Greetings, people of Earth!

Today at Barzai Observatory, it's a windy –4ºC, and we have a quick update for the February Experience, this upcoming Saturday (28 Feb).

This is a reschedule of Expedition 004 (replanned as we cancelled our December expedition due to ridiculously cold weather), our first trip of the Spring 2026 season!

Commemorating Black History Month, we’re revisiting the DuSable Museum of African American History, where we hope to be part of both the DU Black History Month Closeout Celebration, and Chicago SNCC History Project’s Annual Black History Month Conference: "Creating Alternative Spaces: Education for Liberation", also hosted at the DU.

Expedition 004

• Destination: DuSable Museum of African American History, 28 February (museum hours 10:00-17:00; ). Admission: Adults $12.50-14:50; Student $9:00-11:00. Luncheon: TBD.

• Transportation: Public transportation to the museum from the suburbs is, well, tricky. However, parking at the museum is free. Unfortunately, Eric and I will not be able to offer rides into the City from Naperville due to a schedule conflict.

• Timings: Our plan is to arrive at the DU at 11:00 (depending on traffic). We will not stay for the evening event.

Scheduled events at the DU:

DU Black History Month Closeout Celebration:

• 1619: The Journey of a People, the Musical. 10:30 am – 11:30 am

• Sankofa Chicago Screening and Panel Discussion. 13:30 – 15:30

• World-Renowned Leo High School Choir w/special guest Dilla! 18:30 – 19:30

Chicago SNCC History — "Creating Alternative Spaces: Education for Liberation":

At Chicago SNCC History Project’s Annual Black History Month Conference, we’ll learn about the five-hundred-year histories of Black resistance in the Americas, and the 100-year struggle to institutionalize those histories need to be remembered to fortify ourselves for the ongoing struggle.

• Film Screening and conversations featuring speakers below. 9:00 – 13:00

  • Macarthur Cotton: Former SNCC field secretary, Freedom Rider, and dedicated community activist.

  • Brenda Travis: Author and activist who was exiled from Mississippi by the state government for her role in the student sit-in Movement.

  • Charles Payne: Educator, author, and co-founder of the Education for Liberation Network.

  • Asif Wilson: Educator and filmmaker, featuring a screening of his new film, Against the Current.

  • Maggie Brown: Renowned social justice artist and descendant of Chicago freedom fighters, performing a special tribute.

What’s Next? Upcoming Field Expeditions

Every Second Saturday! The Spring 2026 season will include Expeditions 4-7 on 28 February, 14 March, 11 April, and 9 May.

• March 14: Museum of Science & Industry – 2nd attempt (Site open 9:30—16:00). Admission: $25.95. Luncheon: on site (menu).

• 11 April: Chicago Climate Museum (site open 10:00—14:00). Admission: $Free! Followed by an urban nature walk.

• 9 May: Wildcard! TBD

We hope to have you join us to explore this Chicago icon and celebrate Black History.

Come see what we see!
Chandreyee & Eric