How to Collect Black History Month Posters

Black History Month was started as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson to celebrate the culture, history and accomplishments of African Americans. Mr. Woodson chose the month of February to celebrate, as it was the month that both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two important figures in African American history, were born. It became a month-long celebration in 1976. Many people like to collect posters that celebrate the month, and there are a number of ways to find them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find a company that specializes in African-American prints and posters. You are more likely to find a wide variety of Black History Month Posters at such a retailer.

2. Go to an online auction site and search for Black History Month posters. Not only may you find a large variety of posters, you may be able to get a good deal on your purchase.

3. Shop at a reputable black art dealer who may able to acquire Black History posters. An extra bonus to this arrangement is that you can have the posters framed at the same time if you choose.

4. Visit your local flea market and search for buried treasures. There are often merchants who specialize in prints and posters, so let them know you collect and are interested in Black History Month posters, should they become available.

5. Attend annual African-American fairs and festivals that are usually held in most large cities. There are often vendors who carry various mediums of art, including posters and prints. If they don't have any in stock, get a business card and keep in contact with them.

6. Check out yard sales. You may be surprised at what may turn up in someone's garage or basement.

Tips & Warnings

• Tell your friends and family that you collect Black History Month posters. Some of your relatives or friends might have posters that they no longer want and may give or sell them to you. You should also ask them to be on the lookout for you, in case they come across some posters that you might find of interest.
• Be careful when purchasing from mail-order or online dealers, since you don't really know what you're getting until it arrives. Make sure the retailers you deal with have a return or exchange policy and that your transaction goes through a reputable agent like PayPal.

Resources

• Posters at diversitystore.com