Kenosha Public Museum

African American Read-In: Honoring James Earl Jones

Saturday, February 1  |  1pm – 3pm  |  Free

This program celebrates African American culture through the voices of Black authors across a range of literary forms, including poems, essays, historic speeches, short stories, and children’s books. Community readers lend their voices to works that are sure to inspire, challenge, and reflect on the Black experience in the United States.

This year, we honor the life and legacy of James Earl Jones, a trailblazer for Black actors in the entertainment industry. Known for his iconic roles on both stage and screen, Jones first made history in 1965 as one of the first African American actors to secure a continuing role on a daytime drama. A rare EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), he achieved unparalleled success across multiple disciplines and is best known for his booming voice. Jones credited his mastery of poetry—particularly reading it aloud—as a key factor in overcoming the stutter he struggled with as a child.

2025 is the 36th year of the National African American Read In, an event sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English and its Black Caucus. Each year communities across the country are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This program is presented in partnership with the Kenosha Literacy Council, the Coalition for Dismantling Racism, the Kenosha Media Center, the American Association of University Women, and the Kenosha Public Library.

Winter Picnic Movie Night: Encanto

Friday, March 14  |  6pm – 9pm  |  Free

Presented at no cost by the Friends of the Museum

Grab your picnic basket, blanket, or camp chairs and enjoy a family-friendly evening filled with music, magic, and movie fun! Before the film, get creative with fun, hands-on activities for all ages, from making magical paper flowers or animal masks to designing your very own Encanto family tree. If you have an Encanto inspired outfit please wear it and join our costume parade.

Popcorn will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Museum.

Event Schedule:

6:00 PM: Craft stations and games inspired by Encanto

7:00 PM: Encanto Costume parade

7:15 PM: Movie starts (Encanto, 102 minutes)

All activities including movie will be indoors at the Kenosha Public Museum

Women in STEM

Saturday, March 22  |  12:00pm – 3:00pm  |  Free

Bring the whole family and explore the groundbreaking contributions of women in science through hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and engaging exhibits!

Event Highlights:

Meet the Scientists – Interact with experts from UW-Parkside, Northern Michigan University, Milwaukee Public Museum, and Pringle Nature Center.

Live Insects & Hands-On Activities – Get up close with stick insects, create freshwater species trading cards, and conduct experiments in environmental science and chemistry.

Forensic Science & Skeletons – Delve into forensic science with alumni from Northern Michigan University.

Fossils & Mary Anning’s Legacy – Learn from Milwaukee Public Museum staff about the pioneering paleontologist.

Hall of Scientists – Discover the incredible women who shaped science, from uncovering the structure of DNA to revolutionizing space travel.

Prize Drawing – Enter to win books and other STEM-themed prizes!

Join us for an inspiring day of discovery and celebrate the incredible women who have changed the world through science!

Independent Bookstore Day

Saturday, April 26  |  10am – 4:30pm

Hosted by Blue House Books

A Day for Book Lovers

Join us for a book-filled day of fun, featuring ticketed events, free activities, and fantastic bookish deals!

Ticketed Events:

10:00am  |  Brunch Book Exchange – Chat with fellow readers, swap previously loved books, and enjoy a delicious brunch buffet.

11:30am  |  Bookseller Picks Presentation & Author Panel – Discover upcoming must-reads, win free books, play bookish games, and hear from guest authors. Author signings follow the presentation.

All-Day Perks  |  Ticket holders receive a BHB swag bag with a free book, a gift item, and exclusive discounts throughout the event!

Free Activities (No Ticket Required):

11:00am – 4:30pm  |  Bookish Craft & Vendor Fair – Explore local bookish vendors and get creative with a free craft.

1:00pm – 4:30pm |  Food Trucks – Grab a bite while enjoying the festivities.

Stay tuned for vendor and author announcements!

Gateway Rose Society Annual Rose Show

Saturday, June 21  |  12:30pm – 4:30pm  |  Free

Stop and smell the roses at the Gateway Rose Society’s Annual Rose Show! View stunning displays of locally grown roses, learn more about rose cultivation, and chat with expert growers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just love beautiful blooms, this vibrant showcase is sure to delight.

Art Making Family Day

Saturday, September 20  |  11am – 1pm  |  Free, registration recommended  |  Register Here

Visit the combined exhibits of Women and Water and Ancestral Women and learn about the stories of Native heroes, caretakers, and artists through looking closely with a scavenger hunt and making artwork with natural materials, such as using plant based pigments in a watercolor painting, corn kernels to design an abstract work, and get inspired by the Anishinaabe woodlands style of flowers and plants to create your own artwork.