Lesser-known Black historical figures, panels on race in the United States, theatrical performances, and digital resources are all part of the Museum of the American Revolution’s Black History Month plans. 

Unsung heroes and stories of the era will be brought to the center stage by the nonprofit museum, which first opened in April 2017.

The Museum of the American Revolution holds itself to uncovering and sharing the “compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government.”

The museum is planning four distinct events for the month: a new first-person theatrical performance, a forum on racial understanding, a memoir discussion, and a second theatrical performance.

Two performances, “Meet James Forten” and “Meet Elizabeth Freeman,” will both follow historical figures Forten and Freeman and their paths to freedom. 

James Forten was a Revolutionary War privateer, abolitionist, and free Black Philadelphian. Elizabeth Freeman was a woman who successfully sued for her freedom from enslavement.

• “Meet James Forten” will be performed on Feb. 10 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday performances at 1:15 and 3:15 p.m. will also be available.
• “Meet Elizabeth Freeman” performances will be held on Feb. 4 and 18, at 11:15 a.m., and on Feb 26 at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m.

On Feb. 12 (1:00 - 3:30 p.m.), the fifth annual Lonae A. Moore Memorial Forum on racial understanding will be held. This year’s forum will focus on race in America between 1776 and today. Registration is free.

On Feb 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., historian Dr. Kari J. Winter will conduct a discussion on the memoir of Jeffrey Brace. 

Brace was a once enslaved man who earned his freedom through military service during the Revolutionary War.

Joining Winter will be Rhonda Brace, family historian and descendent of Jeffrey Brace himself.

As Philly moves into February, other Black History Month events from various organizations will be taking place across the city.

The National Liberty Museum will host a Feb 10. “Sound of Philadelphia” soul music night, the first installment of their additional Black History Month events.

Meanwhile, Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Fellowship for Black Artists has returned for its third year.

Be sure to consider the many hardworking and impactful events, lessons, and celebrations of Black history going on this month in Philly.

For the Museum of the American Revolution, virtual resources will also be available onsite and online for museum guests.

Materials will allow museumgoers the opportunity to read stories of enslaved people of African descent in Virginia who, during the Revolutionary War, sought different paths to freedom.

The Museum of the American Revolution is located at 101 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.