Celebrating Black History began in 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard Ph.D., initiated "Negro History Week." Dr. Woodson, a historian, chose the second week in February because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the Bicentennial (200th birthday) of the United States of America, the week-long observance was extended to the entire month of February in order to have enough time for celebratory programs and activities. Please see our book display in honor of Black History Month in front of the main staircase.

 Statistical data for Black History Month

Resource links from iconn.org (provided by Connecticut State Library)