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. Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) invites you to visit Montgomery County and celebrate Black History Month at some of the numerous sites below.

Visit Historic Attractions

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. Following the description, a quote from Charles L. Blockson, founder of the Blockson Collection of African American historical documents at Temple University, reads, “Throughout these historic and hallowed campsites were courageous Black Patriots who participated in our nation’s bitter fight for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, 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 Mr. Charles 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 ready to welcome you to their stores. This February, participate in the celebration of Black History Month by shopping and supporting your local black-owned business. Check out some of Montgomery County’s thriving black-owned businesses below:

Cyrenity Sips Winery | Hatboro: Cyrenity Sips Winery is a family-owned and operated small-batch winery. Their wine is manufactured, bottled, and labeled on the premises. Enjoy wine tastings and glasses of wine, or purchase a bottle in their tasting room!

Expressive Eddie Photography: With over 15 years of experience, Eddie is a skilled photographer with an extensive portfolio. Check out his portfolio for your next event or portrait photography needs.

Cork and Candles | Ardmore: The newest BYOB studio in Ardmore is where you can craft custom candles while enjoying a relaxed, creative atmosphere. Ideal for date nights, celebrations, or a memorable outing with friends.

Moody Jones Gallery | 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 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. 

Stay Fabulous Consulting | Pottstown: Stay Fabulous Consulting is a team of experienced and passionate professionals who are here to help you succeed. It offers a wide range of business consulting services like business formation, administrative assistance, marketing, and promotional materials) and event planning solutions to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.

Philly Shared Retail Space at Willow Grove Park Mall | Willow Grove: Philly Shared is a unique retail space located on the 1st 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 | Elkins Park: Brides-to-be need look no further than Madelange Laroche for classic, timeless, and luxurious gowns for brides and bridal parties. Laroche’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! Jackson 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.

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 percent 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 percent soy wax blends.

The Black Reserve Bookstore | 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 | 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 your older pieces of jewelry.

Learn more at Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, a private, non-profit membership sales and marketing organization that actively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by promoting patronage of its member hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services.