Celebrate African American Music Month and Juneteenth with a special tribute to Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy through the lens of music. This intergenerational program offers something for all ages, from gallery tours uncovering the intersection between baseball and music history; hands-on art making; interactive workshops on musical styles from jazz to hip hop; and more!

GET TICKETS

What’s Happening?

Museum Tours – Join us for a custom-designed tour highlighting the intersections between Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy and African American music in the 20th century.

Interactive Music Workshop – Sing, learn, move, and create in this series of interactive workshops taking a deeper look at a particular song or musical style’s intersection with Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy.

Art Making – Design your own musical instrument.

Plan Your Visit

Groups are welcome! Tell us about your group and mention your interest in this event.

Accessibility: In addition to KultureCity® resources available at all times, we’ll have a quiet zone at this event for any guests who need a sensory break.

Join us this Jackie Robinson Day as we celebrate one of baseball’s most enduring legacies. Featuring Roy Wood Jr. and Howard Bryant, the evening will offer engaging conversation and a thoughtful tribute to a remarkable life in and beyond the game.

Tickets

Member Exclusive
Free for Jackie Robinson Museum Members. Verify with your membership number, then reserve free tickets.

General Admission
$142

Event Details

6pm – Reception
7pm – Program

Watch Now

About the Speakers

ROY WOOD JR. is a comedian, an Emmy-nominated documentary producer for the PBS documentary The Neutral Ground, a correspondent on Comedy Central’s Emmy-nominated The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and host of Comedy Central’s award-winning podcast, The Daily Show: Beyond the Scenes. Spring of 2023, Wood guest hosted The Daily Show and headlined the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to its highest ratings since 2017.

Wood co-starred alongside Jon Hamm in Paramount Pictures’ long-awaited Fletch remake, Confess, Fletch (2022), and has guest appearances in ‘Only Murders in the Building’, ‘Better Call Saul’, ‘The Last O.G.’ & ‘Space Force.’ As a writer and executive producer, his development deals have included a first-look deal with Comedy Central for ‘Jefferson County: Probation,’ an HBO Max project, ‘1% Happy,’ an untitled medical field comedy for NBC, and an untitled single-camera comedy about the National Guard for FOX.

Wood’s first Comedy Central one-hour stand-up special, Roy Wood Jr.: Father Figure, debuted in 2017, the same year he was named the new host of Comedy Central’s storytelling series, This is Not Happening. Debuting in 2019, his second Comedy Central special, Roy Wood Jr.: No One Loves You, remains the network’s highest-rated original stand-up premiere. In 2021, his third Comedy Central special, Roy Wood Jr.: Imperfect Messenger, aired hyper-recent material just two weeks after taping.

Forbes declared he is “One of comedy’s best journalists,” Entertainment Weekly has described his thought-provoking comedy as “. . . charismatic crankiness. . .” and Variety Magazine named him “One of 10 Comics to Watch in 2016.”

Wood began his comedy career in 1998 at 19 while attending Florida A&M University. In 2006, he debuted on network television on The Late Show with David Letterman. In 2008, he appeared on HBO’s historic Def Comedy Jam and was selected by America as one of the top three finalists on Last Comic Standing on NBC. He has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyer, Conan, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He also performed on numerous USO Tours for our Troops stationed everywhere from Guam to Iraq to the Philippines.

At the height of the pandemic, Roy raised money for the displaced staff of comedy clubs through tipyourwaitstaff.com and Laugh Aid. In his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, his philanthropic endeavors include supporting Workshops, Inc., which enriches lives by helping people with disabilities and other employment barriers achieve their vocational potential. The DUBS Baseball Academy is an investment in sports to change lives. STAIR of Birmingham, where tutoring empowers students to read better and dream bigger. Also, I See Me, Inc., where the mission is to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline by increasing the literacy rates in children of color by engaging them in literature that reflects their culture and image.

 

HOWARD BRYANT is the author of eleven books, including the forthcoming Kings and Pawns (2026), Rickey (2022), Full Dissidence (2020), The Heritage (2018), and The Last Hero (2010). He has written the Legends series for young readers, Sisters and Champions, and contributed to more than 20 anthologies. In 2017, he guest-edited The Best American Sports Writing.

Bryant began his journalism career at the Oakland Tribune and later worked for the San Jose Mercury News, Washington Post, Boston Herald, and ESPN (2007–2025). He has been the sports correspondent for NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday since 2006.

A three-time National Magazine Award nominee, he has received numerous honors, including two Casey Awards, the ALA Black Caucus Nonfiction Award, and NABJ’s Salute to Excellence Awards.

Bryant is also an award-winning producer, with credits including HBO’s Back on the Record with Bob Costas and Netflix’s Emmy-winning The Comeback. He has collaborated on several Ken Burns projects and appeared in a wide range of documentary films. In 2025, he founded his production company, Hawley Road LLC.

