Baltimore, Md., January 22, 2004 – The National Aquarium in Baltimore’s 2004 Black History Month celebration, Water The Source of Life, promises a month of spirited programs rooted in history, inspired by water and overflowing with educational experiences for the entire family. From the shores of West Africa to the Chesapeake Bay, visitors can immerse themselves in uplifting song and dance, join a sleepover adventure featuring the brave story of Harriet Tubman and learn about youth programs, jobs and career options through the Aquarium’s first-ever community open house.
Every Friday after 5 p.m., admission is only $5 and includes an opportunity to explore 10,500 wondrous creatures, a dolphin show and special presentations. The Aquarium salutes Henry Hall, a prominent African American engineer, who donated his valuable tropical fish collection to the Aquarium in 1977. Henry Hall’s legacy lives on through an Aquarium youth scholarship in his name and a permanent exhibit at The Great Blacks In Wax Museum.
Programs throughout the month offer many opportunities to dive into educational excitement:
Return to Goree Dance Company
February 6, 7:30 p.m.
Everybody in the village can dance! The rich culture of West Africa beckons as this troupe delivers an awe-inspiring evening. Led by executive director Willa Walker and artistic director, Babacar N’Diaye of the National Dance Company of Senegal, the Goree Dancers are a must-experience performance for all ages. Five-dollar admission after 5 p.m. includes this performance.
Be a Sea Star! Community Open House
February 13, 6-8 p.m.
Learn about a summer job or internship. Try on a career. Earn high school community service hours. Volunteer! The Aquarium is teeming with programs that help youth and the young-at-heart grow, learn and explore. Five-dollar admission after 5 p.m. includes opportunities to learn more.
Chesapeake Underground Sleepover: This Way to Freedom
February 21–22, 6 p.m. Sat.– 9 a.m. Sun.
This overnight adventure will take you on a historical journey to experience how Harriet Tubman, a former Maryland slave, amazingly read the many clues of nature to lead hundreds of runaway slaves to freedom via the Chesapeake Bay. Drama, music and fun are all part of a night to remember. Bring a sleeping bag; the Aquarium provides a light dinner, snack, breakfast and a discount coupon for the Aqua Shop. Participants must be at least 8 years old (no exceptions), and a paid adult must accompany all children. Space is limited. Tickets must be purchased in advance by credit card. Call 410-576-3833. Youth tickets are $28 for members or $59 for non-members. Adult tickets are $38 for members or $69 for non-members. Presented in partnership with the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation and the Chesapeake Children’s Museum.
Abu the Flutemaker: Ordinary Treasures
February 27, 7 p.m.
One man’s trash is this man’s treasure! Abu the Flutemaker, Baltimore’s own pied piper, will intrigue you with his magical ability to transform baseball bats into saxophones, porch columns into thunder drums, sardine cans into miniature pianos, and broken glass into xylophones. Truly music to one’s ears and a sight to behold! Five-dollar admission after 5 p.m. includes this performance.
The Aquarium’s Black History Month celebration is made possible by our community partners, which include Unilever, WBFF-TV, WNUV-TV and Maryland Smoking Stops Here. The Aquarium in its vision, mission and values strives to celebrate the richness of diverse communities and to connect them to the magical world of water. The National Aquarium in Baltimore, a non-profit organization, is Baltimore’s leading paid attraction, hosting more than 1.6 million visitors per year. The Aquarium’s mission is to connect people with aquatic life in order to create a better world for both.
For more information call 410-576-8877. In the case of inclement weather, please call the Aquarium before visiting: 410-576-3800 or 410-659-4200.
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