Each month NAAM hosts a free admission day to spotlight moments throughout history that have worked to advance freedom for all.
On this Freedom Day, we honor the remarkable life and legacy of Benjamin Banneker — a mathematician, astronomer, inventor, and early African American intellectual whose brilliance challenged the limits imposed on Black people in the 18th century. Born free in 1731 in Maryland, Banneker displayed an extraordinary aptitude for learning at a young age. Largely self-taught, he mastered mathematics, astronomy, and scientific observation using the books he could access and his own relentless curiosity. His achievements — including constructing one of the first striking clocks in America entirely from wood — were extraordinary feats that demonstrated that intellect and creativity know no boundaries of race or circumstance.
Freedom Day is a free admission day at NAAM typically offered once a month that provides a variety of community activities, museum activations, and programs for individuals and families of all ages to enjoy at no cost. For more information on the Northwest African American Museum’s Freedom Day, exhibits, programming and events, please visit: https://www.naamnw.org/
Image sourced from event website.
