Each year, the month of February is dedicated to honoring the historical impact, achievements, and larger-than-life figures in the black community. Now more than ever, we work towards building a better, kinder future and the celebration of Black History Month is so important for all of us to partake in. We invite you to visit Montgomery County and celebrate Black History Month at our numerous sites below.

The 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. Followed by the description, a quote from Charles L. Blockson, founder of the Blockson Collection of African American Historical Documents at Temple University, reads, “Throughout these historic and hallowed campsites were courageous Black Patriots who participated in our nation’s bitter fight for independence”. 

Charles L. Blockson Exhibit at the Centre Theatre

The Charles L. Blockson Exhibition located within the historic Centre Theater is a celebration of the lifework and incredible accomplishments of a local hero — Mr. Charles Blockson

The exhibit will provide access to culture and open a cultural institution in Norristown for residents and the county as a whole to experience. In partnership with Blockson and Temple University’s “Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection,” Elmwood Park Zoo is taking over Norristown’s The Centre Theater to host The Charles Blockson Exhibition. This gallery will celebrate African American culture and highlight the life work of Blockson, a Norristown native who has amassed one of the largest collections of African American history in the nation and is an expert on the Underground Railroad. 

Visit the Black-Owned Businesses Along 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 that are 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:

• Cyrenity Sips Winery in Hatboro: Cyrenity Sips Winery is a family-owned and operated small-batch winery. Their wine is manufactured, bottled, and labeled on the premises. Enjoy a wine tasting or a glass of wine, and purchase a bottle in their tasting room!
• Welcome to the Avenue in Pottstown: Winner of the 2022 Caribbean Best of the Main Line and Western Suburbs, Welcome to the Avenue offers authentic Caribbean and specialty cuisine.
• The Tricycle Cafe & Bikes in Conshohocken: The Tricycle Cafe & Bikes has become 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. 
• Stay Fabulous Consulting in Pottstown: Stay Fabulous Consulting specializes in event details from conception to completion and has a range of services to meet customers’ needs. The team scouts and secures event venues, assists with the decoration of venues, vets catering companies, secures DJs and event hosts, and organizes agendas for programs. They have graphic designers to create billboard ads, fliers, and invitations for clients’ upcoming events. As part of their full-service package, they will contact public relations agencies and use social media to publicize events.
• Philly Shared Retail Space at Willow Grove Park Mall in Willow Grove: Philly Shared is a unique retail space located on the first level of the Willow Grove Mall near Bloomingdales. The retail showroom highlights products from local minority-owned businesses. While shopping, customers can enjoy a glass of their favorite wine, as they are the only retail store in the mall that allows guests to sip and shop.
• Madelange Laroche Bridal Design Studio at Elkins Park: Brides-to-be need 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 in 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. Jackson specializes in cheesecakes, and her recipe is so perfected that even those who don’t like cheesecake will love hers. 
• D’IYANU in 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.
• Haya Ground Studio in 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. 
• Lavish & Lit Candle Company in Bridgeport: Lavish & Lit is a fragrance company specializing in soy wax candle blends and melts. All Lavish & Lit products are made by hand using the highest quality ingredients and premium 100 percent soy wax blends.
• Moody Jones Gallery in Glenside: Moody Jones is an art gallery located in the heart of Glenside. The gallery boasts a rich collection of original paintings and sculpture work done by a variety of artists.
• The Black Reserve Bookstore in Lansdale: Located on Main Street in Lansdale, The Black Reserve Bookstore is much more than just a bookstore. They offer a wide scope of books that promote Black culture, literature, history, and much more. In addition to the books, The Black Reserve offers apparel, gifts, and a learning experience.
• Beyond the Jewel Box in Ambler: Beyond the Jewel Box is a brick-and-mortar upscale jewelry store and a jewelry concierge service located in the heart of Ambler. They feature 14K diamonds and silver and specialize in re-purposing older jewelry pieces.

Black History Month Events

Add the following events to your calendar to celebrate Black History Month:

• Feb. 2: The Charles L. Blockson Exhibition (The Centre Theater)
• Feb. 7: Blacks/Africans in the Arts (virtual)
• Feb. 8: Mapping Project: MontCo Black History (1250 Church Rd., Wyncote, PA)
• Feb. 10: History Lecture Series – Slavery in Pennsylvania (Norristown Farm Park)
• Feb. 13: Montgomery County Community College 2024 Presidential Symposium (Montgomery County Community College)
• Feb. 14: The Influence of Black Music and Dance (virtual)
• Feb. 21: African Americans Hair Art and Fashion (virtual)
• Feb. 28: Black History Month 2024 In-Person Celebration (Human Services Center, 1st floor)
• Feb. 29: Leap Into History with Author Amy Cohen (Historical Society of Montgomery County)

Learn more about Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, upcoming events, and ways to explore Valley Forge and Montgomery County — a region home to must-see historic sites, family attractions, a vibrant arts scene, shopping malls, golf, outdoor activities, and more.