The Meaning of the Holiday
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is not a Hallmark holiday. It is not a day to gorge ourselves on chocolate, but it is a day when we fill our hearts by remembering how “only love can drive out hate.” It is not a day to watch fireworks light the night sky, but it is a day to reflect upon the power of “light” to “drive out darkness.”
It is a holiday that honors the legacy of a man who dreamed of the day when his children would “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” It is a day that reinforces our most important job as parents: to teach and practice compassion. 
For the past three years (since my eldest was two and beginning to understand the meaning of compassion), my family has attended kid-friendly events to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Yes, the museums are a bit crowded, but sitting next to strangers to work on a mosaic and pass each other art supplies brings me peace. My heart is full, my mind is hopeful. Participating in such collaborative activities promote love and embody King’s dreams.
Thus far, we have only celebrated at our very local Stepping Stones and our much loved Yale Peabody Museum. To spread the love this year, both for my family and yours, I spent a few hours searching for new locales to visit. I discovered that there are several places I want to check out. Hey, we may even attend multiple events and make the most of the long weekend that is devoted to the celebration of compassion.
The events span locations and are geared toward different ages, so please open the links to read more details.
Fairfield County events:
Sunday, January 14
Operation Thank You: Norwalk Historical Society, Norwalk
Martin Luther King Day Celebration: Westport County Playhouse, Westport
Monday, January 15:
21st Annual Ceremony to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.: Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield
“I Have a Dream” speech and Peace Doves: Stepping Stones Museum, Norwalk
Community Curation Family Day: Bruce Museum, Greenwich
If you’re up for traveling outside Fairfield County:
Explore Dr. King’s Dreams and Visions: Imagine Nation, Bristol
Martin Luther King, Jr. Open House Day: Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Hartford
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Day: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford
22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice: Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, NYC
Hands On- Harlem Dreams, Legends, and Legacy: Studio Museum Harlem, NYC
