WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Smithsonian is celebrating Black History Month with a series of programs in February.

Throughout the month, the National Museum of American History will present performances by historical characters in "Join the Student Sit-Ins." Visitors will meet a civil rights activist from 1960 and take part in a training session based on an actual civil rights manual to prepare for a sit-in. The performance is presented Tuesdays through Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

On Monday,  the National Museum of American History will mark the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation by hosting a webcast for high school students. Scholars will reflect on the abolition movement of the 19th century.

Events are also planned at the National Air and Space Museum and other sites.
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