The Temecula Valley Museum visits the Republic of Benin, Africa, on Saturday, February 12, 2022, as it continues the popular Second Saturday Cultural Celebration both in person and online.  This monthly event tells a full history of the Temecula Valley, one that embraces a diverse past and the more contemporary offerings of current citizens.  By celebrating a different culture or region each month with food, crafts, activities, and entertainment, Second Saturday shares the cultural experiences of our residents and acknowledges the inextricable link between art, culture, history, and community.  

Museum guests will experience the culture of the Republic of Benin through delicious recipes and facts posted online, and in person through activities including crafts, cultural facts, African Drumming performed by Dream Shapers, and delicious African inspired food provided by Espadίn.  The museum will also offer a special, free, African art lesson provided by Bigfoot Art Classes for guests of all ages. 

As Benin was the place where the last known slave ship, Clotilda, left in 1850 to deliver slaves to the United States, the museum will also celebrate the life of Cudjo Lewis (Oluale Kossola), a man imprisoned on that last ship.  We will examine the contributions that he and other Black Americans have made to our country as part of the museums annual American Black History Month event.  Dr. Patricia Justice of GoSteam4Kids will present portraits of inspirational Black American’s drawn by Tony Tobin Elementary School Students.  

Second Saturday Cultural Celebrations are part of Temecula Valley Museum’s educational and cultural offerings for the community, celebrating the history and heritage of the various and diverse cultures that live in the Temecula Valley.  The goal of this program is to embrace diversity and celebrate contemporary life in Temecula.  Please save the date to join us at these future 2022 Second Saturday Cultural Celebrations:

MAR 12 – Estonia                  APR 9 – Argentina                MAY 14 – Guam  

JUN 11 – Morocco                  JUL 9 – France                      AUG 13 – Belgium 

For more information and other fun online activities, please visit TemeculaValleyMuseum.org, or call (951) 694-6450.                                        

Temecula Valley Museum

28314 Mercedes Street, Temecula, CA 92590

Sam Hicks Monument Park