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Black History Month started in 1926 in the United States as Negro History Week. February was chosen because both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass have birthdays in that month.

Organizations celebrate the month with observances, performances and exhibits paying tribute to African Americans, throughout the month.

Nationalgeographic.com has created a new History and Culture guide, a collection of historical and cultural features, original maps, photo galleries, lesson plans and special kids programming.

Each month, the History and Culture guide will debut fresh seasonal content. The following resources are available for Black History Month.

• Rebirth in Harlem - 'Take the A' train uptown to soulful Harlem to sample photo galleries, online postcards and join the spirited discussion of how culture-infused communities can hold onto their traditions.
• The Underground Railroad - Retrace the perilous route taken by slaves and the network of people who helped in their trek to freedom in this highly interactive favorite.
• The Courage of Rosa Parks - Rosa Parks has been called the mother of the civil rights movement for taking a stand, and now, kids can share their own acts of courage in this special forum.
• African-American Cowboy Photo Gallery - Following the Civil War, there were 5,000 black cowboys in Texas alone. Learn about these mavericks, and discover how their legacy lives on today.
• Nationalgeographic.com News - Matthew Henson, an African American, accompanied polar explorer Peary on a 1909 expedition to the North Pole. In 2000, the National Geographic Society posthumously awarded Henson its highest medal of honor. Log on for the full story.

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Resources and links used with permission. © 2002 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.