Exploration Place is collaborating with the Kansas African American Museum to celebrate Black History Month with a large-scale outdoor display, and it’s FREE to see!
Each night during February, Exploration Place will honor African-American scientists by projecting giant portraits onto the side of its iconic island building. The display will be freely viewable from the Arkansas riverfront path, identified in a recent survey as the busiest pedestrian and bicycle pathway in Wichita.
Pro Tip:
- Check out the new exhibit, Illusions, at Exploration Place, open from January 23 to May 3, 2026.
- Visitors may also view the display from inside Exploration Place on Thursday nights, when the museum is open until 8 p.m. Admission is not required to view the display from the Exploration Place promenade.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the display, take and share photos, and use the opportunity to recognize the positive impact of African-American scientists on society. Guests are also invited to stay to watch the nightly 7 p.m. Ring of Fire lighting at the Keeper of the Plains.
Changing weekly through the month, the display will honor:
- Charyl McAffee-Duncan
- Harold Miller
- Dr. Donald Jackson
- Colonel George Boyd
Opening Reception
February 5, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Exploration Place
Exploration Place and The Kansas African American Museum have partnered for the fifth year to honor African American leaders in STEM fields during Black History Month.
Please join us for this kickoff reception. Light refreshments will be served. A brief program begins at 5:30 p.m.
“We’ve had great community feedback on this display over the past three years,” said Adam Smith, Exploration Place President and CEO. “Our building is a great canvas for celebrating the accomplishments of African American scientists.”
Added Denise Sherman, executive director of The Kansas African American Museum: “Our hope is that our community will use this opportunity to recognize the positive impact of African-American scientists on our world.”
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