Each year, the month of February is dedicated to honoring the historical impact, achievements, and larger-than-life figures in the black community.
Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board remains committed to fostering a more inclusive and welcoming future, and the celebration of Black History Month plays an important role in that mission. Visitors are invited to explore Montgomery County and honor Black History Month through the many sites and experiences highlighted 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. Followed by the description, a quote from Charles L. Blockson, founder of the Blockson Collection of African American historical documents at Temple University, reads, “Throughout these historic and hallowed campsites were courageous Black Patriots who participated in our nation’s bitter fight for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, 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 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
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 | 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, glasses of wine, or purchase a bottle in their tasting room!
Caribbean Paradise Restaurant
Whether you’re joining this Pottstown restaurant for lunch or dinner, you can count on excellent service from start to finish.
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.
Stay Fabulous Consulting | Pottstown
Stay Fabulous Consulting offers a wide range of business consulting services, such as 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 Bloomingdale’s. 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. Madelange’s work has been critically acclaimed by dozens of publications and was recently featured on NBC Philadelphia’s Philly Live.
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.
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 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.
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.
Find more ways to explore Montco and Valley Forge year-round at VFTCB.
