February will be busy at BTW Monument

Three events, one geared specifically for children but informative for all ages, are scheduled in February at Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy.

On Saturday, Feb. 6, a 28th birthday celebration for Go, the park's resident horse, will be observed at a barnyard party. One of the park's rangers will lead a tour of the historic farm area that features a number of animals. The role animals played on the 1850s tobacco plantation will be explained.

Following the tour, participants will gather at the horse barn for a birthday cake and other activities. All ages are invited, but children will have an opportunity to learn about Washington and his farm's history. The program, which will begin at 2 p.m., will be held outdoors so participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

The following Sunday, Feb. 7, Ranger Betsy Haynes will present "Booker T. Washington: A Man from the 'Nearest Place to Nowhere.' " at 2 p.m. in the park's visitor center.

The program is designed to provide insights about the struggles Washington endured while getting an education and the challenges he faced in founding Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Washington's philosophies on education and his goals for making economic progress for African Americans in the late 19th century and early 20th century will be covered.

In a program that will mark Black History Month, storyteller Royal Shiree, who is known for her humor and dramatic flair, will share her experiences teaching history to fifth-graders. The program will be held Saturday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.

Booker T. Washington National Monument, part of the National Park Service, is located on Virginia 122 16 miles northeast of Rocky Mount. The park is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission, parking and all programs are free. www.nps.gov/bowa