For centuries, Africa and its people have played a key role in maritime trade and global expansion.
From the individual hidden voices that are now being heard to the ancient kingdoms that populated the African continent, Black and African history is intertwined with incredible stories that illustrate both adversity and diversity. Join The Mariners’ Museum this February for free virtual programs that honor and pay tribute to the generations of Blacks, Africans, and African Americans who helped shape the world.
Programs begin on Feb. 1 and feature day and evening programs and lectures, including:
- Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. – Celebrating Black History: A program that highlights the contributions of Black mariners.
- Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. – Jack Tar on the Waterfront: Follow online as docent Ed Moore examines the Jack Tars and how their influence on the Colonial America waterfront created a culture that valued freedom and led to a revolution.
- Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. – Virginia Waterways and the Stories of Freedom Seekers in the Underground Railroad: Hear from Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, author and current dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Norfolk State University, as she reveals fascinating details of a secret network that served as a roadway to freedom for many enslaved Virginians.
- Feb. 9 at 1 p.m. – Hidden Histories: Learn about the unidentified Black people depicted in The Mariners’ Museum’s collection as Lauren Furey, manager of visitor engagement, shares a more complete history of our maritime heritage.
- Feb. 18 at 1 p.m.: Africa’s Kingdoms and Maritime Cultures – Carthage: Discover the connection between an ancient and modern city as Erika Cosme, content and interpretation developer, highlights the ancient city of Carthage and shares how its history has influenced present-day Tunisia.
- Feb. 19 at noon – African American Medal of Honor Recipients during the Civil War – Join the museum for a virtual lecture with author and historian John V. Quarstein, as he presents on African Americans who fought in the Civil War.
- Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. – Africa’s Kingdoms and Maritime Cultures – The Swahili Coast: Explore online with Wisteria Perry, manager of interpretation and community outreach, as she takes you along a coastal area of the Indian Ocean in Southeast Africa. Inhabited by the Swahili people, learn about its distinct culture, demography, religion and geography.
- Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. – Waterways of Africa – The Nile: Explore the world’s longest river, and one of Africa’s most relied upon bodies of water – the Nile.
Children from 18 months to 8 years old are invited to participate in Maritime Mondays. Every Monday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., museum staff will read a story and share an artifact from the museum’s collection. February’s books all honor Black History Month.
