LYNN — The Lynn Museum and Arts Center will celebrate Black History Month with a week of free events from Feb. 17-21, coinciding with the February school vacation. The events will highlight the contributions of Black scientists, innovators, and artists, offering interactive activities for families.
Doneeca Thurston-Chavez, the museum’s executive director, said the programming is inspired by this year’s national theme, “African Americans and Labor.” She emphasized the museum’s goal of honoring both local Black history and broader national contributions.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the rich contributions of Black Americans, and this theme perfectly aligns with our programming,” Thurston-Chavez said. “It’s important for us to highlight both local figures and national themes.”
Activities will include an invention design project where participants will create their own inventions and learn about the patent process. Thurston-Chavez said the program is designed to inspire creativity in young people and offer them the chance to engage with history in a hands-on way.
The museum is also partnering with the North Shore Juneteenth Association to host a career-focused display showcasing the careers of Black Americans. Children will have the opportunity to try on uniforms from different professions such as doctors, police officers, and inventors.
“It’s a powerful way to engage youth and help them see themselves in various professional paths,” Thurston-Chavez said.
Michael Aghahowa, a local mural artist, will lead a community painting workshop on Feb. 20. The workshop will focus on creating a mural of Jan Mautziger, a Black inventor known for creating the shoe-lasting machine in Lynn.
“These projects help participants learn about local history while contributing to something meaningful,” Thurston-Chavez said.
All museum exhibits will be free to visit throughout the week, but some events, such as the community painting session, require advance registration. For more information or to register, visit lynnmuseum.org or call 781-581-6200.
The museum’s free admission is supported by the Someone Else’s Child Foundation, which has been a partner for several years. Thurston-Chavez expressed gratitude for their support: “Without their funding, this week’s programming would not be possible.”
The Someone Else’s Child Foundation supports nonprofits that focus on uplifting youth and families, particularly from underrepresented groups. Through this partnership, the museum offers free programming for the Lynn community.
Elena Hirshman-Seidel, the museum’s operations manager, noted the importance of these offerings for local families: “This is an opportunity for people to connect with Black history, especially the history of our community here in Lynn.”
In addition to the week’s events, the museum offers year-round programming, including two Afrobeat dance workshops on Feb. 19 and 26. The workshops are free and open to all, and no experience is necessary.
The Lynn Museum and Art Center is located at 590 Washington St., Lynn, MA 01901. For more details, visit lynnmuseum.org.
