Henry Ford Museum understands history and celebrations and has made a meaningful combination of the two with its annual Celebrate Black History! program this month. There are musical and dramatic performances, an informative African-American Innovators tour, a permanent exhibit focusing on American freedom – including an icon of the civil rights movement – and even items inspired by the celebration added to the menu at Michigan Café.

From Africans brought here as slaves to modern-day visionaries who have changed the course of American history, the history of black Americans is a testimony to the power of ideas fueled by ambition and determination.

This journey and legacy – the theme at the heart of this year’s program – is honored each weekend with musical and dramatic performances highlighting different eras in the African-American story. Here’s a look at the schedule.

Feb. 4-5: Pre-emancipation (Museum Plaza)

The North Star Gospel Chorale sings at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

“Ain’t I a Woman: Meet Sojourner Truth” is a dramatic presentation performed by Madelyn Porter at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Sunday.

Feb. 11-12: Northern Migration (Museum Plaza)

Robert Jones combines storytelling, vocals and instrumental music showcasing early African-American music and culture at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.; and “Elijah: The Real McCoy,” a dramatic performance with Tony Lucas, is at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Feb. 18-19 : Civil Rights Movement (Near Wienermobile Café)

The interactive musical and dramatic performance “Minds on Freedom” is at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. There are also some weekday performances of this centerpiece program. Check out the additional information below. 

Feb. 25-26: Contemporary Times  (Museum Plaza)

The Hamilton Family singers perform at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

A performance of "Minds on Freedom" from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January.

In addition to the scheduled weekend performances, there are program offerings weekdays as well.

“Minds on Freedom” – the highlight of the Celebrate Black History! program – is also performed at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the month.

Sandra Feva, Tony Lucas and Ernestine Worford present the musical and dramatic program "Minds on Freedom."

The 30-minute interactive musical and dramatic performance brings to life the story of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The show celebrates groups and individuals with the courage and commitment to ask for more from their nation. The audience participates to help answer questions about the Civil Rights Movement to build lyrics for songs and participate in a freedom march. The performers in this program are Sandra Feva, Ernestine Worford and Tony Lucas.

Learning about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Another feature of the month is the African-American Innovator Tour.  The tour departs from the Museum Cornerstone every day in February at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

This 30-minute tour reflects upon technological and social innovation and the unique challenges that African Americans have faced.

The innovators highlighted are Elijah McCoy, Fredrick Douglas, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Lewis Latimer and George Washington Carver, each of who faced varied and exceptional challenges in achieving success as innovators.

Learn about the Civil Rights Movement and other transformative eras in the American quest for freedom.

The museum’s With Liberty and Justice for All exhibit is an excellent resource for those interested in learning more about the legacy and journey of African Americans. This permanent exhibit focuses on four transformative eras in the American quest for freedom: the revolutionary era, the antislavery movement and Civil War era, the women’s suffrage movement and the Civil Rights Movement. It is home to one of the most iconic symbols of the Civil Rights Movement: the Rosa Parks Bus.

The iconic Rosa Parks Bus

All programs associated with Celebrate Black History! are included with museum admission or membership to The Henry Ford.