Civic Season

Dissenting Voices
2025-07-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Conner Prairie Museum, United States
Dissenting Voices returns as Richard Thatcher and Helen Keller showcase criticism of America through the lens of social justice and Civil Rights. Showtimes are at 12 PM and 3:00 PM
*This event will reoccur on July 5th & 6th with showcases at 12 PM and 3:00 PM

The Rise and Fall of the Fighting Editor Exhibit
2025-07-11 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Belmont Recreation Center, 1600 Hillard Road, Henrico, VA, 23228, United States
Born into slavery in Henrico County, John Mitchell, Jr. would become known as the fighting editor of the Richmond Planet newspaper confronting the violence and injustices of the Jim Crow South through his publication. Whether it was through the organizing of boycotts, the endless crusading against lynching laws, or public appearances to allow his persecutors to do their worst, Mitchell would not back down. Be sure to check out the travelling exhibit Un/bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865 before or after the program. Information: sch107@henrico.gov

The Birth of Jim Crow
2025-07-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Belmont Recreation Center, 1600 Hillard Road, Henrico, VA, 23228, United States
In the wake of newly found freedom for African American came the birth of the insidious character known as “Jim Crow”. We explore the long history of Jim Crow and how a silent film emerged at the dawn of the 20th and the repercussions that still affect our world today. Be sure to check out the traveling exhibit Un/bound: Free Black Virginians 1619-1865 before or after the program. Information: sch107@henrico.gov

Ancestral Artistry: A Film Documentary
2025-07-17 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Kimball Theatre, 428 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
Produced by the non-profit Louisiana Architecture Foundation (LAF), Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture is a documentary that examines the rich architectural legacy that began 300 years ago with the arrival of enslaved Africans, skilled in the building trades, in French colonial Louisiana. The film focuses on these trades that, over the centuries, have produced the distinctive architectural forms that distinguish Louisiana’s built environments from other parts of the United States.
Often handed down within families through the generations, these construction trades—such as carpentry, masonry, iron smithing, and plaster work—have played a surprisingly large part in the history and culture of Louisiana’s Creoles of Color. The building trades in Louisiana have roots that reach back to both West African soil as well as European; so do the builders themselves. Unique from the majority of America, Louisiana fostered a large population of free, prosperous, mixed-race people. From the early 18th century on, the building trades continuously provided this community of free people of color with significant opportunities for wealth and social advancement—all during an era when precious few doors were open in America for anyone with African ancestors.
But Ancestral Artistry isn’t only about the past. The film weaves the stories and emphasizes the personal work of contemporary master craftsmen in New Orleans, Jeff Poree, Darryl Reeves, and the late Teddy Pierre. Ancestral Artistry shares the men’s hopes to preserve their fragile traditions and train apprentices who will succeed them.
Following the film is a panel discussion with Darryl Reeves, Karina Roca, and Jonn Hankins, with Kenneth Schwarz as moderator.
The Louisiana Architecture Foundation (LAF) works to advance Architecture in Louisiana by serving as a link between the public and the architectural profession. This linkage includes public awareness of architecture, public support for architecture, and public participation in processes that shape the environment. Visit www.louisianaarchitecture.org for more information.
Parking near Merchants Square is recommended. If you plan to park at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, please check the bus schedule.

Woodland Cemetery Walking Tour: Remembrance and Recovery
2025-07-19 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Woodland Cemetery, 2300 MAGNOLIA RD, Henrico, VA, 23223, United States
This walking tour encompasses the final resting place of African Americans from Richmond, Henrico and surrounding areas. On the tour, we will highlight not only the many influential people who are at rest in Woodland’s sacred grounds but also the ongoing recovery efforts that have occurred in recent years. The tour will cover a large portion of the grounds so please dress accordingly. Information: sch107@henrico.gov

From Colony To Country: Defining Liberty in the Summer of 1775
2025-07-27 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Watermen’s Museum, 309 Water St, Yorktown, VA, 23690, United States
Step back in time for a Revolutionary drama set in the summer of 1775. Watch as Lewis Burwell of Fairfield visits John Page at Rosewell to ponder weighty decisions. Listen as their wives and people enslaved by the families discuss their options and the impact of the looming storm on them. Join us for this historic event about Gloucester County’s role in the Revolution across the York River. After the play, we will host a Q&A with the actors and staff of Fairfield, showcase exhibits of Rosewell’s history, and enjoy outreach activities.

Learn about the Enslaved People of Mount Vernon
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | George Washington’s Mount Vernon, United States
Learn about the Daily Lives of the Enslaved Community at Mount Vernon, a plantation with 318 enslaved people working sun up to sun down in bondage for George Washington. Learn about how he profited from this system of enslavement throughout his life, and, despite private letters suggesting a shift in attitudes, only arranged to free those he enslaved after his death. Spots are limited.
This tour is available at 2:00 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the Civic Season.

Reflect at Alexandria African American Heritage Park
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Historic Alexandria, United States
This seven-acre park is an oasis within the City of Alexandria. Dedicated as a memorial to African American contributions to Alexandria’s history, it encompasses the Black Baptist Cemetery established in 1885. Stroll through the park to discover sculptures honoring Alexandria’s African American community and spaces for quiet reflection.