Join us to kick off the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day 2026! Jackie Robinson made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, breaking the color barrier in modern Major League Baseball. Commemorate Robinson’s enduring legacy on and off the baseball diamond with fun-filled events for fans of all ages!

Event Highlights

The Museum is open from 11am to 6pm and special activities are available between 11:30am and 3pm.

• A special edition of Robinson’s Readers: Story Time and Craft at 11:30AM – a perfect introduction to the Museum for children ages 4-6 and their grown-ups!
• Wear the Legacy – Customize your baseball cap with limited edition Jackie Robinson-inspired artwork, patches, and more! Bring a cap from home to decorate or pick one up at the Museum. 
• All-new interactive activities – Turn the Museum into a life-size game board, inspired by the work and legacy of Jackie Robinson as ballplayer and businessman.
• Photo Stations, Prizes & More!

Heads up! On Sunday, April 12, we’re offering Access JRM: Sensory-friendly Hours between 1:00-3:00PM.

Join us!

• All children must be accompanied by an adult; Saturday’s activities are not a drop-off program.
• Groups are welcome! Complete the group visit request form and note your interest in this program.

Citizens Money Essentials Financial Empowerment Workshop

For Youth Ages 10-15 | April 11 at 12:00PM or 1:15PM

Inspired by Jackie Robinson’s commitment to economic empowerment, the Museum is proud to collaborate with Citizens and Major League Baseball’s RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program to offer Citizens Money Essentials, a free financial empowerment workshop designed for youth ages 10 to 15 and led by banking professionals.

How to Register
Space is limited and registration is required, so act fast! Register each student individually. Youth participation in the Citizens Money Essentials is included with admission, so there is no additional cost, but you do need to reserve Museum tickets to be admitted.

View highlights from last year’s Jackie Robinson Day events with Major League Baseball’s RBI program

Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Museum Admission is free to all courtesy of Citizens Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15!

Stop by all weekend or join us on Saturday, February 14 for a special Community Day honoring the 80th wedding anniversary of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, an enduring partnership that shaped history on and off the baseball diamond.

Special activities offered for all ages – bring your family, friends, or special Valentine!

What’s Happening

Admission is free all weekend and we’ll have special activities on Saturday, February 14 – see what’s happening below!

For the first time, visitors will have the rare opportunity to see Rachel Robinson’s wedding dress on view in the Museum for a limited time. Enjoy an afternoon of activities designed for all ages, including Robinson’s Readers story time, hands-on art-making, interactive games, and guided museum tours that highlight the Museum’s one-of-a-kind artifacts.

Friday, February 13

• Free General Admission, 11AM – 6PM (reserve tickets for Friday)

Saturday, February 14

• Free General Admission 11AM – 6PM (reserve tickets for Saturday)
• Robinson’s Readers Story Time and Craft at 11:30AM
• Community Day Activities, 12-3PM
  • Guided Museum Tours
  • Artifact Spotlight: Rachel Robinson’s Wedding Dress, plus a behind-the-scenes look at Robinson family photo albums
  • Interactive activities and art-making
  • Games, scavenger hunts, and giveaways

Sunday, February 15

• Free General Admission 11AM – 6PM (reserve tickets for Sunday)
• Access JRM Sensory-Friendly Hours 1-3PM

Plan Your Visit

• Advance ticket reservations encouraged, but not required
• Activities for all ages
• Groups are welcome! Tell us about your group and mention your interest in visiting for this event.
• Note: Free admission does not apply to school field trips. 

Special Thanks

Presidents’ Day Community Weekend is presented with support from

Curated by Ayo Robinson, granddaughter of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, FULL CIRCLE is a three-day art exhibition celebrating heritage, legacy, and global connection featuring artworks by Hendrick Lilanga, Joyce Ware, and Gedion Nyanhongo. Inspired by the legacy of her grandparents and her East African heritage, Robinson curated selected works that engender a sense of strength, wisdom, and the importance of joy, understanding, and unity in the world.

GET TICKETS

Plan Your Visit

FULL CIRCLE will be on view at the Jackie Robinson Museum Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10. Exhibit hours are 11AM to 6PM on Friday and Saturday and 11AM to 5PM on Sunday.

Admission to FULL CIRCLE is included with regular Museum admission.

From the Curator

Curated by Ayo Robinson, granddaughter of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, FULL CIRCLE is a celebration of heritage, legacy, positivity and global connection.

My grandparents Jackie and Rachel Robinson made their impact here in the United States, with values of Grandpa’s famous quote as a cornerstone to their legacies: “Life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” My father, their youngest son David, broadened that impact outside of the U.S. Settling in Tanzania, one of the ways he brought America and East Africa together was through art. Those choices of my grandparents and parents have shaped my life and inspired this exhibition. The combined cultures of my native U.S., and adoptive East Africa, engender a sense of strength, wisdom, and the importance of joy, understanding, and unity in my perception of the world.

