February 04, 2022

Press Release

Museum of the Bible invites guests to explore the role of the Bible in Black history

WASHINGTON — In celebration of Black History Month, Museum of the Bible will host a month-long series of discussions honoring the many ways in which the history, stories and impact of the Bible have intersected with significant moments in Black history

Every Friday in February, the museum will host in-person lectures and performances highlighting topics relating to Black history. These 20-minute “Did you Know?” presentations will be held in the museum’s fourth-floor History of the Bible gallery and include discussions on the Slave Bible, Harper’s Weekly’s announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, Harriet Tubman, Fredrick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Fisk University Jubilee Singers. 

“The Bible is deeply intertwined with historical events that shape our culture, including significant moments in Black history,” said Harry Hargrave, CEO of Museum of the Bible. “We hope our guests will join us to celebrate and explore the Bible in Black history through our February presentations and the items already on display in our permanent galleries.”

In addition to the “Did You Know?” presentations, visitors can explore artifacts from the lives of Phillis Wheatley, George R. Rome and Amanda Berry Smith in the museum and online. Visitors can also view a stone fragment once part of the foundation of Vernon A.M.E. Church, the only Black-owned structure to survive the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The museum shop will also feature a specially curated selection of gift items from Black-owned businesses. 

Upcoming events include: 

The Slave Bible: Its Origins and Its Impact Today

Dr. Anthony Schmidt, Director of Collections & Curatorial

February 4 at 12:30 p.m.

The Bible’s Impact on the Abolition Movement, Part 1: Harper’s Weekly

Living History Interpreters

February 11 at 2:30 p.m.

The Bible’s Impact on the Abolition Movement, Part 2: Meet and Greet with Harriet Tubman

Living History Interpreters

February 18 at 2:30 p.m.

The Bible’s Impact on the Abolition Movement, Part 3: Meet and Greet with Frederick Douglass

Jeremiah Dew, One Voice Show

February 24 at 2:30 p.m.

The Bible’s Impact on the Civil Rights Movement: Meet and Greet with Martin Luther King Jr.

Jeremiah Dew, One Voice Show

February 25 at 11:30 a.m. 

Meet and Greet with a Historical Jubilee Singer and the Bible of the Jubilee Singers

Jeremiah Dew, One Voice Show

February 25 at 2:30 p.m.