African-American History Month, celebrated every February since 1976, was the dream of Carter G. Woodson, a scholar and historian considered "the father of African-American history."

Woodson, the son of former slaves, founded the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History (ASALH) so that there would be a written record of the contributions made by black people to the life of the nation. In 1926, his efforts culminated in Negro History Week, which evolved into African-American History Month. Woodson, who died in 1950, selected February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, as well as the founding of the NAACP (February 12, 1909).

At home, try these projects--a magical ladder made of wood and ribbon, an African counting game, lucky sesame cookies--to spur a dialogue with children about African-American life and art.