by Jennie Crouch
MAA Writer

The DC area possesses countless places of significance to the history of Black Americans. A number of those spots could also be destinations where artists may want to make artwork that commemorate the places' historical significance. 

In recognition of Black History Month, I've selected eight places in our area with ties to Black history and where artists can expand their historical knowledge and interpret it through artmaking, such as plein air painting.

Note that some of these locations have limited hours or may be closed due to the pandemic. We advise you to contact each location before visiting.

The Thomas Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center

Wheaton, MD

Originally part of historic Jonesville, a community formed by freed slaves on land owned by the residents, the Thomas Harper Cabin dates back to the 1870s.

Button Farm Living History Center

Germantown, MD

This recreated 19^th-century farm is a history center depicting plantation life and stories of the Underground Railroad. The farm includes a log cabin, slave quarters, animals and farm crops and skills.

Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial

Washington, DC

Located on the NE side of the Tidal Basin, the MLK, Jr Memorial commemorates the life and legacy of the prominent civil rights leader. It's especially visually appealing as a plein air spot at sunrise and sunset, and during cherry blossom season, if you can manage making art with crowds of tourists surrounding you.
 

Josiah Henson Museum & Park

North Bethesda, MD

On this former plantation property, visitors can learn about the life of Reverend Josiah Henson. Henson escaped slavery in 1830, later helping 118 enslaved people to freedom and publishing his memoirs – which later became the basis of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s landmark novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. In the image shown above, you can see the former summer kitchen.

University of the District of Columbia Student Center

Washington, DC

For those artists who prefer architectural subject matter, look no further than UDC’s Student Center. Designed by renowned black architect Michael Marshall, a native of DC, and completed in 2016 the building, in the architect’s words is “the front porch of the university.”

Boyds Negro School

Boyds, MD

From 1895-1936 this was the only public school for African Americans in the Boyds area. Now the one-room building has been preserved and sits among a picturesque wooded backdrop.

Metropolitan AME Church

Washington, DC

As the oldest continuously operating Black church in DC (dating back to 1872), Metropolitan AME has strong ties to Black history – from sheltering runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad to hosting the funerals for Rosa Parks and Frederick Douglass, among other notable figures. The current building  was completed in 1886, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Howard University

Washington, DC

From Rankin Chapel (shown above) to Tubman Quad, there are many captivating spots on Howard University’s main campus, which was founded in 1867. In its first five years of operation, Howard educated over 150,000 freed slaves. To this day it is one of the preeminent historically Black colleges and universities in the nation.