Feb. 6, 2020

 

Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society will be co-hosting special events in the month of February to celebrate Black History Month. All events are free and open to the public.

 

The first event, Just Bust! First Wave Open Mic will take place tomorrow, February 7, 2020, from 8:00–11:00 pm at the Wisconsin Historical Society headquarters. This is Madison’s longest-running all-ages open mic with a special Black History Month theme. Share space, enjoy art and perform in a welcoming and supportive community atmosphere. This open mic is a space to share all mediums of art: music, poetry, dance, comedy, etc. All are welcome. 

 

On Saturday, February 15, 2020, from 2:00-6:00 pm join us for African Heritage, Inc.’s 22nd Annual Black History Program at the Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. Enjoy a variety of programs and exhibits highlighting the history of African Americans. The traveling exhibit "A Stone of Hope: Black Experiences in the Fox Cities" will be featured, along with other museum and archival collections, food, and live entertainment. 

The Wisconsin Historical Museum on Madison’s Capitol Square will host an open house on February 21, 2020, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. In partnership with the Black History Education Conference, there will be a variety of programs and exhibits that highlight the history of African Americans. On display will be several African American quilts that tell the stories of African Americans in Wisconsin. Folklorist Janet Gilmore will talk about the traditions of African American quilting in the state. 

 

The new exhibit on Women's Suffrage, "We Stand on their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women & Voting" will also be highlighted. From noon - 1 p.m., Society Reference Librarian, Lori Bessler will provide guidance on how to research your family history with a focus on records that help to tell the stories of African American families in the feature presentation, “Researching African American Family History."