

Black History Month Scavenger Hunt

As you explore the Museum, discover the impact African American people have made with our scavenger hunt. Download below or pick up a copy as you enter the Museum.

BHM Scavenger Hunt-English

Download English PDF

Carl Cotton: Chicago's Original Black Taxidermist

Carl Cotton, holding a paintbrush, sits at a table with various art supplies and a large model of a turtle.

Carl Cotton (1918 - 1971) was the Field Museum's first African American taxidermist - perhaps Chicago's first professional one - and his work can still be seen on display today. But for many years, we knew little about the extent of his contributions to the museum and the field of taxidermy as a whole. Today, thanks to hours of research from Museum staff and through collaborations with Carl's family, we have a better picture of this creative and talented person and a deeper appreciation for his work.

To learn more check out Finding Carl Cotton.