Black History Month
Why February?
Black History Month originated with the organization of Negro History Week in 1926, by Carter Godwin Woodson (1875-1950). The month of February was selected in deference to Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both born in that month.
Take a Quiz
Test your knowledge of African-American history.
Programs and Events Planned for Black History Month
What's Happening at the Baltimore County Public Library During Black History Month
Hear untold stories of the Underground Railroad, journey into West African culture, or research family roots through African-American genealogy. These are just some of the programs and events happening at your local Baltimore County Library branch during Black History Month.
Senior Centers Offer Programs in Honor of Black History Month
From song and music—to informative programs—to presentations, your local area Senior Center celebrates Black History Month featuring events inspired by African-Americans.
Historic African American Communities in Baltimore County
Baltimore County - Home to Over Forty Historic African-American Communities (PDF)
Use this map to locate historic African-American settlements in Baltimore County.
Baltimore County's Plans to Rehabilitate Historic African-American Communities (PDF)
Published by the Baltimore County Office of Planning, Part IV of the Master Plan for 2010 addresses issues and actions to improve historic African-American communities.
Local Resources and Links
Discover Local Writers and Other African-American Figures from Baltimore County's History
Visit Baltimore County Public Library's InfoCenter—your local connection to African-American history in Baltimore County. The InfoCenter is a directory of local information including black churches, local museums, historical sites and more. The InfoCenter is also a great resource for help with school assignments!
View Photos of Historically African-American Communities in Baltimore County
Want to see a Towson street from 1925 or a streetcar in Catonsville from 1920? Then look to the Baltimore County Legacy Web, a service of the Baltimore County Public Library that offers digital images of historic African-American communities in Baltimore County. You can even order prints!
Learn more about Baltimore County Slavery with the Help of Historical Geography
Read about the spatial relationships among slave sites and free black communities, and how these sites are patterned across the county's landscape.
Photo Credit: Special thanks to the Baltimore County Public Library's Legacy Web for providing the photo used on this page.
Revised February 1, 2007
