February might be the shortest month of the year, but there’s no shortage of things to do in the 502. In addition to Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, and the Super Bowl, February is Black History Month. Here are just a few exhibits to get connected + educated around our city.
“The Sky’s the Limit”
This exhibit is returning for its second year and celebrates the achievements of Black aviators like Mae Jemison, the first Black female astronaut to travel into space, and Captain Marlon Green, who won a Supreme Court case challenging discriminatory hiring practices in aviation.
- Where: Art-Deco terminal building at Bowman Field, 3345 Roger E .Schupp St.
- When: Mon.-Fri. in February, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Cost: Free
“Black Americans in Bourbon”
Hear the stories of African Americans employed in the bourbon industry throughout history as part of the museum’s “Unfiltered Truth Collection of Multicultural Experiences.” Pro tip: The experience is limited, so book your tour 24 hours in advance.
- Where: Frazier History Museum, 829 W. Main St.
- When: Every Saturday through March, 3:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
“Black Heritage in Racing Tour”
See artifacts and artwork + listen to oral histories of African Americans in the thoroughbred industry — including Oliver Lewis who won the very first Kentucky Derby in 1875.
- Where: Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave.
- When: Every Saturday through March, 1 p.m.
- Cost: Free
“The Best Black Baseball Team You’ve Never Heard Of”
Take a look at Derby City’s exceptional Black baseball team, the Louisville Unions, that dominated the Southern baseball circuit in 1908.
- Where: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W. Main St.
- When: Every Saturday through March, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. + 2 p.m.
- Cost: Price of general admission ticket, get $1 off here
Bonus:
Black History Month Film Series
Watch award-winning and throught-provoking films — like “12 Years a Slave” + “Green Book” — followed by panel discussions with UofL professors and local experts. Pro tip: Register early to save your seat.
- Where: LFPL’s Main Branch, 301 York St.
- When: Every Sunday in Feb., 1:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
