Black History Month

February was chosen as the time to recognize contributions made by black Americans because it contains both Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (Feb. 12) and Frederick Douglass’ birthday (Feb. 14). Although observance of the period dates to 1926, when a Negro History Week was established by black historian Carter G. Woodson, it was not until 1976 that the observance grew into Black History Month. Here are a few museums and organizations that are getting in on the act this weekend:

Friday Afternoon

Visit the Museum of Television & Radio for February’s movie of the month installment, “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.” Starring Cicely Tyson, the 1972 telefilm follows the fictional life of an ex-slave through 100 years of history, from the Civil War to the civil rights movement. Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Through February.

In addition, the museum’s viewing library has a large collection of programming relating to the African American experience that can be viewed on individual consoles any time during museum hours. Some choices include footage of revolutionary African American choreographer Alvin Ailey’s dances, a revue of the history of African American comedians from the vaudeville era to the present and Maya Angelou’s account of her childhood. 465 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. All screenings included with museum admission: Adults, $6; students and seniors, $4; children under 13, $3. Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.; Thursdays until 9 p.m. (310) 786-1025.

Saturday

The California African-American Museum’s “Engineering Change: The World of the African American Inventor” is a sneak preview of a three-part series of exhibitions coming to the museum in 1999 that will document the lives of African American scientists and inventors. The preview exhibition, which opens Saturday, tells the stories of Lewis Lattimar, the electrical wizard who holds patents for incandescent carbon filaments, the light bulb and bulb support; Henrietta Bradbury, the scientist who perfected a torpedo discharge device; George Carruthers, an astrophysicist who invented the ultraviolet spectrographic camera used to take photographs in space; and many more.

Also at the museum, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., local science teachers will lead experiments in magnetism, the properties of water, the wonders of rocks and more. Museum admission and activities free. 600 State Drive, Exposition Park. (213) 744-2060.

For the serious scholar, the Southwest Museum is hosting a Black History Month lecture series beginning at 1 p.m. when Jack Forbes, professor of native American studies at UC Davis, will discuss his book, “Africans and Native Americans.” After a second lecture, at 2:30 p.m., there will be a reception with Creole cuisine. $5 to $15. (213) 221-2164, Ext. 221 for reservations. 234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles. The lecture series continues next weekend.

Sunday

Learn about the history of African Americans in L.A. by taking KEP Tours’ Black Historical Tour of Los Angeles. The 3 1/2-hour motor coach excursion begins with a visit to downtown’s plaza area, where Los Angeles was established in 1781 by an ethnically mixed group from Mexico, many of whom were of African ancestry. Other stops include Biddy Mason’s monument (Mason, a one-time slave, walked to California, purchased her freedom and became a successful businesswomen in the late 19th century), the Island (one of L.A.’s earliest African American neighborhoods), Central Avenue, the Dunbar Hotel and more. The tour begins and ends in Leimert Park at 3400 W. 43rd Place. Tour dates: Saturday, Sunday and Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. Adults, $18.50; children under 16, $16. (562) 461-9956 for reservations.