Photo Credit: Chicago History Museum
MLK Day is a day to honor the civil rights crusader and is also a great time to teach kids about his life and what the Nobel Peace Prize winner stood for. Local Chicago museums are hosting family-friendly events before and on Monday, Jan. 21 to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and empower local children to be the change-makers of the future.
Family Day at Hull House
When: Jan. 20
Where: Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 800 S. Halsted St., Chicago
Join Hull-House for a Participatory Arts-themed afternoon that will feature intergenerational family activities including art-making, theater games, story time, museum tours and more. Chicago-based Hoofprint Workshop will lead a collaborative printmaking project, and there will be pottery-demonstrations throughout the day.
What Does It Mean, Dr. King?
When: Jan. 20-21
Where: Chicago Children's Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago
Take a journey back in time and learn about the complex issues of prejudice and equality through our interactive musical drama. The play touches upon several key historical moments, including the Montgomery bus boycott, the integration of a New Orleans elementary school, and the March on Washington.
The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights
When: Jan. 21
Where: Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark St., Chicago
Enjoy a production of The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights by Writers Theatre and a musical performance by the Chicago Chamber Choir along with storytelling and crafts that reflect his messages of peace and justice.
King Day 2019: Celebrating the Dream
When: Jan. 21
Where: DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago
Join the museum on Monday, January 21 for their annual family day program featuring music, lectures, performances, and crafts for the entire family to enjoy.
King Day Festival: Long Journey into Freedom
When: Jan. 21
Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 159 E. Monroe, Chicago
Find your way through the past and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this special day. Visit the exhibition "Night Coming Tenderly, Black" featuring photographs by Chicago artist Dawoud Bey. Take a journey through the museum and explore the idea of freedom through creative art making and collaborative activities with artists, musicians, poets, and families from across Chicago.
Black Creativity Family Day
When: Jan. 21
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Black Creativity 2019 kicks off on Monday, Jan. 21 with Family Day. Families can participate in a community art experience, design and test a prototype during the opening of the Innovation Studio, and explore the Juried Art Exhibition.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
When: Jan. 21
Where: Kido, 1137 S. Delano Ct., Chicago
The store will be celebrating with music, dance, and spoken word changing every half hour, including Musicality–finalists on America's Got Talent–and award-winning jazz vocalist Sarah Marie Young. The store will also be releasing a limited-edition T-shirt in collaboration with Chicago artist Sam Kirk.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
When: Jan. 21
Where: Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan
Community members will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by donating their time to pack meals for those in need. Children will participate in our annual drop-in children’s service project, supporting Color a Smile. Families may stop by the Children’s Department during the day to create cards to send to those in need, including seniors and veterans.
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