Throughout Montgomery County, there is so much to do in February!

From fantastic art galleries by artists of color to dining in amazing black-owned restaurants and shopping at black-owned businesses, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate Black History Month right here in Montgomery County.

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Celebrate Black History Month

Now more than ever, building a better, kinder future starts with understanding, appreciating, and advocating for each other. When we celebrate Black History Month, we honor all of the contributions and initiatives started by members of the black community. We invite you to visit Montgomery County and celebrate Black History Month at our numerous sites, businesses, and events.

Montco is home to almost a million people. With such a large and diverse population, it’s no surprise that diversity is reflected so strongly in our main streets. From boutiques to brunch spots and everything in between, Montco has a plethora of black-owned businesses ready to welcome you to their stores. 

Patriots of African Descent Monument at Valley Forge National Historical Park

When most people think of the Valley Forge National Historical Park, they think of the Revolutionary Army’s encampment in the winter from 1777 to 1778. The park is full of monuments and markers that indicate where major historical figures stayed and where major happenings occurred on its grounds. 

One such monument is dedicated to the Patriots of African Descent. The statue depicts three soldiers; one faces forward, the second faces left and the third faces right. On the back of the monument the words, “In Honor of the Patriots of African Descent who served, suffered and sacrificed during the Valley Forge Encampment 1777-1778” are inscribed.

To learn more about the Patriots of African Descent Monument, click here.

King of Prussia Mall Arts Wall

The Arts Wall at the King of Prussia Mall showcases the work of artists who call Montgomery County home. The installation, which is located in the mall’s connector corridor across from Macy’s, highlights the variety of local artists within the Valley Forge region while also providing a unique amenity to shoppers and other visitors.

In honor of Black History Month, the newest round of artists on exhibit at the Arts Wall are all works from artists of color. Artists featured include James Atkins (Moody Jones Gallery), Ruth Bridges (Moody Jones Gallery), Shelby Brisbane (Montgomery County Community College), Abigail Coachi (Ursinus College), Andromeda J. Cook (Moody Jones Gallery), Taylor Morris (Moody Jones Gallery), Jailene Rodriguez (Ursinus College), Mydera Taliah (Haya Ground Studio), Eric Nigel Taulton (Haya Ground Studio), Dane Tilghman (Moody Jones Gallery), Mekha Varghese (Ursinus College), Yolanda Ward (Moody Jones Gallery), and R.L. Washington (Moody Jones Gallery). 

Late Medieval Age Illumination: Filigree Versals With Humanist Script

4-Day Workshop

In this workshop based on the 16th-Century Spanish Hymnal located in the Glencairn Museum library, you will learn the Humanist script and the Filigree style of late medieval manuscript illumination and design your own project.

Make a page with a favorite hymn, a birth, or a baptism announcement.

Time: 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Presented By: Glencairn Museum

Date: February 5, 2022

Philly Home & Garden Show

At the Philly Home + Garden Show, you will find fresh inspiration, helpful tips, innovative products, and fantastic deals in remodeling, home improvement, décor, and outdoor spaces with hundreds of experts all under one roof.

For three days only shop, compare, and save with over 200 exhibitors. 

Use promo code “VALLEYFORGE” for 50% off your ticket.

February 25-27, 2022

Show Hours: Friday, 11am-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday 10am-6pm

Ticket Prices: $9 online/ $11 at the box office

Black-Owned Businesses In Montco’s Main Streets

Montco is home to almost a million people. With such a large and diverse population, it’s no surprise that diversity is reflected so strongly in our main streets.

From boutiques to brunch spots and everything in between, Montco has a plethora of black-owned businesses ready to welcome you to their stores. 

Check out some of our top picks and recommendations below!

Montgomery County hosts many black-owned businesses across the county.

This February, participate in the celebration of Black History by shopping and supporting your local black-owned business. Check out some of Montgomery County’s thriving black-owned businesses below:

Buutchiis Grill | Ambler
Buutchiis Grill is Ambler’s top destination for authentic West African & Caribbean cuisine. Buutchiis started off with a food truck and with hard work and delicious meals, their Ambler location came to be. Stop by Buutchiis for delectable home-cooked, authentic cooking.

Madelange Laroche Bridal Design Studio | Elkins Park
Brides-to-be need to look no further than Madelange Laroche for classic, timeless and luxurious gowns for brides and bridal parties. Madelange’s work has been critically acclaimed by dozens of publications and was recently featured on NBC Philadelphia’s Philly Live.

The Cheesecake Lady | Elkins Park
Owned and operated by Vanessa Jackson of Elkins Park, The Cheesecake Lady is a one-of-a-kind bakery that has Montgomery County hooked! Vanessa specializes in cheesecakes and her recipe is so perfected that even those who don’t like cheesecake will LOVE her’s. 

D’IYANU | Norristown
D’IYANU is Norristown’s first retail clothing store dedicated to African-inspired prints and clothing. The name D’IYANU perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the brand; The “D’” means “of” or “from“ in French, and “IYANU” means “miracle” or “wonderful” in the Nigerian language, Yoruba. When put together, the literal translation is “of or from something wonderful”. D’IYANU aims to promote high-quality affordable fashion while celebrating the blend of West and African culture in their clothing.

The Tricycle Cafe & Bikes | Conshohocken

The Tricycle Cafe & Bikes has got to be Conshy’s coolest coffee spot. Part cafe, part bicycle shop, and repair center, the Tricycle offers visitors a chance to enjoy some delicious roasts and check out the latest and greatest sets of wheels as well as sprucing up their beloved bikes. 

Haya Ground Studio | Norristown

Haya Ground is Norristown’s resident art studio, gallery, and event space. Showcasing art from local and regional artists, Haya Ground nurtures its artists and patrons through classes, events, workshops, mentorships, and venue rental opportunities. 

Holland and Milan Organics | Ardmore
Holland and Milan specialize in making products that are 100% naturally sourced, plant-based, and clean. With the goal of providing the most potent essential herbal blends in their products, Holland and Milan clients can expect their hair and skin to reach their highest quality of health.

Lavish & Lit Candle Company | Bridgeport
Lavish & Lit is a fragrance company specializing in soy wax candle blends and melts. All Lavish & Lit products are made by hand out of the highest quality ingredients coupled with premium 100% soy wax blends.

Moody Jones Gallery | Glenside
Moody Jones is an art gallery located in the heart of Glenside, PA. The gallery boasts a rich collection of original paintings and sculpture work done by a variety of artists.

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.Read more about February events with the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board here.

*Please check the event links for the most accurate timing, pricing, and COVID protection requirements.