Black History Month
Come enjoy Muntu Dance Theater, celebrating its 50th anniversary and helping us celebrate the Africa Hall's 30th anniversary!
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
Join us February 1 as we kick 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
2023 is the year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Africa Hall opening during the Field Museum’s centennial year on November 13, 1993. Join us February 20 to learn why it was revolutionary for its time and how the exhibit still educates the public today. Help us celebrate along with the Muntu Dance Theater and Bamoun community in the United States.
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
On February 28, the Field is highlighting the work of our late colleague, Lynika Strozier, and the exhibition in her memory: The Changing Face of Science. This panel and mixer will 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— join us as we learn, connect, and honor her legacy.
More Events and Activities
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Story Time with the Chicago Public Library
Learn More about Story Time with the Chicago Public LibraryRead, sing, and celebrate with librarians from the Chicago Public Library and Field Museum staff.
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Meet a Museum Insider
Learn More about Meet a Museum InsiderDid you know Field Museum staff work in a variety of unique roles? Join us virtually to find our more!
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A. Watson Armour III Research Seminar Series
Learn More about A. Watson Armour III Research Seminar SeriesOur weekly seminar series features speakers and their research related to the study of natural history and culture.
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Meet a Scientist
Learn More about Meet a ScientistSee the latest science first hand in the Grainger Science Hub.
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.
African American History: Recent Highlights
African American Heritage Month 2023: Books for Adults
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.
Cotton at work on the Nile marsh diorama in 1953. In addition to preparing every bird, he also replicated each lily pad by hand, bringing the East African habitat to life.
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