11 REASONS TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN PHILADELPHIA

Plenty Of February Happenings And A Great Hotel Package—What’s Not To Love?

PHILADELPHIA, February 5, 2009 – Philadelphia celebrates African-American history 365 days a year, but things really heat up in February when the region’s museums, arts and cultural organizations and historic sites recognize Black History Month. One of the highlights of the city’s 2009 celebration is sure to be America I AM: The African American Imprint,Tavis Smiley’s new show at the National Constitution Centerthat celebrates nearly 500 years of African and African-American contributions to the U.S.

Those celebrating Black History Month in the region this winter can take advantage of the long three-day weekend (February 14-16) and the popular Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, which comes with an extra incentive this season thanks to the new Love campaign. As always, the two-night offer, available at more than 30 hotels throughout the region, includes free hotel parking (valued at up to $75), a Philadelphia Privileges coupon book and a Philly’s More Fun® teddy bear. What’s more, 100 lucky hotel package buyers who book and redeem their stay before March 16 will be randomly named “Philly Guest of the Day.” Upon check-in, they’ll receive any number of prizes, including tickets to attractions and museums, hotel upgrades and gift certificates for restaurants, nightlife venues and shops. The package is bookable online at gophila.com/love.

Here are just a few of the month’s highlights:

Museums:

• In Search of Missing Masters: The Lewis Tanner Moore Collection of African American Art – On view at the Woodmere Art Museum, this private collection of Lewis Tanner Moore, a descendant of the famed artist Henry Ossawa Tanner, showcases paintings, sculptures and works on paper by 20^th-century artists such as Moe Brooker, Ellen Powell Tiberino, Romare Bearden, Selma Burke and Moore’s acclaimed ancestor. Through February 2009. 9201 Germantown Avenue, (215) 247-0476, woodmereartmuseum.org
• Renewing Traditions – The latest fabric and needlework creations made by the Friendly Quilters of Bucks County, an African-American quilting group, are on view alongside related African and African-American cultural artifacts. The Mercer Museum show features 30 recently completed quilts. Through March 1, 2009. 84 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, (215) 345-0210, mercermuseum.org
• IYARE: Splendor and Tension In Benin’s Palace Theatre – With nearly 100 objects from the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology’s collection of cast bronzes, carved ivories and wooden artifacts from the 16^th to 21^st centuries, IYARE (which translated means “May you come and go safely) illuminates the many activities—cultural, religious, political and intensely social—that make up the experience of palace life for the Edo people of Benin. Through March 1, 2009. Later in February, the museum hosts its 20^th annual Celebration of African Cultures, featuring African music and dance, storytelling, arts and crafts, gallery tours, culture and cuisine. February 21, 2009. 3260 South Street, (215) 898-4000, museum.upenn.edu
• Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era – This multimedia exhibition at The African American Museum in Philadelphia examines the impact of the Vietnam War on African-American life and culture. It explores Black Power, the draft, tours of duty, women in Vietnam, family life and more. Through March 8, 2009. In addition, the museum will celebrate black history throughout the month with the music and dance of Africa and the African Diaspora, theatrical performances and historical reenactments on Family Fun Days. February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2009. 701 Arch Street,

(215) 574-0380, aampmuseum.org

• Black Hands, Blue Seas: The Untold Maritime Stories of African Americans – Expanding beyond the experience of captive Africans being shipped across the waters into slavery, Black Hands, Blue Seas at the Independence Seaport Museum highlights the seafaring heritage of African-Americans, from inventors to naval heroes and explorers. Visitors can discover centuries-old, West African fishing, diving and shipbuilding practices; learn more about Philadelphia sail maker and social activist James Forten; and view artifacts heralding the role of African-Americans in wartime. Through March 22, 2009. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard & Walnut Streets, (215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.org
• America I AM: The African American Imprint – Making its world debut at the National Constitution Center, America I AM celebrates the contributions of African-Americans over the last 400 years through artifacts, narration, music, art and video. From the “Doors of No Return” that led captive Africans on a journey to the Americas to the bench where Martin Luther King, Jr. penned his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” this four-year traveling show, conceived by radio and television personality Tavis Smiley, shows how Africans in America have impacted history. Visitors also have the opportunity to become part of the largest oral history project ever done in the U.S. Through May 3, 2009. 525 Arch Stree
  [Back to Press Releases Main]