Movement and Migration: The Black Diaspora

Overview

Description

St. Louis has been a starting point, rest stop, or homecoming for many different travelers and migrants. From the Exodusters of the post–Civil War era to the Great Migration of the early 20th century to today, we’ll explore the history of Black Americans who have traveled to or through St. Louis.

Please note that registration is no longer required for History Exploration Days, but please check in at the Welcome Desk when you arrive.

Schedule

Workshop: The Great Migration | 10:30–11:15am; 11:30–12:15pm | Schnucks Classroom (Friday only)

(Ages 8+) There are many reasons why people move from one place to another. Learn about why many Black people moved to St. Louis during the Great Migration, and explore how your family came to call St. Louis home!

Storytelling: Black Migration | 10:30–11:15am | MacDermott Grand Hall (Friday only)

(All ages) Let’s share migration stories about Black families and famous Black individuals.

Cuentos en el Museo: Historias Afrolatinx/Afro-Latinx Stories (Spanish/English Bilingual Storytelling) | 10:30–11:00am | History Clubhouse (Saturday only)

(All ages) Como parte de nuestras jornadas de exploración histórica, leamos historias de creadores afrolatinx.

Making History: Craft Room and Sensory Play | 10:00am–2:00pm | AT&T Room

(All ages) Create your own artwork inspired by Black artists, including a Jacob Lawrence felt scene and Harlem Renaissance–inspired magnetic poetry. In our Sensory Play area, pack your own suitcase and explore foods brought to St. Louis from around the world.

Movement Room | 10:00am–2:00pm | Karen Goering Classroom

(All ages) Follow in the footsteps of Josephine Baker, Katherine Dunham, and other St. Louis dancers in our Movement Room! Using music and motion from around the world, move your body in any way it feels like moving.

Touch Table and Inquiry Station | 10:00am–2:00pm | MacDermott Grand Hall

(All ages) What would you take with you if you had to leave your home? Learn about the items Black people carried with them on their migration journeys with artifacts from our teaching collection. Then go deeper by participating in an inquiry-based activity about preparing for a long trip and examining the personal choices we make along the way.

Table Activity: All That Jazz | 10:00am–2:00pm | MacDermott Grand Hall

(All ages) Join Shaka Myrick, Bearden Fellow at the Saint Louis Art Museum, for a unique jazz-inspired activity celebrating the legacy of Black music and a recent acquisition at SLAM. She will lead an audiovisual craft combining improvisational jazz and gestural drawing. Stop by to learn more about the history of other St. Louis artists who combined music and art!

Scavenger Hunt | 10:00am–2:00pm | All galleries

(Ages 5+) Movements and migration can be big or small. Visit our museum galleries and explore the many ways Black people moved throughout history, from one neighborhood to another to a new place across the globe. Complete the scavenger hunt to win a History Exploration Day prize!

Performance: Mama Lisa | 11:30am-12:00pm | MacDermott Grand Hall

(All ages) Join family favorite Mama Lisa for an interactive music and movement based performance about the Exodusters and Black migration throughout St. Louis history!

More Information

Website:
Movement and Migration: The Black Diaspora

Accessibility

Contacts and Location