Celebrating Black History Month - February 2024

The month of February is recognized as Black History Month, an annual observation and celebration of the achievements, culture, and history of African Americans throughout U.S. history.

Please see below for a variety of information, resources and opportunities to join your community members in celebrating Black History Month.

Rice Public Library

If you’re interested in learning more about Black History Month, please visit the Rice Public Library, located at 8 Wentworth Street in Kittery.  The library has a variety of related books on display which highlight notable African American figures, stories, and achievements.
 

The Rice Public Library will feature picture books by African American authors during Story Times taking place in February and have coloring pages available for children in honor of Black History Month.  For more information about the Rice Public Library and Story Time, please visit their website by clicking here. 

The Rice Public Library is also hosting a special presentation of “Maine Tuskegee Airman: A Son’s Perspective” on February 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM in the Community Room.

This event features longtime Kittery resident Bob Sheppard as he discusses his father’s legacy as a Tuskegee Airman and shines a light on the accomplishments and experiences of the all-black unit of the US Army Air Force. For more information on the event, please click here.

Town HallMural of handwritten dreams from community members

Visit the Kittery Town Hall, located at 200 Rogers Road in Kittery during the month of February and contribute to our “I Have a Dream” mural, in collaboration with the Rice Public Library. 

Write down a dream you have for yourself, for the Kittery Community or for the world and we’ll add it to the wall to share and inspire others.

Rock Rest

Learn about Kittery’s own Rock Rest; a rare place of comfort where Black travelers could feel welcome while traveling through Maine during the late 1940’s through the 1970’s. To learn more about Rock Rest, please click here.

Learn More

Looking for more ways to explore and participate in Black History Month?  We’ve got you covered!

  • Explore the information, resources and events that are part of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire by clicking here.
  • Celebrate Black History Month via the Smithsonian Museum with exhibits and resources that explore the theme of African Americans and the Arts by clicking here.
  • View a collaborative collection of photos, videos, and information that pays tribute to generations of African Americans in American society via the Library of Congress, National Archives, National Endowment for the Humanities and more by clicking here.

Information about celebrating Black History Month in Kittery with illustrated portraits of notable Black Americans