At the Science Museum, a LiveSky planetarium show Feb. 17 at 6 p.m., “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” tells the story of escaped slaves who followed the stars (like the constellation we call The Big Dipper) and sang traditional songs to one another with hidden messages for navigating the Underground Railroad. Free. 864-1400.
At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, assistant curator Tosha Grantham talks about apartheid-era photographers in “Darkroom: A Study of South African Photography and New Media 1950-Present,” with a preview of the exhibit, including photos like this one, of Miriam Makeba, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. $3-$5. 340-1405.
The story of how Dr. Charles Drew revolutionized blood transfusion is told in “Mysteries of Plasma: The Charles Drew Story” at the Science Museum through March 3. $7-$8. 864-1400.
And two Tuskegee Airmen discuss their experiences during World War II as the first black military men to take to the skies defending a country that, at the time, didn’t look at them so favorably (until President Truman stepped in). They speak at the VCU Student Commons Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. (free) and at the Virginia Aviation Museum Feb. 23 at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. ($4-$6). 647-5860 or 236-3622.
