Making Black History Come Alive for Kids in the Queen City
Kids’ Black history education is easier than ever in Cincinnati. In a city rich with African American heritage, families have access to powerful tools for teaching Black history. From Cincinnati museums to monuments and murals, children can learn about resilience, innovation, and leadership rooted in the Black community.
Whether kids are learning history for the first time or creating a deeper understanding, Cincinnati offers meaningful spaces to start the journey. Black History Month is not the only time for kids to learn about the community’s history and culture. This guide shares locations that honor the legacy of Black Americans and persons of African descent.
Featured
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Price: $11.50+
513-333-7500
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
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This center shares the stories of freedom’s heroes throughout slavery, reconstruction, segregation, and the present day. Enjoy free admission on the fifth and third Sunday of each month.
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203 (Queensgate)
Price: $11.50+ (exhibits may have additional costs)
513-287-7000
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Monday
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Check out the exhibits that highlight Black heritage in Cincinnati. This American museum hosts five distinct museums that share Cincinnati’s history, natural history, and more. Also, explore the CMC library and archives to learn more about Black history. SNAP cardholders receive discounted admission and Discovery Pass holders receive free admission.
Museums
Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Price: $12+
513-241-0343
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday
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Check out the Duncanson murals, created by the first Black American artist to earn an international reputation. Discovery Pass holders receive free admission and receive free admission on Sundays and Mondays.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
2950 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Walnut Hills)
Price: $5+
513-751-0651
Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 4 p.m.
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Visit the Cincinnati home where the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin lived and discover its history as the Edgemont Inn listed in the Green Book. Tickets include a guided tour with a dedicated educator and admission to a rotating temporary and outdoor exhibit. Discovery Pass holders receive free admission and SNAP cardholders receive discounted admission.
Cincinnati Black Music Hall of Fame
190 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Price: Free Admission
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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Explore a family-friendly interactive musical experience that brings history to life through immersive technology. Black music has a long and wide-ranging history in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and Southwest Ohio.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
100 Joe Nuxhall Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Price: $13+
513-765-7923
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Explore the exhibit, Pursuit of a Dream. The museum highlights the Negro Leagues, baseball’s integration, Reds baseball in the community, and the Big Red Machine’s powerful symbolism. SNAP cardholders receive free admission.
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Mt. Auburn)
Price: Free (exhibits may have additional costs)
513-721-2787
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
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Use the Discovery Pass or visit during extended hours every Thursday for free admission to all exhibitions. Make sure to visit the African Art Collection.
Related Article: Cincinnati’s Legacy of Black History
Murals
Ezzard Charles: The Cincinnati Cobra
1537 Republic St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Price: Free
Hours: 24 hours
This mural honors the two-time World Heavyweight Champion, jazz musician, and widely respected citizen of Cincinnati.
Dreaming Blues
309 E 13th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Price: Free
Hours: 24 hours
This mural honors Mamie Smith, a legend, icon, Cincinnati native, and the first African American blues recording artist.
From Enslavement to Emancipation: Sky’s The Limit
1001 Lincoln Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Walnut Hills)
Price: Free
Hours: 24 hours
This mural represents the existing vibrancy of the Walnut Hills neighborhood and celebrates the neighborhood, which is rich in Black History and community pride.
A Song of Freedom
3630 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229 (Avondale)
Price: Free
Hours: 24 Hours
This mural is a tribute to the life and legacy of the late Louise Shropshire, an Avondale resident and activist during the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement.
Black Excellence in Zone 15
1201 Steffen Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45215 (Lincoln Heights)
Price: Free
Hours: 24 Hours
This mural honors Lincoln Heights, the first self-governing African American community above the Mason-Dixon Line. The neighborhood has a rich history of Black men and women Olympians, politicians, scholars, and artists.
Walking History Tours
Abolitionists and African Americans in Walnut Hills
2950 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Walnut Hills)
Price: $15
513-751-0651
Duration: 2 hours
In the past, Underground Railroad conductors, Olympic gold medalists, internationally famous authors, and myriad small businesses thrived in Walnut Hills. Learn about the Black people who built and invested in this neighborhood for the past 200 years.
Covington Black History Tour
Multiple locations
Price: Free
Duration: Varies
Covington, KY, has always had a large, engaged African American population. This tour highlights Black history and accomplishments, many of which have been celebrated in the city’s art and architecture. Explore this geocaching adventure adapted from the walking tour.
Real Ones: Walnut Hills Murals
2429 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Walnut Hills)
Price: $35
330-207-9082
Duration: 1.5 hours
Enjoy a guided, intimate exploration of the murals that tell Walnut Hills’ truest stories — stories of legacy, liberation, and cultural and local pride. Led by community volunteers and youth apprentices, this tour highlights the African American experience in the heart of one of Cincinnati’s most historically diverse neighborhoods.
African American History along the Cincinnati Riverfront
Riverside Dr, Covington, KY 41011 (Covington)
Price: $15
513-751-0651
Duration: 2 hours
Explore the deep significance of the Ohio River for Cincinnati’s African American history of resistance, achievement, and leadership from the 1800s through the 20th century. Connect to the history of Margaret Garner, Marian Spencer, James Bradley, Cincinnati’s Black Brigade, and more.
OTR African American History Tour
Multiple locations
Price: $20
513-813-7309
Duration: 2 hours
Who knew that African Americans have played a vital role in the history of Over-the-Rhine? Beginning with early abolitionist efforts in the early 19th century, this tour highlights African American women and men’s active role in shaping the neighborhood.
Under One Roof: The African American Experience in Music Hall
1241 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Price: $18+
513-744-3293
Duration: 1.5 hours
Discover the stories of determination and artistry that shape Cincinnati’s identity within Music Hall’s three buildings. Tours are only available by appointment. Call or email [email protected] to schedule a tour.
Related Article: Black History Movies for Kids and Families
Monuments and Statues
Black Brigade Monument
166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Price: Free
The Black Brigade was formed in 1862 to construct barricades to defend Cincinnati from Confederate attack during the Civil War. A monument to the unit’s valiant efforts has been built as part of the park’s first phase.
Ezzard Charles Statue
500 Ezzard Charles Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45214 (West End)
Price: Free
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
More than a Heavyweight Champion of the World, Ezzard Charles was a West End resident, entrepreneur, renowned jazz enthusiast, and a brilliant Renaissance man. Charles was permanently recognized with a bronze statue and a plaza commemorating the life and legacy of the champion.
Marian A. Spencer Statue
8 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Price: Free
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Smale Park features the first woman statue in the City of Cincinnati. Throughout her life, Spencer broke barriers and fought for equality in Cincinnati. Friends called her “Ms. Civil Rights,” an ideal name for a remarkable Black woman who accomplished so much.
Related Article: Public Art and History Tours for African Americans in Cincinnati
Kids’ Black history education makes a connection to a legacy of strength, culture, and achievement rooted in the city. With local museums, community art, and historic landmarks, families have powerful tools to make learning meaningful and engaging.
Now is the perfect time to explore what Cincinnati offers for Kids’ Black history education. Visit a museum, check out community art, or share a story at home. Each step brings children closer to understanding the rich history of the Black community.
Kids’ Black History Education Photo provided by ©EmmaStock/Adobe Stock, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The Taft Museum of Art, Biz Journals, Visit Cincy, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Museum, Cincinnati Art Museum, Art Works, Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Everything Cincy, OTR Museum, Cincinnati Parks, cincinnati.com, and the Voice of Black Cincinnati
