Black History Month happenings in Philadelphia

Throughout February nationwide, African American heritage and culture are celebrated during Black History Month. Locally, numerous locations pay tribute with discussions, events and exhibits. Here are just a few.

From Sunday, Feb. 1 through Saturday, Feb. 28, the National Constitution Center (525 Arch St.) hosts daily programming, including an info session on the Emancipation Proclamation, a giant game board featuring African American history questions, the "Breaking Barriers" show highlighting notable African Americans in history, and self-guided tours centering on the biggest moments in African American history. Specifically, on Monday, Feb. 16, the museum will offer free admission, kids crafts and story time from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In conjunction with "Represent: 200 Years of African American Art," on view at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway) until Friday, April 10, an artist's roundtable with Odili Donald Odita, Joyce J. Scott, and William Earle Williams — all of whom have work in the exhibit — will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1.

Delve deep into Philly's prominence in the Underground Railroad with a series of 30-minute historical sessions at the Independence Visitor Center (5th and Market Streets) at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, Saturday, Feb. 7 and Sunday, Feb. 8.

A cappella South African singing troupe Ladysmith Black Mambazo bring the country's culture and history to the Kimmel Center (Broad and Spruce Streets) at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2.

Honoring Black History Month is an exhibit at Gravers Lane Gallery (8405 Germantown Ave.) benefiting the Botswana University of Pennsylvania partnership. A number of colorful works inspired by the Kalahari Desert will be on display from Tuesday, Feb. 3 through Saturday, Feb. 28. "Botswana and the Art of the Kalahari" will also have an opening reception on Thursday, Feb. 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Drexel Gospel Choir will take traditional hymns and perform them in a "gospelized" fashion at Drexel University's Mandell Theater (3141 Chestnut St.) for "An Evening of African American Music: And They Sang a Hymn" at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7. Don't be shy either; the audience is invited to sing along!

Way more than an exploration into race and gender issues in pre-Civil War America, this program at the Mercer Museum (84 S. Pine St., Doylestown) attempts to trace the life of Harriet Hemings, the rumored child of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, who was born into slavery at Monticello and disappeared in Philadelphia. Villanova University Scholar Catherine Kerrison outlines Harriet's early childhood and disappearance at this 2 p.m. talk on Sunday, Feb. 8.

Besides the permanent exhibits at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (701 Arch St.), the African Diaspora will be explored through art, history, culture, music, crafts and more on Saturday, Feb. 28. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., families can learn about the Underground Railroad, Pullman porters, and other locomotive-themed topics.

Round out the month at the Penn Museum (3260 South St.) with a day of drum and dance workshops, storytelling, crafts, games and more. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, visitors can visit the Egypt and Africa Galleries and explore the various facets of African culture.