MLK Day is a Federal holiday and many families have the day off from work and school. It's a day set aside to honor and celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. and the tireless work he did to better the lives of many people in our country. Events on this day provide an opportunity to learn about our past, acknowledge our present, and think of ways to better our future. This day is also known as a Day of Service and we are encouraged to volunteer and help our community.
Listed below are MLK Day events in the Annapolis area or a short drive away.
Annapolis
MLK Day at the Museum of Historic Annapolis
Monday, Jan. 16, 10am - 2pm
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. next Monday. Learn about local Black history through our exhibition Annapolis: An American Story. Explore the museum with a Scavenger Hunt and discover more through photographs and artifacts. Be inspired by our community’s diverse history and its continuing quest for equity and justice for all! Open to all ages.
Where: Museum of Historic Annapolis, 99 Main St., Annapolis
Free but registration is required. Register HERE
The Skin You Live In
Monday, January 16, 10:30am - 12pm
Celebrate MLK Day with a special program. “The Skin You Live In” addresses the simple but challenging topic of skin color differences for ages 6 to 12.
Where: Chesapeake Children's Museum, 25 Silopanna Rd, Annapolis
$10 per child, adults are free - Register HERE
Deep Roots, Rising Waters: A Celebration of African Americans in Maryland
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am - 4pm
This is a permanent exhibit at the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis. This exhibition provides an overview of African American history in Maryland from 1633 through present day. Learn how African Americans throughout Maryland made lasting changes for all Americans.
- Find out about Maryland’s first African American settler, Mathias De Sousa.
- Learn how Benjamin Banneker was able to use his almanac as an anti-slavery protest to Thomas Jefferson.
- See the advertisement for the slave auction Kunta Kinte was sold in.
- Hear one of Frederick Douglass’s speeches against racism and slavery.
- View a reward poster for Harriet Tubman while re-enacting a slave escape like that of Lear Green.
- Explore Maryland’s ties to North Pole expeditions through citizens Matthew Henson and Herbert Frisby.
- Listen to stories and music from Carr’s Beach and Sparrow’s Beach.
- Discover how Thurgood Marshall fought to change the education system in the United States.
Where: Banneker-Douglass Museum, 84 Franklin Street, Annapolis
Admission is free, donations encouraged
Baltimore
MLK Dare to Dream Day
Monday, Jan. 16, 10am – 5pm
Join in a celebration honoring one of history's greatest visionaries. Open Mic, art-making, music, dance, storytime, and more!
Where: American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy, Baltimore
Free but registration is requested. RSVP HERE
MLK Peace Mural
January 14-16, Saturday and Monday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm
In addition to daily activities and programs, special activities will include exploring the language, poetry, and the words behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech and art projects related to Dr. Martin Luther King. Participate in a museum-wide MLK Peace Mural for everyone to see!
Where: Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, Baltimore
Tickets are $21.95 for everyone 1 and up. Purchase tickets HERE
Washington DC
MLK Holiday DC - 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk and Parade
Monday, Jan. 16, step off at 11am
Click here for more details.
Where: Washington DC
Free
Visit the MLK Memorial
Open 24 hours
Click here for more details.
Where: 1850 West Basin Drive SW, Washington D.C.
Free
Nationwide
Free Day at the National Parks
MLK Day is one of five days that National Parks have free admission.
Click here for more information.
Where: All National Parks
Free
Day of Service
Read this MacKID article for information and service ideas.
