Castle of our Skins and the Museum of African American History: Boston & Nantucket Announce New Partnership - Black Voices: An Arts & Education Series Celebrating Black Excellence in Boston
- Kelley Hollis
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Castle of our Skins (COOS) and the Museum of African American History (MAAH) proudly announce a new artistic and educational partnership entitled Black Voices. Launching December 2025, the collaboration brings to life the music, stories, and legacies from across the African diaspora—through immersive concerts, family-friendly workshops, and interdisciplinary arts experiences.
At a time when Black performing arts, museums and educational institutions across the country are facing unprecedented threats to funding and public support, COOS and MAAH stand together in solidarity to affirm a shared mission: to uplift Black voices, celebrate the contribution of Black figures to our city, country, and history, and ensure that their stories continue to inspire generations to come.
“We are thrilled to reunite Castle of our Skins and the Museum of African American History in this partnership celebrating the impact of the African diaspora,” Ruben McFarlane, COOS’ Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships remarked. “In this pivotal moment, the unity of our two organizations underscores the importance of continuing to uplift Black history and artistry in today’s world.”
“We could not ask for better partners than Castle of Our Skins at this critical moment in Black history,” said Sage Morgan-Hubbard, Director of Learning and Engagement at MAAH. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 100th anniversary of Black History Week in 2026, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate on a dynamic year of programming. Our Black Voices calendar will feature engaging events for children, teens, and adults, and we look forward to welcoming both longtime supporters and new friends to the Museum and the African Meeting House.”
2026 Artistic and Education Programmatic Series Highlights
December 7, 2025
COOS at the MAAH Gala: Castle of our Skins musicians launch the series with a special artistic program at MAAH’s annual Living Legends Gala, setting the tone for a year of celebrating Boston’s African American history and commemorating the long struggle for equality.
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Storytelling & Improvisation Workshop (Ages 4–10) 1:00–1:30 PM & 1:30–2:00 PM | Susan Paul Room, Free Sundays Programming In this playful 30-minute interactive offering, young learners bring beloved storybooks to life using music, voice, and imagination. Participants become musical storytellers as they explore character, plot, and emotion through rhythm and sound.
Sunday, February 8, 2026
A Little History 1:00–2:00 PM | Susan Paul Room, Free Sundays Programming An engaging, music-filled journey through the lives of Black trailblazers including Phillis Wheatley, Angela Davis, Barack Obama, and more. Led by COOS Teaching Artist Caden Burston, children are invited to clap, sing, and move their way through history while envisioning themselves as the heroes of tomorrow.
June 14, 2026
She Was There: A Revolutionary Experience in Two Acts Presented in collaboration with Boston Lyric Opera and the West End Museum
Part 1: Film Screening + Talkback + Walking Tour: A film-screening and live discussion exploring Revolutionary Black women, followed by a historic walking tour from the West End Museum to MAAH—highlighting the abolitionist women who shaped Boston’s fight for freedom.
Part 2: Performance & Reception at MAAH: A narrated concert featuring works by Black women composers, interwoven with historical storytelling under the guidance of Dr. Kerri Jackson Carter. This event coincides with the opening of MAAH’s new exhibition, Black Voices of the American Revolution.
July 5, 2026
And Freedom’s Reign 2:15 PM Pre-Event | 3:00 PM Concert | African Meeting House, Free Sundays Programming An immersive event honoring the words and legacy of Frederick Douglass. Experience the museum’s AI-powered Frederick Douglass hologram, accompanied by a stirring live reading of “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” with musical interludes performed by Castle of our Skins’ String Quartet.
August 2026 & October/November 2026
Additional Education Programs Presented as part of MAAH’s Free Sundays programming, Castle of our Skins will curate interactive workshops designed to inspire creativity, build historical knowledge, and engage audiences of all ages through music and storytelling.
About the Partnership
This partnership marks a historic moment for two of Boston’s leading Black cultural institutions. Together, Castle of our Skins and the Museum of African American History are joining forces to activate one of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods with vibrant, intergenerational programming that celebrates the depth and diversity of Black creativity.
Black Voices transforms spaces of remembrance into spaces of imagination. The collaboration amplifies a shared commitment to accessibility, equity, and community—ensuring that stories of freedom, resilience, and innovation remain alive and resonant for audiences of all ages.
At a time when arts and humanities organizations face increasing political and financial pressures, this partnership stands as an act of solidarity and self-determination: a declaration that Black art and history are not optional, but essential to the American narrative.
Press & Media Inquiries:
Castle of our Skins – Kelley@CastleSkins.org | www.CastleSkins.org
Museum of African American History – SMorganHubbard@MAAH.org | www.MAAH.org
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