Take a Winter Break at Hall of Fame As Museum Celebrates Black History Month

COOPERSTOWN, NY – School’s out for many children during Presidents’ Week in the Northeast, but learning continues in Cooperstown as the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum hosts special daily programs for kids of all ages Feb. 20-24 in celebration of Black History Month.

Families can learn about unique Museum pieces through Artifact Spotlights, watch films featuring Negro League stars in the Museum’s Bullpen Theater, test their trivia skills against other Hall of Fame visitors and even savor a VIP Experience at the home of the National Pastime.

All events, except the VIP Experience, are included with Museum admission. The schedule of events includes:

Artifact Spotlight

Daily Feb. 20-24
11 a.m.
Bullpen Theater, 1st Floor

These 20-minute artifact spotlight programs allow visitors to get an up-close look at artifacts not currently on display as a Hall of Fame staff member shares the unique stories behind two artifacts from our collection.

Film: Black Baseball in Indiana

Feb. 20, Feb. 22
1 p.m.
Bullpen Theater, 1st Floor

Black Baseball in Indiana is a half-hour documentary film of original research and interviews, produced by students at Ball State University's Virginia B. Ball Center for Creative Inquiry, under the advisement of Negro Leagues historian and SABR member Geri Strecker.

So You Think You Know Baseball?

Daily Feb. 20-24
3 p.m.
Bullpen Theater, 1st Floor

Test your knowledge in this interactive competition that is fun for the whole family!

Curator Spotlight

Feb. 21
1 p.m.
Pride and Passion Exhibit, 2nd Floor

On one weekday a month, visitors to the National Baseball Hall of Fame will have the unique opportunity of accompanying a Hall of Fame curator on an exhibit walkthrough. The guided walkthrough experience lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, and each month will feature a different exhibit. The program is free with admission to the Hall of Fame, and no reservation is required. In honor of Black History Month, February’s spotlight will focus on our Pride and Passion exhibit.

Film: Buck O’Neil and Black Baseball in Chicago

Feb. 23
1 p.m.
Bullpen Theater, 1st Floor

This film offers a unique look at the early days of local minority baseball, much of it through the eyes of Buck O’Neil, the one-time Negro League legend. Produced by the Chicago Baseball Museum, the film recognizes the impact and significance of O’Neil and the Negro Leagues over the years and brings these contributions to light.

VIP Experience: Classroom Connections

Feb. 23-24

Fans have the opportunity to explore the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum through a special program designed to give Cooperstown visitors a Hall of Fame VIP Experience. The Museum has partnered with Cooperstown accommodations to offer this unique package, which includes behind-the-scenes experiences at the Museum. This special package is only available through participating accommodations on select dates. Your VIP experience will begin with exclusive after-hours access to the Hall of Fame on Thursday evening and wrap up on Friday afternoon with a private reception. The Hall of Fame VIP experience is a great way to learn more about the Museum and baseball history, whether this is your first or your 50th visit to Cooperstown. Hosted by the education department, this VIP Experience is geared for family audiences and fans of all ages. For more information, please call 607-547-0397.

In addition to these special programs, the Museum will feature daily activities and demonstrations for families all week long. Seating for all events is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on these and other programs, please visit www.baseballhall.org.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is open seven days a week year round, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Museum observes regular hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. from Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend. From Memorial Day through the day before Labor Day, the Museum is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week. Ticket prices are $19.50 for adults (13 and over), $12 for seniors (65 and over) and for those holding current memberships in the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and AMVets organizations, and $7 for juniors (ages 7-12). Members are always admitted free of charge and there is no charge for children 6 years of age or younger. For more information, visit our Web site at baseballhall.org or call 888-HALL-OF-FAME (888-425-5633) or 607-547-7200.