Washington area Black History Month events include talks, tours and ceremonies

Black History Month officially begins Monday, which means there's a whole slate of programming to keep you educated and entertained all month long. From sit-in tutorials to wax museum scavenger hunts, check out some of these event's happening during the month's first full week.

-- Alex Baldinger

Monday

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT MOUNT VERNON through Feb. 28. Daily events at the historic estate include a wreath-laying and presentation at the on-site slave memorial (noon) and a tour that explores the work and home life of the slaves who lived on the grounds in the 18th century (1 p.m.). 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria. 703-780-2000. http://www.visit.mountvernon.org. $15, seniors $14, ages 6-11 $7; age 5 and younger free.

Tuesday

"BLACK HISTORY DISCOVERY TRAIL & SCAVENGER HUNT" through March 1. Since it would be impossible to lure President Obama, Muhammad Ali, Oprah Winfrey and Denzel Washington to the same place at once, Madame Tussauds is your next best bet: Guests at the wax museum will receive a scavenger hunt quiz filled with facts about the contributions of many prominent African Americans. 1025 F St. NW. 888-929-4632. http://www.madametussauds.com. $20, seniors $18, ages 3-12 $15, age 2 and younger free.

"THREE DAYS BEFORE THE SHOOTING" 6:30 p.m. A literary roundtable on the follow-up to Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man." Panelists include Ellison's literary executor, John Callahan, and literary scholar Adam Bradley. National Museum of American History, Carmichael Auditorium, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-633-1000. http://nmaahc.si.edu/section/get_involved/view/75. Free.

Feb. 5

"CULTURE OF THE MIND & SPIRIT" through Feb. 28. An exhibition of works by regional African American artists reflecting a common heritage and links to the past. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel. 301-377-7800. http://www.pgparks.com. Free.

BUFFALO SOLDIERS 6 p.m. Learn about the regiments of African American solders who joined forces with the Union Army to fight the Confederate Army in the Civil War. Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center, 6120 Sargent Rd., Hyattsville. 301-853-2005. Free.

Feb. 6

HISTORIC THEATER: "JOIN THE STUDENT SIT-INS AT THE GREENSBORO LUNCH COUNTER" and "SING FOR FREEDOM" through Feb. 28. In this pair of short performances, audiences can take part in a training session to prepare for a sit-in during the civil rights movement at the actual Woolworth's lunch counter from the 1960 Greensboro, N.C., sit-in; or learn about the role protest music played during that time by participating in a singalong of such songs as "We Shall Not Be Moved" and "This Little Light of Mine." Performances last about 20 minutes and occur throughout the day from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. National Museum of American History, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-633-1000. http://www.americanhistory.si.edu. Free.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE SITES TOUR 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn about Prince George's County historical sites during a self-guided tour, which includes stops at Charles Duckett's log cabin, the Columbia Air Center and Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park, which once housed a plantation employing 51 slaves. Meet at the Patuxent Community Center, 4410 Bishopmill Dr., Upper Marlboro. 301-780-7577. http://www.pgparks.com. $3.

AFRICAN AMERICAN DANCE ENSEMBLE

8 p.m. A high-energy performance featuring bold rhythms, original choreography and colorful costumes. Prince George's Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly. 301-277-1710. http://www.pgparks.com. $20.