FULL CIRCLE presents this journey through the art of three distinct artists: The wisdom of joy in life from Tanzanian Makonde painter Hendrick Lilanga, grandson of renowned painter George Lilanga; the awareness of the beauty all around us from the meditative close ups of African American photographer Joyce Ware; the strength and grace from the sculpture of Gedion Nyanhongo, of the Shona tribe, traditional stone carvers of Zimbabwe.

Given these indelible memories, with these artists, hosted by the organization founded by my grandmother Rachel Robinson, I could see no other concept but the FULL CIRCLE nature of life. It will be our great honor and pleasure to share the insight of our collective legacy, heritage and global connection with you through art and joy.

Featured Artists

Sculptor GEDION NYANHONGO continues the legacy of the Shona Tribe and his ancestors who built the ancient city which is now the Great Ruins of Zimbabwe. Having mastered one of the most ancient forms of art, the youngest artist in the exhibition, NYANHONGO, carves form and story from each piece of imported stone.

Painter HENDRICK LILANGA is the grandson of legendary artist GEORGE LILANGA who pioneered the style that is now a part of Tanzania’s artistic identity and inspired Western artists like Keith Haring. Continuing his grandfather’s legacy and influenced by the wood carving heritage of their Makonde tribe, LILANGA’s work explores culture, spirituality, and the essential nature of joy and fulfillment.

Photographer JOYCE WARE retired to Tanzania from a life of social activism in her native United States 32 years ago. At 85, she is the eldest artist of the show using one of the youngest forms of art, digitally enhanced photography. Her photography highlights her appreciation of the beauty in detail with the abstract passion of color.

 

Educators were invited to ring in the new school year at the Jackie Robinson Museum! The Educator Open House featured opportunities to meet our staff, take a guided tour, try out field trip instructional materials, explore classroom-ready resources, learn about professional learning offerings, and sign up for upcoming programs and events!

Attendees also have the chance to win prizes including Educator Memberships to the Museum, merchandise from Shop42, and more!

Teachers at all grade levels, administrators, librarians, and school staff are encouraged to attend. Summer camp administrators, college faculty and program staff are also welcome.

What’s Happening?

• Guided Museum Tour, including highlights of how we use Museum artifacts and media during field trip programs
• Take a look at teaching materials including touch objects, clue kits, and scavenger hunts
• View student art in the Speak Out! Poster exhibit and find out how your fifth graders can participate this year
• Pick up your free copy of Life is Not a Spectator Sport Timeline Booklet
• Chat with Museum staff about booking a field trip or professional development events
• Mix and mingle with friends and colleagues – light refreshments provided
• Raffle and games for prizes

Register Today

Admission is free but advance registration is required.

Download flyer to share this event with your school community.

Special Thanks

The Educator Open House is presented with support from

 

We celebrated African American Music Month and Juneteenth with a special tribute to the Robinson family’s legendary An Afternoon of Jazz concerts.  This intergenerational program featured museum tours, interactive jazz performances with Jazz at Lincoln Center, and hands-on activities that honored the legacy of the concerts and explored African American music, past and present.

What’s Happening

Interactive Jazz Performance – Join Jazz at Lincoln Center vocalist and educator Goussy Celestin as she leads an exciting quartet in a series of family-friendly interactive performances celebrating Jazz! Be sure to join us to sing, move, and listen to this incredible music.

Interactive jazz performances presented by

Museum Tours – African American Music Month meets our “Third Thursday” tour series. For this special event, the custom-designed tour will highlight the intersections between Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy and African American music in the 20th century.

An Afternoon of Jazz Collection Showcase – Get a peek at posters, buttons, photos, and video clips from the famed Robinson An Afternoon of Jazz concerts.

An Afternoon of Jazz: Share your Story – Do you have photos, ephemera, or memories from attending the original An Afternoon of Jazz concerts? Bring it in to share with us! (We may ask to scan or copy your item(s) to preserve a record of them in the Museum’s archive or record a short video sharing your memory, but you are neither expected or required to donate your original materials.)

Hands-on activities, including making musical instruments

Sensory-friendly Quiet Zone available

Event Notes

Groups are welcome – submit a request and mention your interest in this program.

All youth must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s An Afternoon of Jazz?

Get the scoop on the history of the Robinsons’ famed concert series in our recent blog post and in the highlight video below.

Let’s Play Ball! Celebrating the 80th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s signing with the legendary Kansas City Monarchs, join us to explore the history, impact, and legacy of Black Baseball—from the 19th century to the height of the Negro Leagues and in the game today — through intergenerational tours, games and activities.

