6 Places to Visit in New York City and Boston to Celebrate Black History Month

February is dedicated to Black History Month, honoring the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history. This month also pays tribute to the generations who’ve struggled with adversity, fighting for civil rights and their activism to grow awareness of Black Identity. During your stay with us in one of our short-term furnished rentals, be sure to check out these iconic New York and Boston-based museums and institutions that celebrate the facts and origins of Black History.

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1. Louis Armstong House Museum – NYC

This historical house museum located in Queens, NY was the home of Louis Armstrong, one of the most renowned Jazz musicians, and his wife Lucille Wilson until his death in 1971. This study center is a gem frozen in time, devoted to Armstrong’s career and the history of Jazz, where guests can enjoy daily guided tours, concerts, and lectures.

2. The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center– NYC

A cultural institution dedicated to the legacies of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, this educational center is a stop you won’t want to miss! Confront ideas about social, racial, and global justice movements, and the historical figures behind these movements in one memorial location. 

3. Apollo Theatre – NYC

Calling all music and history lovers alike, the Apollo Theatre is one venue rooted in black culture, art, and music. Famous for launching careers of many black musicians pre-WWII, If you aren’t catching a local jazz performance, take a tour to learn more about the prominence this theatre has in African American history.

4. ‘The Embrace’ Memorial Sculpture – Boston

Recently constructed in 2023, a new addition to Boston Commons Park, ‘The Embrace’ is a new memorial sculpture honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King. The sculpture is a recreation of a photograph of MLK and his wife hugging after the announcement he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. 

5. African American Patriots Tour – Boston

Led by 18th-century costumed guides, this walking tour celebrates the African American patriots who played a vital role at the start of the American Revolution in Boston and the formation of the U.S. This is your chance to view history through the eyes of figures such as Crispus Attucks, Phillis Wheatley, and more. 

6. Walk the Black Heritage Trail – Boston

Take an educational stroll on The Black Heritage Trail to explore the rich history of the black community in 1800s Beacon Hill. On your walk, you will see residences and community buildings associated with the organization of equal rights groups, and some that even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad. 

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There is so much out there to explore when it comes to celebrating and commemorating Black History Month. Plan your trip today, and stay in one of our fully furnished apartments in either New York or Boston, all of which are conveniently located near many of these memorable educational institutions and museums. Contact us today to get started!