Black History Month Events In MD: Composer Discussion + Civil Rights Movies

MARYLAND — Black History Month is here, and several Maryland organizations have events planned. Offerings include a discussion on Black composers and a series of civil rights films.

For Valentine's Day, send one of these virtual animal-themed cards. A syrup-making lesson and an oyster talk are also on tap.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"A Celebration of Black Composers

Join the Riversdale Chamber Music Society Salon Trio and University of Maryland School of Music faculty for their virtual exploration of the lives and music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and William Grant Still. Learn tidbits about the composers, hear samples of their works, and enjoy a Q&A with the musicians. Registration required by Feb. 16. Free. Feb. 17, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. More information and registration."

"Black History Month Free Film Series at the B&O

In celebration of the B&O Railway Museum’s designation as a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site by the National Park Service, the museum is showing three films on the topics of slavery, the Underground Railroad, and freedom. The three movies this month, Amistad, Harriet, and Selma, spotlight the harsh reality of slavery and racial discrimination, and show the heroes that persevered. Some regular seating will be available, but guests may also watch in the museum's 1884 Roundhouse “picnic” style with blankets and BYO snacks. Feb. 12, 20, and 27. More info, including ratings, and registration."

"Send an Aquatic Valentine

Can’t make it to the card store? No time for browsing card racks? Want to save a tree? The National Aquarium has come up with fin-tastic Valentine cards to send electronically to make your jawsome friends and loved ones hoppy. Aquatic Valentines."

"Maple Magic

Join Irvine Nature Center’s naturalists for an outdoor hike-n-learn that is sure to be a fun learning experience. Learn to identify maple trees and why this is peak season for collecting their sap. Practice using a hand drill to experience how trees are tapped and check the buckets where sap is collected. Then explore how the process of turning clear watery liquid into everyone’s favorite breakfast treat has changed through time. Then taste this liquid gold as a reward for all the hard work. $10 per person (children under 3 are free). Four public sessions to choose from. Feb. 12, 10:00 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm and Feb. 20, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. More information and reservations."

"Winter Speaker Series: Oyster Aquaculture

The seafood industry has grown rapidly over the past few decades, while natural seafood resources have slowly decreased. Imani Black, Founder of Minorities in Aquaculture, will explore the opportunities presented by aquaculture, farming seafood like oysters in a sustainable way. This virtual presentation is part of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Winter Speaker Series, Building Business. Read more about shellfish aquaculture biologist Imani Black and her amazing journey. Virtual presentation, Feb. 16, 5:00 pm; $7.50 per person. More information and registration."

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