There are many family-friendly events and volunteer opportunities in the area this weekend and next week to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. From weekend-long programs to service opportunities on Monday, find the ways that you want to celebrate MLK Day with your family this year.
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Jan. 14-17
701 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
The African American Museum in Philadelphia’s MLK celebration kicks off on Friday and continues through Monday. With the theme of “Grassroots and Grand Strategies,” the event will include a film screening, children’s book event, performances and a service project. Most of the events will be virtual.
Museum of the American Revolution
Jan. 15-17
101 South Third St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Museum of the American Revolution is hosting events all weekend to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Families can learn about James Forten, an abolitionist, participate in a community engagement wall, learn about protest in early America and more.
National Liberty Museum
Jan. 15-17
321 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
The National Liberty Museum also has a weekend-long focus on MLK. Learn about sustainability as service by exploring the galleries to learn about how people are taking a stand for sustainability and grab a special take-and-do bag to practice environmental consciousness at home.
5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143
Spend the day volunteering at Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philly. Volunteers will assist staff in collecting trash and debris and assist in the greenhouses. There will also be live programming and a screening of MLK’s speeches.
National Constitution Center
Jan. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
525 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Free admission to the National Constitution Center includes a reading of the “I Have a Dream Speech,” a family concert celebrating songs of the Civil Rights era, a story corner for young children, arts and crafts and a school supplies drive.
Uhuru MLK Day Event & Volunteer Project
Jan. 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
832 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19130
Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles is hosting a hybrid virtual and in-person day of volunteering and celebration. The event will include music, speakers and historic films of the African community struggle for freedom and all-day volunteer projects.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Jan. 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130
Join the Eastern State Penitentiary online or in-person for a program commemorating MLK and his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Students, educators, public officials, artists and activists will read the entirety of the landmark text and reflect on it.
There are multiple other volunteer opportunities throughout the area on January 17. Find a list of them here.