African American Heritage Trail: North Waterfront Route Walking Tour
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Historic Alexandria, United States
Learn about Alexandria’s African American history from King Street north to Cross Canal with this 1-mile tour. Grab your smartphone and pull up the StoryMap as you walk the trail outdoors along the Potomac River.

NOIR: A Juneteenth Exhibition
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Illinois State Museum, United States
The Illinois State Museum presents the exhibition NOIR in collaboration with Springfield’s Juneteenth, Inc. and guest curators, Michelle “Micki” Smith and Korbin “KAS” King. The exhibition features 33 works of art by 20 artists of color celebrating Black lives, past, present, and future. A panel on the history of Juneteenth accompanies the exhibition.

Stronger Together: Black Liberation and Asian Solidarity
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Japanese American National Museum, United States
The USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Chinese American Museum, and the Japanese American National Museum presented “Stronger Together: Black Liberation and Asian Solidarity” virtually on November 19, 2020. The discussion covered the historic moment in the movement for Black lives and the importance of cross-movement solidarity and coalitional consciousness. The panelists reflected on the history of Black-Asian solidarity and what we can learn from the past in order to live in a liberated future. The panel also offered thoughts on how we move forward following the much anticipated November 3, 2020 presidential election results.
Collaboration between the Japanese American National Museum, the USC Pacific Asia Museum, and the Chinese American Museum.

Sign the Campaign for Equal Dignity Pledge
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, United States
We, the People, pledge to advocate for Equal Dignity for all. We pledge to petition our elected leaders to join us in re-committing to protect fundamental human rights. The Campaign for Equal Dignity is galvanizing people who believe in human rights to demand equal dignity for all. Follow the Campaign for Equal Dignity on Social @CTR4CHR #equaldignity #feelthepower.

Take a Tour through Kentucky's Civil Rights History
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Kentucky Historical Society, Lexington, KY, United States
Through a digital (or in-real-life) tour of historical markers, learn about Kentuckians involvement in the push for Civil Rights, as well as landmark legislation, court decisions, and other activities which led to expanded freedom in the Commonwealth.
Visit online or useThe ExploreKY smartphone app to access numerous tours and experiences, to customize walking, driving, or virtual tours throughout Kentucky.

Voices from Black Louisville, 1900-1940
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Kentucky Historical Society, United States
In this collection of oral histories, African American residents of Louisville discuss their history from 1900 to 1940, especially their participation in education, politics, business, and community development.

Watch John Lewis Speak on Rights and Justice in America
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | National Archives Foundation, United States
Congressman John Lewis discusses rights in America in a 2016 video narrated by journalist Cokie Roberts. The video was part of a series of national conversations about equality in America to mark the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights and accompany the National Archives’ 2016 exhibit, Amending America.

Young Learner's YouTube Series
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | National Archives, United States
This series of short programs connect young learners directly to history and the historical documents of the National Archives. Each video features a different historical figure important to America’s past.

What Does Citizenship Mean as an American?
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Colonial Williamsburg, United States
What are the responsibilities and opportunities of citizenship in our republic? Do we all have the same rights as citizens? Do we all view citizenship the same way? Watch a panel discussion between prominent voices in national affairs as they examine American citizenship.
Panelists Cora Masters Barry, Founder and CEO of the Recreation Wish List Committee, Carly Fiorina, Chair of the Colonial Williamsburg Board of Trustees, and Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center discussed the role of citizenship in our nation and in our own communities in this cornerstone event of Colonial Williamsburg’s national conversation series, US: Past, Present, Future, now available to watch on YouTube or at colonialwilliamsburg.org/us.

Walk Through the War: 1865
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | American Civil War Museum, United States
The conflict isn’t over after the the war in 1865. How do Americans reconcile with the weight and cost of the war while trying to reunify the nation and welcome people who have a newfound citizenship?

Watch the National Youth Summit on Teen Resistance to Systemic Racism
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, United States
How can young Americans create a more equitable nation? Explore and discuss this question using resources and videos from the 2020 National Youth Summit. The Summit was centered on the case study of Claudette Colvin—a 15-year-old Black student in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. Colvin refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus and testified in the legal case that brought an end to segregated busing in Montgomery.

Young Learner’s Program: Meet Madam C. J. Walker
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | National Archives, United States
Meet and learn more about Madam C.J. Walker, an early advocate who sought equality for African Americans. At the end of the program, A’Lelia Bundles, Madam C.J. Walker’s great great granddaughter, will lead a question-and-answer session.

Stronger Together: Black Liberation and Asian Solidarity
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Japanese American National Museum, United States
In November 19, 2020 The USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Chinese American Museum, and the Japanese American National Museum presented “Stronger Together: Black Liberation and Asian Solidarity” virtually.The discussion covered the historic moment in the movement for Black lives and the importance of cross-movement solidarity and coalitional consciousness. The panelists reflected on the history of Black-Asian solidarity and what we can learn from the past in order to live in a liberated future. The panel also offered thoughts on how we move forward following the much anticipated November 3, 2020 presidential election results.
Collaboration between the Japanese American National Museum, the USC Pacific Asia Museum, and the Chinese American Museum.

Benjamin Hance Lynching Memorial Exhibit at the Old Jail Museum
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | St. Mary’s County Museum Division, St. Mary's County, MD, United States
This commemorative exhibit remembers the story of the only documented lynching victim in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, and discusses this difficult topic as it relates to the future of the community. Available inside the Old Jail Museum in Leonardtown during regular hours, open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