What’s Happening?

Join us anytime between 12:00 and 3:00 PM for ongoing activities including:

• An all-new museum scavenger hunt, challenging visitors of all ages to dig into Black baseball stories in the gallery
• Educator stations highlighting key events and individuals that shaped the history of Black baseball
• Interactive games – test your knowledge or learn something new!
• Picture Book Story time (offered on the hour)

Special Guests

Learn about the history of recently-restored Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ, which played host to significant Negro Leagues baseball and stars such as Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, Monte Irvin, and Larry Doby.

1:00 – 2:00PM – Take a photo with fan favorites Mr. and Mrs. Met, thanks to our friends at the New York Mets.

 

Join Us

Drop-in activities are designed for kids (ages 5 and up) and adults alike. This event is included with regular museum admission and free for museum members (join here). All children must be accompanied by an adult; this is not a drop-off program.

Groups are welcome! For groups of 10 or more, complete the group visit request form and note your interest in this program.

Spread the Word

Download flyer to share this event with your community.

Plan your next visit around our guided museum tours, offered on the third Thursday of the month and included with museum admission. Here’s your chance to get the stories behind the artifacts on view, chat with our staff, and connect with fellow guests!

Stopping by over lunch? Bring it with you and enjoy it in the Museum’s Portrait Gallery following your tour.

GET TICKETS

What to Expect

Led by Museum staffers, “Third Thursday” tours start at 1:00pm and last approximately 30 minutes and include a selection of highlight stories and one-of-kind artifacts on view in the Museum. Tour content and themes may vary month-to-month, so check the schedule below and consider joining us regularly!

These tours are included with museum admission and have a capacity of up to 20 guests. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance reservation is encouraged.

Third Thursday tours are intended to bring together individual visitors and small groups. Complete the form here if you’re interested in a private tour for your group of 10 or more.

Mark Your Calendars

“Third Thursday” tours take place monthly. Mark your calendars for the following Spring 2026 dates:

February 19, 2026 – Black History Month – Explore Jackie Robinson’s life and achievements alongside monumental events and figures of the 20th century.

March 19, 2026 – Women’s History Month – Dig into the stories of the women who inspired and influenced Jackie Robinson as athletes, activists, and changemakers.

April 16, 2026 – Celebrate Jackie Robinson Day (April 15) with a highlights tour that puts the spotlight on Jackie Robinson’s legendary baseball career.

May 21, 2026 – Get the stories behind the Museum’s one-of-a-kind artifacts with the Museum highlights tour.

June 18, 2026 – In honor of African American Music Month, join us to explore the intersections between Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy and African American music in the 20th century.

July 16, 2026 – In honor of Rachel Robinson’s birthday (July 19), join us to explore the life and impact of our visionary founder, Rachel Robinson.

 

 

Join us for sensory-friendly hours at the Jackie Robinson Museum, specially designed for neurodivergent visitors, including youth and their families, teens, and adults. ACCESS JRM will feature limited general admission for reduced crowds and quieter gallery spaces with exhibit audio reduced or silenced.

ACCESS JRM continues for Spring-Summer 2026 – check below for details!

GET TICKETS

What to Expect

In addition to our KultureCity resources available at all times, ACCESS JRM hours will include availability of a dedicated quiet zone and may feature interpretive offerings such as tours, picture book readings, and tactile learning opportunities for inclusive exploration. All age groups are welcome!

ACCESS JRM is mostly a self-guided experience and not designed as a drop-off activity. All children and youth ticket holders must be accompanied by an adult.

Mark Your Calendars

Mark your calendars for the following Spring-Summer 2026 ACCESS JRM dates:

Sunday, April 12, 2026 – 1:00-3:00PM

Sunday, June 21, 2026 – 1:00-3:00PM

Sunday, August 16, 2026 – 1:00-3:00PM

Preparing for your visit

To learn more about accessibility at the Jackie Robinson Museum, view Accessibility and Accommodations on the Visit page of our website. If you have questions or require enhanced accommodations, please email [email protected] with at least two weeks notice from the date you are planning to visit for ACCESS JRM.

Review our Social Narrative to learn about our Museum and what to expect in the galleries.

Tickets

ACCESS JRM is included with regular admission fees.

$18 Adults
$15 Youth, Seniors, College Students
$15 Visitors with Disabilities (care partner free of charge)

ACCESS JRM is free for museum members.

Group Recommendations

• A group discount of $1 off regular admission is available for groups of 10 or more (ACCESS JRM Hours only)
• Recommended group size is up to 20 guests (including staff, care partners, etc.)
• Group reservations require a 25% deposit, with the remaining balance due on the day of the visit.

To request a group visit, complete this brief form to tell us more and we’ll be in touch! Questions about accommodating your group? Email [email protected].