African American History Month

Photo, Members of the 332nd Fighter Group attending a briefing in Ramitelli, Italy, March, 1945, Toni Frissell, Library of Congress

February is African American History Month. Recognize the major historical figures and the everyday men, women, and children who made history.

Wood engraving, American Sketches:..., Nov. 18, 1876, Illustrated London News.

Pamphlets and documents from 1875 to 1900 highlight African American leaders and organizations.

Educators tour the NMAAHC exhibit "Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello: Paradox of Liberty" and ask about approaches to presenting the lives of Thomas Jefferson and his enslaved workers.

What was life like for the African American pilots of World War II?

February is African American History Month, and March is Women's History Month. Reading the work of African American women authors can give students a look into how these histories overlap. FIND OUT MORE »

Learning Resources

Find primary sources for the month

North American Slave Narratives, Beginnings to 1920

Illustration, THE QUIET, DIM-LIGHTED ROOM..., 1914, Grace E. King, L. Graham Co.

Explore all of the known published slave narratives, to better understand the [...] »

Lest We Forget: The Triumph Over Slavery

Print, Haverly's genuine Colored minstrels, c. 1878, New York Public Library

Explore slavery in America from nine thematic perspectives. [...] »

National Museum of African American History and Culture

What does it mean to be an American? Answer this question through the lens of [...] »

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Teaching Resources

Browse strategies and lesson plans

Civilian Conservation Corps

Photo, "Tractor Repair, Colored CCC," NARA

Examine the role of African Americans in the Civilian Conservation Corps during [...] »

Massive Resistance Political Cartoons

Watch J. Douglas Smith discuss the Massive Resistance policy enacted by U.S. [...] »

A Look at Slavery through Posters and Broadsides

Poster, Men of Color To Arms!, c.1900s, Gilder Lehrman Collection

How to identify the author, audience, date, and message of historical posters. [...] »

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Quizzes

Put your knowledge to the test!

The Many Roots of African American Cooking

Photo, "Sweet Potato Pie," February 27, 2006, monkeycat!, Flickr

Africa, Europe, and North America—mix, and serve. Explore the foods that [...] »

The Art of Migration

Photo, jacob lawrence notebook, September 21, 2010, jimmiehomeschoolmom, Flickr

What can artistic renderings tell us about the Great Migration? [...] »

Classroom Glory

Does the movie "Glory" depict historical accuracy or wholesale fiction? [...] »

Teaching History.org, home of the National History Education Clearinghouse