By Beth Rubin
For more than 375 years African-Americans have played a significant role in Annapolis history—as farmers, merchants, soldiers, activists and politicians. During Black History Month—and beyond—opt for one or more opportunities to expand your knowledge and appreciation of the African-American experience in Annapolis.
African-American Annapolis
Take a self-guided audio tour (map included) of the African-American experience, covering colonial times to the present day. Spend 1-3 hours stopping at significant sites as you set your own pace. Pick up your map and audio guide ($5 per person) at the Historic Annapolis Museum, open daily.
99 Main Street 410-267-6656 www.annapolis.org
African-American Heritage tour
Learn abut the African-American experience in Annapolis during a 2-hour walking tour, Saturdays in February from 1 to 3pm. Layer up for February’s fickle weather and wear sturdy shoes for the tour that departs from the City Dock Information Booth next to Ego Alley downtown. Purchase tickets ($16 adults; $10 children 3-11; free 2 and under) online or the day of the tour from the guide.
City Dock Information Booth  410-268-7600. www.watermarkjourney.com
Banneker-Douglass Museum
A Victorian-Gothic church built by former slaves in 1874 is the fitting home for this museum dedicated to nearly 400 years of the African-American experience, nationally and locally. Named for abolitionist, orator and activist Frederick Douglass and Benjamin Banneker (farmer, astronomer, surveyor, writer and mathematician who assisted George Washington’s surveyor  in mapping out the District of Columbia in the late 18th century), the BDM has a permanent and changing exhibits. Admission is free. The museum is  open Tuesday through Saturday.
84 Franklin St. (off Church Circle)Â 410-216-6180. www.bdmusdeum.com.
Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial
A must-see for all Annapolis visitors, the memorial at City Dock commemorates Alex Haley with a sprawling bronze statue of the author reading to three children, and the arrival in 1767 of Kunta Kinte (Haley’s ancestor), aboard the slave ship Lord Ligonier. On bronze plaques along the seawall are quotes from Alex Haley’s 1976 bestseller, Roots. Take a moment to read the inscriptions.
City Dock (opposite the Market House)Â Â www.kintehaley.org
Living Our History: An Afternoon of Stories
Celebrate Abe Lincoln’s birthday at a family-friendly event Saturday, Feb. 12, from 2 to 3:30pm at the Banneker-Douglass Museum as living history reenactors bring the Civil War era to life in a free program of storytelling and performances about the experiences of African-American women during the war. Pre-registration is strongly recommended at 410-216-6180 or e-mail: BDMPrograms@goci.state.md.us
84 Franklin St. 410-216-6180Â www.bdmuseum.com
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