Every February, we celebrate and honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans. St. Louis is home to many museums and historic sites that preserve and uplift the history and culture of the Black community. We’re spotlighting a few where families can engage and explore these important pieces
of local and American culture.

field house museum
The childhood home of author Eugene Field, this historic house has a strong connection to the Dred Scott Decision. After Dred and Harriet Scott filed suits to secure their freedom from slavery, Eugene’s father, Roswell Field, agreed to represent them in the U.S. District Court, prepared their appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and convinced high-profile lawyer Montgomery Blair to argue the case. The Field House Museum is a National Historic Landmark
and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

the griot museum of black history
Located in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood, the Griot Museum of Black History is the first local cultural institution solely dedicated to uplifting the broad scope of Black history and culture. It originally opened in 1997 as The Black World History Wax Museum. Its mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and share the stories of Black people, especially as they connect to regional history. The Griot’s galleries include artifacts, memorabilia and wax figures of important people, like Josphine Baker, Dred and Harriet Scott, James Milton Turner and Miles Davis.

mary meachum freedom crossing
On the night of May 21, 1855, abolitionist Mary Meachum led a small group of enslaved people from her downtown home to the Mississippi River. The goal was to cross into Illinois, but the party was caught and Meachum was arrested. Today, the site of the attempted crossing is part of the Mississippi Greenway: Riverfront Trail and has been included in the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Every year, Great Rivers Greenway commemorates the historic event with a reenactment and a celebration of Black history and culture.

national blues museum
The National Blues Museum celebrates the early days of the music genre—introducing visitors to the legends, unsung heroes and trailblazers who brought the blues to life. During the Great Migration of the 20th century, millions of Black Americans moved from the South to other parts of the country. Musicians traveling from the Mississippi Delta brought their craft up the river to St. Louis and developed a unique sound. The museum offers live music performances, and its exhibits include historic artifacts, technology-driven experiences and even creative activities like writing your own blues song.

scott joplin house
One of the world’s most famous ragtime composers, Scott Joplin is known for compositions like “The Entertainer’ and “Maple Leaf Rag.” The home he shared with his first wife, Belle Jones, is now a state historic site. Located on Delmar Boulevard, the flat is still lit by gas lamps and furnished as it would have been in 1902 when Joplin rented it—it even includes a player piano, which fills the air with his famous melodies. The site also includes exhibits that offer
insight into Joplin’s life.