Philadelphia Celebrates Black History Month with Semiquincentennial Exhibits

Cultural institutions in the city examine America's founding through the lens of local Black history.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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As Philadelphia prepares to celebrate the semiquincentennial, the city's cultural institutions are highlighting Black history and its connections to the country's founding. The Museum of the American Revolution has unveiled a new exhibition, 'The Declaration's Journey,' that explores how individuals throughout history have been connected to the Declaration of Independence. The Free Library of Philadelphia is offering programming around the theme 'Our Roots Reach Further: 1776 to Tomorrow' to align with the America 250 celebrations. The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) is showcasing an exhibition on Afrofuturism in costume design by award-winning designer Ruth E. Carter, known for her work on films like 'Black Panther' and 'Malcolm X'.

Why it matters

These efforts by Philadelphia's cultural institutions aim to examine the country's founding through the lens of local Black history, providing a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of America's origins. By highlighting the connections between Black Americans and the Declaration of Independence, as well as exploring the Black imagination expressed through art and film, the city is celebrating its diverse history and legacy in the lead-up to the semiquincentennial.

The details

The Museum of the American Revolution's new exhibition, 'The Declaration's Journey,' took more than five years to develop and aims to highlight the connections between the Declaration of Independence and the work of individuals throughout history. The Free Library of Philadelphia's programming revolves around the theme 'Our Roots Reach Further: 1776 to Tomorrow,' offering events and resources to help local African Americans explore their genealogy and connect to the city's history. The AAMP is showcasing an exhibition on Afrofuturism in costume design by Ruth E. Carter, known for her work on films like 'Black Panther' and 'Malcolm X,' allowing visitors to better understand her design process and how her work can inspire youth.

  • The Museum of the American Revolution unveiled the 'The Declaration's Journey' exhibition last October in anticipation of the semiquincentennial.
  • The Free Library of Philadelphia's Black History Month programming is aligned with the America 250 celebrations.
  • The AAMP's 'Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design' exhibition runs through September 2026.

The players

Michael Idriss

The manager of the African American Interpretive Program at the Museum of the American Revolution.

Veronica Britto

The chief of adult services and programs at the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Michael Wilson

A curator at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP).

Audrey Hudson

The deputy director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Ruth E. Carter

An award-winning costume designer known for her work on films like 'Black Panther' and 'Malcolm X'.

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What they’re saying

“'Every day is Black History Month,' Michael Idriss, the manager of the African American Interpretive Program at the Museum of the American Revolution, said. 'For this month, we try to highlight some programs specifically, pulling them out of our core galleries.'”

— Michael Idriss, Manager of the African American Interpretive Program at the Museum of the American Revolution (whyy.org)

“'[It's] saying, as African Americans in Philadelphia [and] in the United States, we connect back to 1776 … we honor all of that history, that family togetherness, that drive that made Philadelphia as great as it is today,' Britto said. 'We look to our young people to continue on that legacy.'”

— Veronica Britto, Chief of adult services and programs at the Free Library of Philadelphia (whyy.org)

“'[You can] also look at African arts, African American art, history and culture, and the way that it's influenced within film,' he said. 'Even though [Black Panther] is talking about a mythical Wakanda … when you look at Ruth Carter's costume design, you see how she's pulling from specific African culture.'”

— Michael Wilson, Curator at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) (whyy.org)

What’s next

The Museum of the American Revolution will host the next edition of its Read the Revolution Speaker Series on Wednesday, Feb. 25, discussing the connections between the Declaration of Independence and the Haitian Revolution.

The takeaway

Philadelphia's cultural institutions are using the upcoming semiquincentennial as an opportunity to examine the country's founding through the lens of local Black history, providing a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of America's origins. By highlighting the connections between Black Americans and the Declaration of Independence, as well as exploring the Black imagination expressed through art and film, the city is celebrating its diverse history and legacy.